meet the nominees

STEM Woman AWARD 2025

Assistant Professor at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Researcher at the Computer Vision Center

I am a FullStack developer, creative, curious, and passionate about problem-solving in dynamic environments. With a background as a teacher and researcher, I bring strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills. Certified in AWS, GCP, CCNA, Scrum, and trained in Big Data & Data Science, I specialize in Cloud Computing, Infrastructure as Code, and QA, with experience in agile methodologies. Alongside my technical role, I founded FemCoders Club to create inclusive learning spaces, and in 2024 I received the DonaTIC Award for promoting diversity in technology.

I am a researcher, university professor, and science communicator, awarded the National Second Prize in Higher Education, the Extraordinary Doctoral Award, and the Málaga Research Prize. My work focuses on making women in engineering, especially telecommunications, more visible by breaking stereotypes and inspiring students. I lead initiatives like the “Technological Challenge: Engineering is Written with an A” and the “WiSMC Meeting of Women Technologists and Students.” Currently, my research connects brain signals (EEG, NIRS) with music, uniting my passions for engineering and music.

Scrum Master for the Scrap division and Head of the Integrated Management System, with additional experience as an IT Recruiter and Knowledge Enabler. I combine agile leadership, process management, and talent development to drive efficiency and collaboration.

Hi, I’m Carla, a 14-year-old from near Barcelona with a passion for science, technology, and neuroscience. Since childhood I’ve explored STEM through robotics, coding, and projects like Technovation Girls (global semifinalist) and FIRST LEGO League (1st Prize Innovation, Open Africa). I love creating apps, innovation projects, and science communication content that makes complex ideas accessible. Beyond STEM, I’m active in leadership programs like The Knowledge Society and YPL Changemaker Academy, and I advocate for more girls in STEM because talent has no gender.

I am a transformational IT leader with 14 years specializing in cybersecurity, risk, compliance, and data protection. I have extensive experience managing global partnerships, engaging business leaders, and advising C-levels and Boards. Recognized with multiple international awards, I hold certifications including CISM, CeH, NIST 2.0, and ISO 27001. My career spans leadership roles across Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland, the United States, Germany, and Canada.

I am a technology leader with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation and product innovation across technology and financial services. I specialize in leveraging AI and emerging technologies to optimize operations, improve customer experiences, and deliver strategic value. With strong expertise in product roadmaps, organizational scaling, and team leadership, I have guided cross-functional groups to achieve impactful results. Beyond corporate roles, I champion diversity in STEM through organizations like Latinas in Tech and STEM Women Congress, promoting innovation and inclusivity.

I am Head of Sustainability at ACCIONA’s construction business in Madrid, leading the development and implementation of its sustainability strategy and master plan. As a Circular Economy specialist, I bring expertise in life cycle assessment and sustainable construction processes. I serve as an independent innovation expert for the European Commission in Horizon Europe programs. Previously, I led ACCIONA’s Roads and Environment group and coordinated European R&D projects on circular economy, biotechnology, and environmental technologies in construction.

With over 25 years in the tech industry, I am General Manager of CDS (a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company) for Spain and Portugal, leading with purpose, authenticity, and impact. I drive an inclusive leadership model that values diversity and intergenerational talent as strategic advantages. My career includes building centers of excellence, youth talent programs, and partnerships to bridge the digital divide. Recognized among the Top 100 Women Leaders and Top LGBTI+ Leaders in Spain, I actively promote STEAM initiatives and advocate for technology as a driver of positive societal change.

I am a Consultant specializing in DevOps, with expertise in technology infrastructure, databases, and fostering a strong DevOps culture. I have led automation in cloud environments with tools such as Terraform and Packer, and implemented CI/CD pipelines with cross-functional teams. Currently, I serve as President of Empower Tech Spain, a non-profit association dedicated to supporting and empowering women and girls in technology. I am passionate about continuous learning and advancing inclusive innovation in the tech industry.

Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Design working in the field of Biodesign. Experienced Researcher with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Molecular Biology, Scientific Writing, Life Sciences, and Data Analysis. Strong research professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused in Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology from Cornell University.

I am passionate about connecting people, markets, and strategies, with a career built across diverse companies, countries, and responsibilities in the energy sector. My global perspective allows me to integrate all stakeholders and design disruptive strategies that drive business results. With experience across EMEA and Latin America, I bring versatility, strong problem-solving skills, and adaptability to each organization. As a leader, I foster collaborative, results-oriented teams, making agile and efficient decisions even under pressure while ensuring strategic focus and operational excellence.

At Merytronic we have the most advanced technology and a staff highly qualified in different disciplines (electronics, telecommunications, software) to offer the most innovative solutions in the electric sector.

I bring over 20 years of professional experience, with the last decade dedicated to digital transformation and innovation, helping companies redefine their IT and business strategies. With multisector expertise across construction, transport, automotive, food, and more, I act as a “knowmad” of innovation, blending technology with strategic vision. Passionate about new technologies and future trends, I focus on aligning businesses with Industry 4.0 while supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. My approach combines creativity, leadership, and close collaboration with clients to design tailored strategies that ensure growth and long-term success.

I am a professional committed to continuous learning, with a strong passion for innovation and emerging technologies. My expertise and interests focus on e-learning and data science. I thrive on exploring new solutions that drive digital transformation. Always curious, I bring adaptability and creativity to every project.

With nearly 20 years of experience in communications and culture building, I help organizations connect people and ideas in meaningful ways. At HPE, I lead key initiatives while also serving as a Culture Ambassador and Chair of Digital Inclusion & Outreach for the Global Women’s Network. I’m passionate about creating inclusive and collaborative spaces, and I design workshops—most recently ‘Breaking the Bias and Embracing Equity’—that help people take real steps toward belonging.

She holds a PhD in Sciences from the University of Zaragoza, where she studied protein structural mechanisms. Her career has focused on the biotechnology sector, beginning at Certest Biotec, where she led global business development, strategy, and R&D of immunological diagnostic products. She is now Director of Research and Development at BIOCLONAL, a company developing human antibodies for therapeutic use. Currently, her team is advancing a first-in-class treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

I am an innovation consultant with a PhD in Computational Neurosciences, combining scientific expertise, consultancy experience, and managerial skills. My career has focused on bridging science and industry, particularly in the biomedical field from a bioinformatics perspective. I have worked internationally in the UK, Sweden, and India, building collaborations and strengthening project management and leadership abilities. Passionate, self-driven, and curious, I strive to create impactful collaborations, optimize processes, and support others in making the best use of technology.

I am a scientist, creator, and storyteller, merging mathematics, physics, and computing to inspire and empower through innovative projects. My experience includes developing turbulence models for avalanche forecasting, collaborating with MeteoSwiss on greenhouse gas modeling, and publishing over 10 papers in top scientific journals. With 800+ hours of teaching in mathematics, physics, and scientific computing across leading universities in France and Switzerland, I am passionate about education and mentorship. Beyond academia, I have worked as a Formula One engineer and remain committed to contributing to society, from advancing science to supporting life-saving causes.

I am Laura, an engineer with a passion for people and over 20 years of experience at SEAT S.A. and the Volkswagen Group. After starting in laser welding research and completing my PhD in Industrial Engineering, I transitioned into Human Resources to lead training and development. I drove SEAT’s Industry 4.0 program to prepare employees for future challenges and have since led the company’s cultural transformation. Today, as Vice President of People & Organization and a member of the Board, I focus on empowering people to drive electrification and CUPRA’s growth.

As the co-founder and leader of the Eurofirms Foundation for over 18 years, Maria has advocated to eliminate the systemic barriers preventing people with disabilities from accessing equal employment opportunities and to create a future in which talent, and not limitations, defines professional success. Through innovative training and awareness-raising programmes, she has helped to reshape the future of inclusive employment, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital transformation era. Her work not only opens doors for people with disabilities in the tech and STEM sectors but also sets a powerful example of value-driven, people-centred leadership.

Instituto Técnico Agropecuario y Forestal, El Tambo, Cauca.
Our goal is to help farmers in our community learn and innovate through projects that improve crops and prevent harvest losses. We work to strengthen agricultural knowledge and create sustainable solutions for the future.

My passion lies in financial markets, always keeping people at the center. With a 360-degree vision, I improve processes, solve problems, and coordinate departments while supporting strategic decision-making to boost results. My mission is to help companies achieve excellence. I am driven by creating value through efficiency, collaboration, and innovation.

Motivated by Atul Butte’s quote, I bring 4+ years of PhD-level experience in data science, specializing in predictive modeling, big data analysis, and machine learning. My focus includes algorithmic fairness in risk assessment and ML-supported causal inference, with contributions to the HUMAINT project at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. Proficient in Python and advanced data processing, I excel at analyzing complex datasets. With earlier degrees and over 5 years of industry experience in electronics, telecommunications, and avionics, I bridge academic expertise with practical impact.

Nishara Nizamuddin is an Instructor at Zayed University, UAE, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), with Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Engineering. Recognized among Stanford University’s Top 2% Scientists, her research spans AI, ICT, and Networking, with a PhD focus on Federated AI in healthcare. She brings academic, research, and industry experience from institutions such as Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi University, BOSCH R&D, and the British High Commission. Passionate about innovation and impact, she mentors colleagues, contributes to AI strategy, and supports education projects in West Africa and India.

Telecommunications Engineer passionate about technology, innovation, and education, Patricia is co-founder of ValPat STEAM, a project with over 240,000 followers inspiring children to explore robotics, coding, and technology. She is also CEO and co-founder of MiniVinci, a startup recognized for its impact in teaching STEAM skills through creative, hands-on methods. As co-founder of Mulleres Tech, she fosters visibility and collaboration among women in technology, co-organizing Women Techmakers Zaragoza with Google. Her work has earned her multiple awards, including Engineer of the Year 2025 (AIT & COIT Aragón) and recognition on Forbes’ list of the “100 Most Creative Spaniards in Business.”

I bring strong work capacity, teamwork skills, and effective communication, supported by both academic training and professional experience. Dynamic and self-motivated, I enjoy explaining how and why things work. I thrive on initiative and adaptability, taking on diverse activities with enthusiasm. Guided by Jay Danzie’s words, I believe personality and the way we impact others define our true trademark.

She is the Director of the Women and Engineering Project at the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Her work focuses on promoting female talent in STEM and fostering diversity in the engineering field.
She leads initiatives that connect academia, industry, and young students to inspire future generations.
Through her role, she drives cultural change and greater inclusion in engineering and technology.

We created the ChicasSTEAM collection with the first book Inspiring Stories of the Pioneers of Cars, highlighting women who shaped the automotive industry. Through the stories of female engineers, designers, and leaders, we offer young girls strong role models in STEM. Our goal is to break stereotypes and show that technology and mobility are spaces for everyone. By inspiring the next generation, we aim to build a more inclusive and diverse future.

Woman, mother, and engineer.
A feminist, convinced that only through equality can we improve the world.
I believe that science and technology—especially computer science—are key to building a better future.
But they must be developed by and for the whole of society, leaving no one behind.

Global leader in HSE and Sustainability with over 22 years of international experience in project management, ESG strategy, digital transformation, and organizational change. Currently Head of Global EHS & ESG Strategy at CTAIMA, I integrate health, safety, sustainability, and compliance with AI-driven and digital solutions. Recognized as a Top Influencer in HSE and finalist for the Mujer STEM Award, I also serve on the boards of AEPSAL, ENSHPO, and INSHPO, and collaborate with EU-OSHA and the European AI Agency. Passionate about diversity, education, and innovation, I am also a lecturer, Google WomenTechMaker Ambassador, and mentor in STEM programs.

Through CUBE, I bring hands-on STEM education to underserved schools in The Gambia, focusing on girls and rural youth. We run outreach programs, summer camps, and pop-up labs that introduce coding, robotics, and digital literacy where access is scarce. Our initiatives not only empower young people but also help shape national conversations on digital skills, AI, and education reform. My mission is to ensure no child is left behind in the digital age.

Tiffany Martinez is the founder of Peruvians in STEM, a grassroots initiative that has grown into a national movement empowering thousands of women to pursue STEM careers. Over five years, she has built a network that connects talent with mentors, provides training opportunities, and amplifies women role models. Her work challenges stereotypes and creates pathways for the next generation of innovators. Through her leadership, she is transforming Peru’s STEM ecosystem into a more inclusive and dynamic space.

I am Yudith Ortega, CEO of IDINAT LAB INTERNATIONAL GROUP, leading innovation in the cosmetic and health sector through biotechnology, genetics, and epigenetics. With over 20 years of experience, I develop DNA-based products that transform lives, combining science, innovation, and personalized solutions.

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