Shaping the Future of Digital Infrastructure: Ana Franco on Education, Advocacy, and Inspiring the Next Generation

Digital infrastructure quietly powers nearly every aspect of modern life—cloud computing, artificial intelligence, streaming media, global commerce—yet remains largely invisible to the people who depend on it daily. As demand for digital services accelerates, the industry faces a critical challenge: a growing talent gap that threatens its ability to scale sustainably.

Ana Franco is working to change that. Through nonprofit advocacy, academic outreach, and her children’s STEM book The Great Data Center Adventure, Franco is helping demystify data centers and digital infrastructure while inspiring curiosity in students at every stage of learning. Her work bridges industry, education, and community—creating pathways for the next generation of engineers, technologists, and sustainability leaders.

Franco’s efforts extend beyond awareness. By partnering with universities, engaging with industry organizations, and developing educational content that makes complex systems approachable, she is addressing the workforce challenge at its root. Rather than waiting until students reach the job market, her approach focuses on early exposure—planting the seeds of interest long before career decisions are made.

In this conversation, TechCulture sits down with Ana Franco to explore her journey into digital infrastructure, the inspiration behind her book, and her vision for how education and advocacy can shape the future of the industry.

Ana, thank you for joining us. Your work spans advocacy, education, and now authorship. What first drew you into the world of data centers and digital infrastructure?

Thank you for having me. My journey into digital infrastructure wasn’t planned. I hadn’t initially thought much about the systems behind our connected world until I attended the inauguration of a major data center in 2012. Meeting industry leaders and hearing their vision completely shifted my perspective. I realized how foundational these facilities are to modern life, and that moment sparked a passion to learn more, get involved, and eventually advocate for the industry.

Despite their importance, data centers remain misunderstood by the general public. What inspired you to write The Great Data Center Adventure?

The inspiration came from my daughter when she asked a simple question: “Mom, what is a data center?” I realized how difficult it was to explain something so complex in a way that felt engaging and accessible. That moment stayed with me. I wanted to create something that could explain what data centers are while also sparking imagination and curiosity in children. The book became a way to introduce kids to the hidden world that powers their games, videos, and digital experiences.

Your advocacy work often focuses on education as a solution to the industry’s talent gap. Why is early exposure to STEM so important?

The digital infrastructure industry is growing faster than public awareness of it. Many young people simply don’t know these careers exist. By introducing these concepts early—before students begin narrowing their interests—we expand the future talent pipeline. Awareness leads to curiosity, and curiosity leads to exploration. That’s where meaningful career pathways begin.

You’re also deeply involved in academic outreach and industry organizations. How do those initiatives complement your work as an author?

The book is the spark, but engagement is where transformation happens. University outreach, mentorship, and industry collaboration help students see what these careers look like in practice. Digital infrastructure offers roles across engineering, sustainability, operations, design, and beyond. When students can see themselves reflected in the industry, the gap between education and opportunity begins to close.

Looking ahead, what opportunities excite you most for the next generation entering digital infrastructure?

We’re at a defining moment. Technologies like AI, cloud computing, and edge computing are driving unprecedented demand for resilient and sustainable infrastructure. The next generation will have the opportunity to design greener data centers, expand global digital access, and innovate at scale. The impact they can make goes far beyond technology—it shapes economies, communities, and everyday life.

Finally, what guiding principle would you share with young readers, students, or future leaders discovering this field?

Keep going, no matter the challenge, and build strength with every step. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, but persistence and curiosity open doors you never imagined were there. Every small step forward matters.

Ana Franco continues to bridge the gap between education and industry through advocacy, outreach, and storytelling. The Great Data Center Adventure is available now on Amazon, offering young readers a gateway into the invisible systems shaping our digital world—and perhaps inspiring the innovators who will build what comes next.