Ximena Lincolao
Ximena Lincolao | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation | |
| Assumed office 11 March 2026 | |
| President | José Antonio Kast |
| Preceded by | Aldo Valle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ximena Fabiola Lincolao Pilquián 15 September 1968 |
| Citizenship | Chile • United States |
| Party | Independent |
| Alma mater | University of La Serena George Washington University |
| Occupation | Scientist • Politician |
Ximena Fabiola Lincolao Gates (born 15 September 1968) is a Chilean-American educator, technology entrepreneur, and civic innovation leader. She is known for her work in civic technology, digital platforms, education, and technology training.[1]
Biography
Early life and education
Lincolao was born as into a family of Mapuche descent. She grew up in urban areas of Santiago, including Santiago Centro, La Florida, and Maipú.[2]
She completed her secondary education at a public high school in Maipú and later moved to La Serena, where she pursued higher education at the University of La Serena. There, she enrolled in a degree program in Spanish language and philosophy education, which marked the beginning of her professional trajectory in education and innovation.
Career in the United States
Following her doctoral studies, she served in the government of Washington, D.C., first as deputy superintendent of education and later as director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Her appointment faced opposition from some union sectors, which she and media sources linked to discrimination based on her immigrant and Hispanic background.[3]
Entrepreneurship and civic technology
In 2012, Lincolao co-founded the civic technology platform Phone2Action, designed to connect citizens with elected officials and facilitate civic engagement in legislative and social processes.
In 2022, she co-founded BuildWithin, a technology company focused on workforce development, digital skills training, and apprenticeship programs aimed at expanding access to employment in the digital economy.[4]
In 2016, Forbes recognized her as one of five women mobilizing the Latino community in the United States.[5]
Lincolao later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. She adopted the surname Gates following her second marriage, replacing her maternal surname in accordance with Chilean naming customs.[2]
In 2024, she was featured on the Chilean public television program 10 chilenas que están cambiando el mundo, broadcast by Televisión Nacional de Chile, highlighting her international career and influence.[6]
Minister of State
On 20 January 2026, President-elect José Antonio Kast announced Lincolao as his nominee for Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation. She is set to assume office on 11 March 2026 as an independent member of the cabinet.[7]
References
- ^ "Ximena Lincolao Gates". Mujeres Bacanas (in Spanish). 2 April 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Ximena Lincolao, the entrepreneur in the U.S. backed by Kast for the Ministry of Science". Ex-Ante (in Spanish). 18 January 2026. Retrieved 21 January 2026.
- ^ "D.C. Parks and Recreations Union Testifies Against Hartsock Confirmation". AFGE. 13 November 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2026.
- ^ "BuildWithin: the company founded in the U.S. by Ximena Lincolao, future science minister". ADN Radio (in Spanish). 21 January 2026. Retrieved 21 January 2026.
- ^ "Ximena Lincolao, independent science minister nominee trained in the U.S. and recognized by Forbes". La Tercera (in Spanish). 21 January 2026. Retrieved 21 January 2026.
- ^ "Ximena Lincolao on "10 chilenas que están cambiando el mundo"". TVN (in Spanish). Retrieved 21 January 2026.
- ^ "Ximena Lincolao: the "technology titan" nominated to Kast's cabinet". EMOL (in Spanish). 21 January 2026. Retrieved 21 January 2026.