Global Automation Career Journey

My ISA Story: Building a Global Career in Automation

Discovering ISA’s Global Community

My journey with the International Society of Automation began in 2008 when I founded my system integration company and joined ISA simultaneously. For years, I limited my involvement to local activities in El Salvador, believing my contributions should remain within my country. The pandemic unexpectedly changed this perspective when I attended my first international ISA event—the IIoT and Smart Manufacturing Virtual Conference in Brazil. This experience revealed ISA’s truly global nature and inspired me to expand my horizons beyond national borders.

From Local Leadership to International Recognition

After being recognized as an ISA Senior Member in 2018, I continued serving on the ISA El Salvador Section board. My election as Section President in 2021 marked a turning point, prompting me to seek broader international engagement. A pivotal moment occurred when I discovered my LinkedIn post about International Automation Professional Day featured on ISA’s official photo gallery. This recognition demonstrated that every member, regardless of expertise level, can contribute to the global automation conversation.

Expanding International Impact

In 2023, I received a transformative invitation from ISA Mexico Central Section to volunteer as the next Latin America and Caribbean District Chair Elect. Accepting this role led to my election and participation in the 2024 District Leadership Conference in Cartagena, Colombia. This event provided invaluable networking opportunities with members from Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina while allowing me to share the experience with my family—our first international trip together.

Global Networking and Professional Development

My international engagement reached new heights in 2025 when I attended the ISA OT Cybersecurity Summit in Brussels, Belgium. This first in-person international event enabled connections with global leaders including ISA CEO Claire Fallon. The technical presentations inspired me to pursue complete certification in all four ISA/IEC 62443 cybersecurity certificates, aiming to achieve Cybersecurity Expert status.

Vision for the Future

While my story may differ from typical technical articles, it underscores that “automation depends on people”—a message I received at the Belo Horizonte District Leadership Conference. If my experience encourages even one member to pursue international ISA involvement, I will have contributed to our organization’s vision: creating a better world through automation.