By Aliz Daniela Pinto Aspiazu

From a young age, I have been fascinated by how technology can solve real-world problems. Growing up in Guayaquil, Ecuador, I dreamed of making a difference in my community and beyond. However, the path to where I am today has been anything but easy. As the first woman in my family to attend university, I have had to overcome not only financial challenges but also deep personal losses. Despite these hardships, my passion for science, innovation, and social change has kept me moving forward. Today, I am pursuing two degrees—Mechatronic Engineering and International Trade—both on full scholarships awarded for academic excellence. My journey has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a commitment to empowering others.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The loss of my father and brother, as well as my mother’s battle with cancer, deeply affected me. Yet, rather than allowing these experiences to define me, I turned them into a source of strength. I realized that education and innovation could be powerful tools to create change. I began to actively seek opportunities to contribute to my community while furthering my knowledge in STEM. One of my most significant achievements has been winning as a finalist for the 2024 Global Student Prize and a NASA STEM competition winner, I have developed projects like accessible myoelectric prosthetics and an early wildfire detection system, which ranked among the Top 30 at the World Robot Olympiad in Türkiye. I have represented Ecuador at the World Bank Group Youth Summit and the NASA Space Center through the “She Is Astronaut” program. Passionate about gender equality in STEM, I advocate for digital safety and women’s rights while inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science and technology. My goal is to create a foundation that fosters innovation, activism, and inclusion in STEM fields.

Empowering Others
 
Beyond my scientific pursuits, I am deeply committed to advocating for gender equality in STEM. As an Ambassador of the “She Is” program in Ecuador, I conduct monthly talks to inspire young girls to explore careers in science and technology. Seeing their curiosity and ambition grow reminds me why representation matters. Additionally, I have played a key role in youth advocacy, serving as the Coordinator of the Communications Team at the Network of Organizations for the Defense of Children’s and Adolescents’ Rights (RODDNA). Through this work, I have helped impact over 10,000 young people by promoting their rights and amplifying their voices. I have also contributed to shaping safer digital spaces through my participation in the creation of the Safe Internet Use and Risk Prevention Protocol, which has benefited 50,000 students across Ecuador.
 
A Vision for the Future
 
My mission is far from over. I dream of establishing a foundation that merges STEAM, activism, and feminism, providing mentorship programs, workshops, and volunteer opportunities to bridge the gender gap in science and technology. My goal is to create an inclusive space where young minds, regardless of their background, can thrive and innovate. As I continue on this journey, I remain committed to making a lasting impact—whether by developing life-changing technologies, advocating for policies that promote equality, or inspiring the next generation of changemakers. My story is not just about overcoming adversity; it is about using those experiences to fuel a larger movement for progress, innovation, and empowerment. To every young girl who has ever doubted her potential in STEM: you belong here. And together, we will break barriers and build a future where talent and determination are the only limits.