Sandra Lopez - Builder, Mentor, Activist, Author, Intel Sports

Sandra E. Lopez is VP for Intel Sports and Media responsible for partnering with the sports and media industry to provide the future fans and consumers with the next generation of immersive media experiences. Her team is focused on leading the business, marketing, and market development efforts of Intel Sports and Intel Studios. Lopez is also the co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on VR/AR/XR. Previously, she led and managed the Fashion wearable business in Intel’s New Technology Group. Earlier in her Intel career, Lopez held various roles within corporate marketing, including director of new business marketing and director of consumer marketing. In the latter role, she led Intel’s brand repositioning work to earn an Intel Achievement Award in 2010. She also earned industry honors. In 2019, she was names Top Women in Media and HiTEC 100: The Most Influential and Notable Hispanic Professionals in IT. In 2018, she was named Most Powerful Women in Technology, Most Influential and Notable Hispanic Professional in Tech and Sports Business Journal Game Changer. In 2015, she was named among the Top 10 Latina Executives by LATINA Style Inc. Before joining Intel in 2005, Lopez worked at Adobe Systems Inc., Macromedia, Computer Associates International Inc. and several other technology companies. Lopez holds a bachelor of science degree in economics and textiles and clothing from the University of California at Davis. In addition, she attended the Stanford Intel Accelerator Program. As part of contributing to the community, she is focused on building the next generation of women leaders.

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Q. Best advice for women who want to go out in life and crush it!

A. Every person on earth was born with a purpose. Spend time exploring your inner potential, learning about yourself and embracing who you are and intended to become.

Q. What do you do to celebrate women?

A. Every day, I try remind myself and others that we, women, should not seek to gain equality but to take back equality as equality was taken away from us the moment we were given the XX chromosome. It can manifest in bringing awareness to unconscious bias, ensuring a woman’s voice is heard, giving your female colleague a shout-out or simply asking for the next opportunity even though you might not check all of the boxes.

Q. What do you want to see more of?

A. Women advocating for each other and ensuring when one makes it to the top, she allocates time to sponsor the next generation of women leaders.

Q. Recommended reading:

A. The content I would recommend is very personal as your recommendations often reflect a certain phase in one's life. During a dark phase in my life I read The Alchemist, The Four Agreements and The Power of Myth. They were transformational and one of the reasons why I am responding to your inquiries today.

Q. The theme for this year's women's history month is Valiant Women of the Vote. What women's rights are you most passionate about?

A. I am most passionate about equality because equality was taken away from us the moment we were conceived. In order to make meaningful progress, we need to identify when we are not being treated equal in real-time. As an example, when a man steals the spotlight from another woman one should stand up and artfully reclaim the credit. As for a call to action, men what are you afraid of? Place down your sword and realize we are better together.

Q. Shout out to another woman who has made a difference in your life and how she/they did that.

A. There are several women in my life who have made a difference yet given it is International Women’s History month, I would like to highlight a woman that I believe is making a dent in society around women equality: Kim Moore at Glynn Capital. Kim Moore is an Operating Partner on the venture team at Glynn Capital and her efforts on fostering and nurturing women leaders within the business community should be not only acknowledged but also awarded. A couple of years ago, she decided to host an event to bring together bad ass women leaders in San Francisco, which has become an annual event that many of us look forward to. It is an event that provides us with the opportunity to meet women leaders who are breaking down barriers and re-claiming our position in society. These opportunities transpire into the ability to add to one’s gal pack, to be inspired and possibly to learn of career opportunities that exist. Beyond her annual event, she is committed to ensuring women are not overlooked for women leadership roles. Her courage and commitment to ensuring equality is deeply appreciated within the community.

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Monica Phillips