Final answer:
Maria, the computer programmer, is the one who would be considered IT personnel. She deals with software debugging, which is a core IT function. The IT industry is expanding, necessitating efforts to widen participation, especially among women.
Step-by-step explanation:
Out of the options provided, Maria, a computer programmer who debugs software issues for company users, would be considered an IT personnel. The IT field encompasses a variety of careers that deal with the maintenance, development, and implementation of computer systems and software. Maria's job involves a clear understanding of software and the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems, which are quintessential IT skills.
People working in IT often start their careers with technical tasks such as fixing computers and can advance to more specialized fields like software development or network management. Despite the growth in the IT field, there has been a decrease in the number of women entering IT careers. Addressing this trend requires strategies such as educational initiatives, active recruitment, mentoring, and adaptable work environments.
A person with substantial influence in an information society is more likely to be a software engineer, as they are responsible for creating the software that drives technology and information systems, a sharp contrast to roles like coal mining which, while important, have less direct impact on the digital landscape. Technical writers, although not directly mentioned in your options, also perform critical functions by communicating technical information in accessible language.