IT Experience

Greetings, I’m Ricardo Alonso.


Before starting my career in IT, I began working at an early age, taking on several entry-level jobs.
At 14, my first role was at a bakery,where I worked closely with my father
I’ve learned cake decoration and assembly from the staff and  stayed there for about a year and a half.

Afterward, I spent eight months at Papa John’s as a pizza cook, followed by a similar position at Domino’s Pizza.

I then worked for a year as a steward at a restaurant called VIPS in Mexico.

By the time I turned 18, I transitioned into IT-related jobs, marking the start of my career in technology.

Professional Experience

Gobierno del Distrito Federal – Delegación Xochimilco
Technical Assistant
Direct Invitation by Engineer Juan de Dios Batún Uxul
Length of Service: 1 year

  • First IT Role: Invited by Engineer Juan de Dios Batún Uxul, whom I met on a cybersecurity forum.
    He recognized my passion for growth and invited me to join his team, where he personally mentored me in the field.
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Managed the dispatch of the onsite technical support team, coordinating closely with the Remote Technical Support team to assess and resolve technical issues.
    • Prioritized tasks and assigned them to technicians based on their expertise and the urgency of the problem, ensuring efficient handling of technical issues across multiple government offices.
    • Maintained regular communication with users, conducting follow-ups to verify issue resolution and providing additional support as needed.
    • Generated daily reports for my supervisor and escalated issues that required additional resources or strategic changes.
    • Managed warehouse inventory, ensuring all equipment usage and replacements were accurately logged and compliant with federal auditing standards.
  • Achievements:
    • Developed expertise in managing multisite operations.
    • Gained experience in resource tracking and reporting for government auditing purposes.

This role laid the foundation for my career in IT, offering valuable insights into operational management, problem-solving, and the importance of transparency in technical support operations.

Grupo Navarro y Asociados S.A. de C.V. (Outsourced for Starwood Hotels & Resorts)
IT Systems Implementation Specialist
Length of Service: 3 years

  • Key Projects: Worked with “The Luxury Collection” series of Starwood Hotels, specifically “Las Haciendas” in Yucatán, Mexico. Main responsibilities included assessing and implementing hotel administrative systems across multiple properties.
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Conducted comprehensive assessments of IT and infrastructure needs at Hacienda Temozon, Hacienda Uayamon, and Puerta Campeche, historic properties with significant connectivity challenges due to outdated infrastructure.
    • Coordinated with contractors to design and implement structured cabling systems, ensuring proper conduit installation and the creation of new server rooms equipped with cooling systems.
    • Installed a NOBEL network, managing file permissions, access controls, and ensuring the security of the hotel’s network environment through the implementation of firewalls and safety protocols.
    • Sourced and procured all necessary equipment, including computers, cables, and networking hardware, to ensure seamless system operation.
    • Managed satellite internet installation, learning to maintain and troubleshoot satellite equipment in remote locations with limited connectivity.
    • Overhauled Wi-Fi systems to provide reliable coverage throughout the properties, ensuring guest and staff access.
  • Achievements:
    • Successfully led a large-scale IT infrastructure overhaul at Hacienda Temozon, resolving challenges related to century-old building designs and limited connectivity options.
    • Implemented similar infrastructure solutions at Hacienda Uayamon and Puerta Campeche, improving operational efficiency across multiple sites.

Grupo Navarro y Asociados S.A. de C.V. (Outsourced for Reef Club Yucatán)

IT Systems Specialist
Dates of Employment: [Add dates]

  • Project Overview: Tasked with overseeing the installation of a new hotel administrative system and upgrading network infrastructure.
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Addressed challenges related to providing strong Wi-Fi coverage throughout the hotel, which had modern installations but still required extensive improvements in wireless connectivity.
    • Set up and optimized a server room with advanced cooling and redundancy systems, ensuring the hotel’s network operations were secure and reliable.
    • Implemented Active Directory for access control and policies, and established a VPN to securely connect the hotel with its sales team based in Mérida.
  • Achievements:
    • Improved Wi-Fi signal quality and coverage across the hotel, enhancing guest experience.
    • Successfully linked the hotel’s network with the external sales team, improving communication and operational efficiency.

Internet Via Satelital S.A. de C.V.
Satellite Link Installer (KU Band)
Dates of Employment: [Add dates]

  • Background: My fascination with satellite internet began while working with Grupo Navarro y Asociados on “The Haciendas” project, where I collaborated closely with a satellite internet service provider. This interest led to a job offer from the provider, and I joined Internet Via Satelital S.A. de C.V. under the leadership of Carlos Chavez.
  • Certification: Obtained a certification as a KU Band Satellite Link Installer, specializing in the installation of satellite internet systems with 2-meter antennas, developed by SATMEX Mexico, the leading legal provider at the time. This certification included:
    • Training in the proper installation and alignment of KU band satellite antennas.
    • Establishing reliable satellite links with the Network Operations Center (NOC).
    • Setting up backup dial-up connections for adverse weather conditions.
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Supervised ongoing satellite internet installations and ensured compliance with technical and safety requirements.
    • Collaborated with clients’ technical teams to assess site requirements and guarantee the proper implementation of satellite internet systems.
    • Managed escalated technical support tickets and provided guidance on troubleshooting and resolving connection issues.
  • Achievements:
    • Developed expertise in satellite internet systems, particularly in rural or challenging environments.
    • Built strong relationships with clients and technical teams, ensuring successful installations across multiple locations.
  • End of Tenure: Unfortunately, changes in legislation and government regulations led to the discontinuation of satellite internet services, which marked the end of this role.


Hotel Cristal Mar Isla Mujeres
IT Manager
Dates of Employment: [Add dates]

  • Overview: Invited directly by the owner, I served as the IT Manager for this 20-room boutique hotel, overseeing all technical operations and infrastructure.
  • Key Responsibilities:
    • Managed daily IT operations, including system repairs, infrastructure maintenance, and guest technical support.
    • Maintained computer systems, managed inventory, and ensured accurate log tracking for all equipment.
    • Conducted cybersecurity assessments to safeguard the hotel’s network and data.
    • Installed and integrated a booking system linked to the hotel’s website, enabling real-time room allocation management.
    • Implemented a captive portal to generate new revenue streams by providing controlled guest internet access.
  • Achievements:
    • Streamlined hotel operations through improved booking management and enhanced cybersecurity measures.
    • Increased revenue by deploying an efficient captive portal solution for guest Wi-Fi services.
  • End of Tenure: The hotel got sold, new owner took the business out of service in order to rebuild it.

Publicidad Masiva Co
Co-Founder and Campaign Strategist
Dates of Employment: [Add dates]

  • Overview: Co-founded Publicidad Masiva Co, specializing in digital marketing and campaign strategy for political candidates, working with various political parties during local and state elections in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
  • Key Projects:
    1. Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) – Governor Election Campaign for Roberto Borge:
      • Developed and implemented a bulk SMS platform to broadcast campaign messages to citizens.
      • Collaborated with the candidate’s team to adapt proposals into concise, persuasive SMS content.
      • Successfully contributed to the candidate’s electoral victory by managing targeted mass communication efforts.
    2. Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) – District 10, Cancun Campaign for Marcia Fernandez Piña:
      • Led the community management team, generating real-time content for social media, press, and campaign messaging.
      • Coordinated a team consisting of a photographer, driver, and myself, following the candidate throughout the campaign.
      • Managed social media platforms, ensuring content was aligned with the candidate’s voice and campaign strategy.
      • Helped build a 100% organic campaign without bots, contributing to the candidate’s victory.
    3. Partido Revolucionario Democrático (PRD) – Cancun Elections:
      • Implemented “NationBuilder” in the campaign’s war room to collect voter insights, manage mass mailing campaigns, and run automated “push polls.”
      • Oversaw the use of door-to-door polling data and automated scanning systems to generate actionable intelligence for campaign strategy meetings.
      • Despite the effort, the election results were mixed, with some candidates winning and others losing.
    4. Movimiento Ciudadano – Campaign for Pedro Villanueva Escabi:
      • Managed content creation, mass SMS and email campaigns, and press coordination for the candidate’s political campaign.
      • Assisted in organizing campaign caravans and mass meetings during a challenging and disputed election.
      • Although the candidate initially won, the victory was later reversed due to “errors in the system.”
  • Achievements:
    • Played a decisive role in several successful political campaigns, managing communication strategies and content generation.
    • Developed innovative approaches to political campaign management, including the use of SMS platforms and advanced voter analytics tools like NationBuilder.

Cybersecurity Expertise

Throughout my IT career, I have developed extensive experience in cybersecurity across various sectors. My work with diverse organizations has exposed me to numerous security threats, from employees unwittingly installing malicious software to more intentional insider threats, such as data theft. I have gained invaluable insights into the protection of sensitive information, including credit card data and corporate intellectual property. My commitment to continuous learning and professional development has led to the accumulation of several cybersecurity certifications and a passion for the field from an early age.

Key Cybersecurity Projects:

  • Comisión de Agua Potable y Alcantarillado (CAPA) – Cybersecurity Administration:
    • Contract Acquisition: Successfully secured a contract with CAPA after meeting stringent cybersecurity requirements.
    • Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Management: Led penetration testing operations, identifying vulnerabilities, collaborating with the IT director, and ensuring patches were properly applied. Followed up with retesting and detailed reporting to ensure systems were secure.
      • Firewall and Network Security: Supervised the acquisition and implementation of Fortinet firewalls, network monitoring tools, and access policies to safeguard CAPA’s multi-site infrastructure.
      • Encrypted Communications: Implemented encryption protocols for the company’s MotoTRBO radios, ensuring secure communications. Established processes for regularly updating encryption codes.
      • GPS Monitoring System: Designed and implemented a centralized GPS tracking system, allowing real-time monitoring of company vehicles and operators, which contributed to recovering stolen assets and apprehending criminals.
    • Incident Response & Threat Mitigation:
      • Ransomware Attack: Played a critical role in mitigating a ransomware attack by enforcing strict backup policies that preserved all data. The source of the infection was traced to a compromised USB device, and the encryption key was eventually recovered.
      • Insider Threat: Successfully identified and addressed an internal data theft incident through monitoring tools, preventing the loss of sensitive information.
    • Ongoing Cybersecurity Support: Provided direct cybersecurity support to top management, assisting them with phishing attempts and suspicious emails. My proactive approach and 24/7 availability fostered a sense of security within the organization, ensuring timely intervention in the event of potential threats.