As Director of Engineering, Maira manages several teams of engineers that deliver the algorithms for the listener’s playlists as well as the tools that manage the Music Genome Project. For over two years now, Maira has also been responsible for leading projects that address the growth and retention of Pandora’s listener base.

Maira has been dedicated to the technology field for over 30 years playing instrumental roles in engineering departments for over 10 software and technology companies. In addition to her professional life, Maira is a published author, lyricist, classically trained pianist, and has been studying the guitar for many years. Her exposure to music has informed her thought process regarding software development and management.

Maira is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a B.A. in Statistics. She also earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Mills College where she studied Chinese History, Architecture of India, and United States History. She’s currently studying Machine Learning and Data Science.

Maira’s particular passion is building inclusive high-performing engineering teams. She is of mixed heritage: Hispanic and Black. Her career and interest in technology has meant that she’s worked in exclusively all-male teams and until recently, she’s usually been the only female engineering manager. She particularly enjoys mentoring women with their careers in technology.