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Software Development

Nearshoring the Right Way: How To Ethically Leverage LatAm Talent Without Exploiting Them

Clock 15 min read
Howdy Expert

Jacqueline Samira identified a critical gap in the tech industry and addressed it by connecting U.S. businesses with top talent from Latin America. Her approach goes beyond traditional business models, emphasizing cultural understanding and the welfare of those individuals she places. Jacqueline is focused on solving real-world problems and making a significant impact on both the American and Latin American tech communities. She is a graduate of the prestigious Y-Combinator accelerator and has been featured in TechCrunch, Forbes, and Business Insider.

Content

    When I started Howdy, I looked at staffing challenges uniquely, prioritizing human experience and community values. Six years later, my philosophy shapes our approach, particularly in sourcing and caring for our Latin American workforce.

  1. Recognizing the Potential in LatAm

    2. When I first considered the untapped potential of LatAm tech talent, it wasn't just about filling a talent gap in the U.S.; it was about understanding and valuing what these talented individuals could bring.

    I saw an opportunity to create a win-win situation — a chance to provide U.S. companies with top-tier tech talent while offering those in LatAm rewarding careers.

  2. Building a Dual-Sided Marketplace

    3. Creating Howdy was about balancing the needs of the American companies desperate for skilled employees and the LatAm professionals seeking meaningful, well-compensated work. This dual-sided marketplace approach meant understanding and addressing the desires and concerns of both parties.

  3. Cultivating Strong Relationships and Community

    4. Central to our strategy is forging solid and genuine relationships with the LatAm tech and business communities. We make a conscious effort to understand their culture, their values, and their needs.

    By aligning our practices with these insights, we build trust and credibility in seven countries: Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil.

    We know that for our people, it isn’t just about being employed; it’s about feeling part of a larger community that respects and values their contributions.

  4. Prioritizing Employee Welfare

    5. Howdy doesn’t just offer jobs; we offer careers with a sense of belonging and growth. The employees companies source through Howdy receive competitive salaries and a host of benefits designed to make them feel valued — from health benefits to professional development opportunities.

    We do this because taking advantage of workers — the norm when hiring outside the U.S. — leads to problems like massive turnover and a lack of loyalty. Our approach stems from my personal experiences and understanding of the importance of feeling supported and acknowledged in one’s workplace.

    Focusing on preventing churn, as Howdy does, creates long-term employees with far more value than “disposable” workers.

  5. Making an Impact Beyond Employment

    6. Our impact extends beyond just providing jobs. In LatAm, we’re contributing to elevating the socio-economic status of white-collar professionals and, by extension, positively impacting their local economies. Our mission is to create growth, development, and prosperity opportunities in these regions.

  6. Rethinking Core Values

    7. My journey with Howdy has been about more than just business. It's been about creating a sustainable model that benefits everyone involved, from our talent in LatAm to our clients in the U.S. It's a testament to the power of empathy, understanding, and genuine care in business.

When I started Howdy, I looked at staffing challenges uniquely, prioritizing human experience and community values. Six years later, my philosophy shapes our approach, particularly in sourcing and caring for our Latin American workforce.

Recognizing the Potential in LatAm

When I first considered the untapped potential of LatAm tech talent, it wasn't just about filling a talent gap in the U.S.; it was about understanding and valuing what these talented individuals could bring.

I saw an opportunity to create a win-win situation — a chance to provide U.S. companies with top-tier tech talent while offering those in LatAm rewarding careers.

Building a Dual-Sided Marketplace

Creating Howdy was about balancing the needs of the American companies desperate for skilled employees and the LatAm professionals seeking meaningful, well-compensated work. This dual-sided marketplace approach meant understanding and addressing the desires and concerns of both parties.

Cultivating Strong Relationships and Community

Central to our strategy is forging solid and genuine relationships with the LatAm tech and business communities. We make a conscious effort to understand their culture, their values, and their needs.

By aligning our practices with these insights, we build trust and credibility in seven countries: Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil.

We know that for our people, it isn’t just about being employed; it’s about feeling part of a larger community that respects and values their contributions.

Prioritizing Employee Welfare

Howdy doesn’t just offer jobs; we offer careers with a sense of belonging and growth. The employees companies source through Howdy receive competitive salaries and a host of benefits designed to make them feel valued — from health benefits to professional development opportunities.

We do this because taking advantage of workers — the norm when hiring outside the U.S. — leads to problems like massive turnover and a lack of loyalty. Our approach stems from my personal experiences and understanding of the importance of feeling supported and acknowledged in one’s workplace.

Focusing on preventing churn, as Howdy does, creates long-term employees with far more value than “disposable” workers.

Making an Impact Beyond Employment

Our impact extends beyond just providing jobs. In LatAm, we’re contributing to elevating the socio-economic status of white-collar professionals and, by extension, positively impacting their local economies. Our mission is to create growth, development, and prosperity opportunities in these regions.

Rethinking Core Values

My journey with Howdy has been about more than just business. It's been about creating a sustainable model that benefits everyone involved, from our talent in LatAm to our clients in the U.S. It's a testament to the power of empathy, understanding, and genuine care in business.