Tampa, FL – For Monica Hernandez, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of MAS Global Consulting, Inc., living up to her company’s name is about more than brand alignment. The “Mas” in MAS Global is the Spanish word for “more” - exactly what she wants to be! More than a software development company; more than what Inc. Magazine calls one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S.; and more than a woman-owned small-business - Hernandez is on a mission to make MAS Global the best in US and Nearshore digital and data services company and inspire more Latinos to join the technology movement.
“I started my company with the idea that this would be more than just a business,” said Hernandez. “I want it to be more innovation for our clients; more inclusion for women, Latinos, and minorities; and more impact for our communities. I became a software engineer thanks to a college scholarship, and I believe I have a responsibility to drive positive impact in the community.”
In its tenth year in business, MAS Global selects women and minorities to receive free tech education, including full academic scholarships. The unique give-back model was featured in the September issue of the Jacksonville Business Journal, where Hernandez explained “Every time we bring somebody onto our team, we also support a woman or minority from a low-income area in the U.S. or Colombia with education, certificates, mentorships and more. We fund it all ourselves…” Why students in Colombia? Hernandez was born in Medellin, Colombia. Her company’s MAS Future Foundation scholarships are Hernandez’ way of paying it forward, setting aside a minimum of 1% of the company’s profits every year to help fund foundation projects.
MAS Global specializes in the latest technologies in web, cloud, mobile, data and artificial intelligence. With delivery teams in four countries, including Hernandez’ native Colombia, it’s now ranked seventh in Florida among software companies. It serves global corporations in the US looking to tap into the ecosystem of Latin American (LATAM) tech talent.
MAS Global reached a major milestone collaborating with JPMorgan Chase, a Chamber member since 2002. “JPMorgan Chase connected us with their leaders, many of whom have Hispanic heritage, so we already understood each other from a cultural perspective,” said Hernandez, grateful for the inclusion in the company’s Global Supplier Diversity program. It connects certified minority-owned businesses with JP Morgan’s needs, annually spending over $2 billion in services from underrepresented businesses. Unique to JP Morgan, this supplier diversity program goes beyond job contracts. It helps to develop suppliers so they can scale their business and secure greater contract opportunities. 
This National Hispanic Heritage Month, Hernandez was named "one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in technology in 2024." by the Hispanic Technology Executive Council. The HITEC 100 awards ceremony by the Chicago-based council, brought together a “Who’s Who in Technology” across North America. (Pictured in above photo, Hernandez sits in front row, 7th from the left during the recent award ceremony in Lake Nona, FL.) It’s a prestigious honor that Hernandez is receiving for the second time, first honored in 2020.
“For me to come from a low-income neighborhood in Medellin, an immigrant in the U.S. and starting a company from nothing, it’s just humbling,” said Hernandez of the HITEC 100 recognition. “I had no network, no money, nothing and now to be recognized as one of the top 100 Hispanics in the country in technology, among these very impressive C-suite level executives. Sometimes I feel a bit of imposter syndrome. But, it also energizes me to reimagine new ways to innovate with our clients in this exciting era of Data and AI; using tech for good and drive 'mas' (more) diversity in tech!"
A Chamber member since January 2023, MAS Global has seen its star continue to rise since joining the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator 2024 Cohort. Now wrapping up year one of the 2-year accelerator program, Hernandez says the company’s best is yet to come as the accelerator helps build her relationships further, expanding her circles of influence to achieve “mas” – more positive impact – for her clients and her community.
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