International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at VLC Photonics

At VLC Photonics, we are proud to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science by highlighting the women on our team, their roles at VLC Photonics, the women who have inspired them, and the advice they would give to young girls. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role women play in advancing science and technology and the need to continue fostering inclusivity and diversity in STEM fields..

We asked some of the brilliant women in our team four key questions about their journey in science and their advice for future generations.

What is your role at VLC Photonics, and what does your job involve?

Irene Estébanez, PIC Engineer at VLC Photonics

I’m a photonic circuit designer, which is a fancy way of saying I work on creating the building blocks for advanced technologies using light instead of just electricity. Imagine building something amazing with LEGO pieces, I design those pieces so that they can fit together perfectly to create a complete and powerful structure, like a photonic circuit.

Why does this matter? Photonic circuits help power many cool things we use every day. Think about how the internet travels super fast to your home, or how self-driving cars ‘see’ the world around them. My job is like being part of a team that makes futuristic tech possible and it all starts with light!

Do you have a female role model in science or technology?

Rachel Rae, Characterization Engineer at VLC Photonics

My role models are Mae Jemison, Katherine Johnson, Sophie Germaine, and any female physics teacher I’ve ever had in school and university. And any time I fix my kitchen garbage can I yell “Women in STEM” haha.

But for real, self perceived ability in math and science decreases in girls after grade school, which has a negative effect on actual performance. There’s nothing innate stopping women from entering this field, only societal barriers and internalized societal barriers. Better to ignore all the noise and follow your interests because they’re interesting. And aspire to the confidence of Mae Jemison when she said, “I always knew I’d go to space”.

Cristina Anaya, Project Coordinator at VLC Photonics

Since a young age, I have looked up to Margarita Salas as a role model for women in science. In her case, she made significant advancements in the field of genetics and biotechnology, while also giving visibility to women in science.

What advice would you give to a young girl interested in science?

Estrella Fernández, R&D Project Coordinator at VLC Photonics

OMG, this is a very difficult question, but here I go with everything I would have liked to hear from others:

If you really want it and you are excited about it, go for it, no matter how much effort it takes.

Be persistent. A scientific career can have many obstacles and difficult moments, but if it’s what you love, don’t give up. You have to fight for your dreams to make them come true.

Explore different fields. Before choosing a specific area, take the time to explore various disciplines biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and beyond. This will help you find what truly excites you.

Stay curious. Always ask why and how, curiosity is the foundation of every great scientist.

Find role models. Look for scientists who inspire you, whose journeys you can learn from, and who can guide and motivate you.

Believe in yourself. Never let anyone tell you that science isn’t for you. Trust in your abilities and follow your passion with confidence.

Seek support. Many organizations are dedicated to supporting women in science, connect with them for mentorship, resources, and encouragement.

Claudia Castro, Project Manager Coordinator Junior at VLC Photonics

Be curious. Ask questions without doubting your ability to excel in science. Take up space in technical fields that align with your interests. Trust in progress, work hard, and enjoy the journey.

Aleksandra Georgieva, Automation Engineer at VLC Photonics

My advice to a young girl interested in science is to set realistic and achievable goals. Instead of aiming to “cure cancer,” focus on researching a specific aspect of the disease or developing a diagnostic tool that could make a real impact. Science is full of failures, but every failure teaches you something valuable and can even lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Persistence is key—don’t let setbacks discourage you. Most importantly, work on topics that truly interest you, because passion will keep you motivated through challenges. Science is about curiosity, discovery, and making a difference, step by step.

At VLC Photonics, we recognize the invaluable contributions of women in science and engineering. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and innovate.