Margarita Valdés is one of the most influential figures in Internet governance in Latin America. As the Legal and Commercial Director of NIC Chile, she has worked for over 25 years at the intersection of law and technology, participating in key initiatives for the regulation and development of the Internet in the region. Her role has led her to represent Chile in international organizations such as ICANN, LACNIC, and LACTLD, where she has promoted innovative solutions for domain name management and dispute resolution. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with her about her work.

What motivated you to venture into the field of Internet governance and technology?

It was a combination of opportunity and curiosity. In my third year of university, when the first dial-up Internet connections arrived in Chile, I wondered what impact this would have on the legal field. I was particularly interested in intellectual property law and the protection of works in this new digital space. That’s how my journey in this field began, and over time, I was able to contribute legal advice to a sector that was just starting to develop.

From your perspective, what impact has your work at NIC Chile had on the Internet user community in your country?

One of the most significant contributions has been the development of the online arbitration system for resolving domain name disputes. Before its implementation, the processes were slow and complex. With this system, we significantly reduced resolution times and facilitated access to digital justice. Additionally, we launched a free legal assistance program to ensure that users of the arbitration system have access to legal representation.

What do you consider to be the main challenges in achieving greater female representation in leadership spaces within the digital ecosystem?

The biggest challenge remains the lack of representation and visibility of women in these spaces. It’s important for those of us who have already walked this path to create mentorship and support opportunities. We also need to challenge the idea that only STEM careers have a place in Internet governance. Communication, law, and social sciences also play a key role.

The Internet touches every aspect of life and is not just for engineers or technology specialists. We need people from diverse backgrounds—anthropologists, sociologists, communicators, lawyers, and even historians to document its evolution. The key is to understand that Internet governance is not just about technical aspects but about how this technology impacts society and our daily lives.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to work in fields related to law, technology, and Internet governance?

Don’t be afraid to participate and make your voices heard. It’s crucial to express our ideas and seek visibility. Many times, women accomplish great things, but we don’t communicate them enough. As the saying goes, we need to “crow about our eggs” so that our achievements are recognized and can inspire other women.

Which project or initiative you have worked on has given you the greatest professional satisfaction?

Mentoring new generations has been one of my greatest satisfactions. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to guide women who now hold important roles in Internet governance. Additionally, receiving the Tarek Kamel Award for Capacity Building in 2023 was a significant milestone, but what makes me most proud is having contributed to the evolution of the Internet community in Chile and Latin America.

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Margarita Valdés is a lawyer with over 25 years of experience in law and technology. As the Legal and Commercial Director of NIC Chile, she has led the development of dispute resolution systems and promoted equitable access to digital justice. She has represented Chile in ICANN, LACNIC, and LACTLD, and in 2023, she received the Tarek Kamel Award for Capacity Building. Passionate about mentoring and inclusive digital policies, her work has driven female leadership in Internet governance in Latin America.