Mums in Tech ft. Dialid Santiago

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Dialid Santiago, Quantitative Analyst at Bank of America.

The purpose of the ‘MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech & data, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech & data teams for women.

Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?

My name is Dialid Santiago. I am a mathematician, Statistics PhD, and open-source developer. I currently work as a Financial Quantitative Analyst at Bank of America, where I design and implement mathematical models, primarily in Python and C++, to price financial instruments and manage risk.

I am passionate about turning academic research into practical tools that solve real-world problems in finance. I also have a strong interest in data visualisation, which I use extensively to communicate complex concepts and uncover meaningful insights.

Last but certainly not least, I am a proud mom to a spirited little girl ❤️ who keeps me on my toes and fills most of my so-called “free” time. When I find a quiet moment, I enjoy contributing to open-source projects and creating educational content.

If you could sum up what it is like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?

It is a unique opportunity to share my passion for science and technology with my daughter while also witnessing the wonder of learning and discovery through her eyes. It is just incredible!

“It is a unique opportunity to share my passion for science and technology with my daughter while also witnessing the wonder of learning and discovery through her eyes. It is just incredible!”

How do you find a balance between your career and motherhood?

1. Letting go of perfection.
   I have learned to accept that not everything will be perfect, and that is okay. The house will not always be spotless, my clothes might not be perfectly ironed, and many dinners will be takeout because there is simply not enough time to cook. Embracing imperfection has been key to staying grounded.

2. Learning to say no more often.
   The truth is that we cannot do everything, and trying to do so will only lead to burnout. I have had to become comfortable saying no, not just at work but in other areas of life as well. That means sometimes declining invitations from friends or family or stepping back from volunteer commitments. It is all about being intentional and choosing where to invest your limited time and energy.

3. Making time for myself.
   I have realised that prioritising myself is not selfish, it is essential. Every week I make sure that I have time for the things that bring me joy, including activities I loved long before I became a mother. That might mean going to a yoga class, attending a networking event, or simply reading or coding in peace. These moments help me recharge and show up better for everyone else.

What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?

Confronting the stereotype that working mothers are less committed or less available. In industries (like finance and tech) where “face-time” and long hours are often equated with dedication, needing flexibility can be misinterpreted as working less.

In reality, working mothers often become more focused, efficient, and resilient. Flexibility does not reduce commitment; it redefines how we show up and deliver.

Challenging those assumptions continues to be both a personal and professional journey, not only for me but also for the culture around me.

“I have realised that prioritising myself is not selfish, it is essential. Every week I make sure that I have time for the things that bring me joy, including activities I loved long before I became a mother.”

What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?

Motherhood has made me more assertive and more comfortable advocating for myself. I have become clearer about my needs, more protective of my time, and more intentional in how I navigate challenges. There is a shift in perspective that comes with becoming a parent. Suddenly, you have a powerful reason to speak up, set boundaries, and lead by example.

I want my daughter to grow up knowing that she can be brave, strong, and unapologetically ambitious. That desire has pushed me to embody those traits in my own life, especially at work. I have learned to step forward with greater confidence and to stop second-guessing whether I belong at the table.

Beyond that, motherhood has strengthened my emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. Balancing priorities, making decisions under pressure, and staying focused amid chaos are daily realities for parents, and they translate seamlessly into the workplace. I am more efficient, empathetic, and purpose-driven than ever before.

When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you or would have helped you the most?

The most invaluable support came from my husband. From day one, we shared parental responsibilities equally, and that made all the difference. His support gave me the space to rest, recover, and gradually reconnect with my professional self without feeling overwhelmed or guilty.

During maternity leave, I was able to work in open-source projects, read papers, and stay up to date with the new trends in tech. That not only kept my skills sharp but also helped rebuild my confidence after stepping away from work. Feeling supported at home allowed me to return not only as a mother, but also as a professional who still felt connected, capable, and excited about my career.

“Seek out other mothers, whether in your team, your company, or the broader industry. Having people who understand what you are going through can make a world of difference.”

What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?

Equal Parental Leave. Offering equal, paid parental leave to both parents is one of the most impactful ways employers can support working mothers. When caregiving responsibilities are shared more equally from the start, it reduces the disproportionate burden often placed on women.

Research from different institutions, such as the OECD and World Bank, shows that countries and companies with more equitable parental leave policies see higher female workforce participation and lower gender pay gaps. Furthermore, when men take parental leave, it normalises caregiving in the workplace and helps dismantle outdated stereotypes that only women should step back from their careers. Equal leave would represent a cultural signal that says caregiving is a shared responsibility.

Any final words of advice for other mothers in the tech industry?

1. Find your community.
   Seek out other mothers, whether in your team, your company, or the broader industry. Having people who understand what you are going through can make a world of difference. These conversations are often a source of support, inspiration, and practical advice. You will not only learn from their experiences, but you will also be reminded that you are not alone.

2. Give yourself patience and time.
   The transition back to work can feel overwhelming. You might feel out of sync, miss your baby constantly, or question whether you are doing enough at home or at work. That is all normal. What matters is giving yourself time to adjust.Here is the truth: motherhood does not take away from your professional identity. It adds to it. After a little while, you will meet a new version of yourself—more assertive, with a broader perspective, new dreams, greater ambition, and less tolerance for anything that does not contribute to your well-being.

3. Redefine success on your own terms.
   Motherhood changes you, and it may shift your values, your pace, and your goals. The tech industry often celebrates speed and constant hustle, but success does not have to mean long hours and endless deliverables. It can mean meaningful impact, sustainable growth, and alignment with your personal life. Do not be afraid to design a career that works for you. You do not have to follow someone else’s path to succeed. You are building your own ❤️

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