February 11, 2016 was declared the International Day for Women and Girls in Science by the United Nations. This event seeks to inspire and promote the participation of current and future generations of women in this field of human knowledge.
One of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the 2030 Agenda is to “achieve equality between the genders and empower all women and girls, thus building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world”. Despite the progress made, there is still a long road ahead, and the celebration of this day remains essential to affirm women as leaders in science.
Banco Sabadell is joining this day through the testimonies of various professionals who have developed their careers within the so-called STEM disciplines (an acronym originating from the words: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Fabiola Nasca, Cognitive Solutions Manager, Angels Yebra, Director of Analytical Projects at Banco Sabadell, Lorena Fernández Álvarez, Director of Digital Communication at the University of Deusto, and Macarena Estévez, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Deloitte discuss their careers, their relationship with science and technology, and share their views on the role of women in STEM disciplines.
Tell us a little bit about who you are and your professional and academic background.
FABIOLA NASCA: “I am a Systems Engineer, I studied in Argentina and moved to Barcelona at a very young age. Here, I had my degree in Computer Science ratified at UPC, and I have spent most of my professional life in this city. Since university, I have been interested in Artificial Intelligence, and my career has always been moving in that direction, so I am thrilled to finally focus on one of my greatest interests. I currently lead the Cognitive Solutions team in the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Department at Banco Sabadell, working with exciting areas like virtual assistants, natural language processing, computer vision, and voice and facial biometrics.”
ANGELS YEBRA: “I hold a degree in Mathematics and two master’s degrees, one in Project Management and the other in Data Science. I’ve basically been working in technology since finishing my degree, and though I’ve worked in different companies, I’ve always been focused on banking. I joined Banco Sabadell in 2005 as a consultant and became a full employee in 2008. Initially, I worked in Host applications, more oriented towards Computer Science than Mathematics, which was okay but not my passion. In 2013, I started in data science at the Big Data Lab, where I discovered Big Data, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence…and immediately knew I’d found my path, and wanted to dedicate the rest of my career to this exciting world of Data Science.”
How and when did you discover science? Was it love at first sight, or did it grow over time?
FABIOLA: “I was always into science, but I must confess that Biology was my first love. As a child, I wanted to be a marine biologist like Jacques Cousteau, but as I got older, I was drawn to technology. Today, it seems more accessible, but when I started, Computer Science was almost science fiction, and the idea of understanding and working with it fascinated me.”
ANGELS: “I always knew I liked science and would focus my studies in that direction. Just before I started, I decided on Mathematics, originally planning to become a teacher. I had always loved math until one year when I suddenly hated it, and then I realised it was because I didn’t understand it. That teacher I cursed all year made me realise the importance of teaching math well. I understood that many people dislike it simply because they don’t understand it. Later, life led me to focus more on Computer Science and Data Science, but teaching and connecting with young people to share my knowledge and passion still play a part in my daily life.”
What was the inherent aspect of science and technology that attracted you the most?
FABIOLA: “I don’t remember the spark that ignited my interest in science. I think my love for Biology led me to other disciplines. What motivated me was understanding the world around me: nature, the universe, the human mind, technology.”
ANGELS: “Logic, which doesn’t need memorisation, just understanding. If you understand it, you can develop anything and keep learning. You never stop learning; you always discover new things, and it evolves so fast that just thinking about the future is exciting.”
And your environment? What aspects drew or kept you close to STEM fields?
FABIOLA: “No one in my family was a scientist, but I was always encouraged to pursue whatever I wanted, whether that was being an engineer, doctor, biologist, lawyer, or nuclear physicist. There was pressure to study, learn, and grow, but equally for everyone—not just boys or girls.”
ANGELS: “For me, it was my COU teacher who opened up the idea of studying Mathematics. Initially, it was to help people understand and enjoy it. The discovery of Data Science made me realise I wouldn’t become a teacher as planned; it combined Technology and Math. What more could I want?”
Have you encountered obstacles in your family, academic, social, or professional environment due to your gender?
FABIOLA: “The only place I faced obstacles was in academia. I recall a professor telling me to choose another field because systems engineering was ‘for men.’ Thankfully, that was an isolated incident. Socially, things are much better now than when I started, but we still need to break the prejudice that Technology is ‘for boys’ or ‘for weirdos.’”
ANGELS: “Not in my family. Academically, I didn’t face obstacles, though I was surprised by the few women in my degree. Socially, during adolescence, I heard comments like, ‘Why would a girl want to do something so difficult?’ or ‘Become a teacher, it’s easier and more girly,’ from friends who didn’t understand my choice. Fortunately, I had a clear vision of my future and stuck with it. In the workplace, especially early on, I heard comments suggesting banking or IT ‘wasn’t for women,’ but they were rare. Now, I’ve never felt discriminated against or less trusted for being a woman.”
Do you feel you had enough female role models in STEM during your studies?
FABIOLA: “No. I never felt that what I studied was common for women. I didn’t mind, but I always felt a bit rebellious, like I was doing something ‘for boys.’ In my final years, there were so few women that I was the only one in my group of 20, and some groups had none.”
ANGELS: “Not really. Most of my science teachers were men, and most people I knew in technical fields were men. I only noticed this as I got older, but my choice was so clear that it never made me hesitate.”
What factors would encourage girls to pursue STEM? What would you say to convince them of how fascinating it is?
FABIOLA: “Girls need representation, support, and opportunities, but most importantly, adults need to change our mindset, break prejudices, and stop perpetuating harmful stereotypes. We must admit past mistakes and correct them. If adults change how we think, act, teach, and make decisions, girls will have the same opportunities as boys. I tell my daughter, ‘There’s no such thing as boys’ stuff or girls’ stuff; that’s outdated.’ I don’t know what I’d say to persuade her, but I’ll support her interests, whether she wants to be a scientist, artist, athlete, or anything else that makes her happy.”
ANGELS: “STEM has so many advantages; it’s hard to summarise. I’d say, if you like every day to be different, for your mind to be active, to think, and learn something new daily, this is your world. It’s crucial to love your job. If you’re passionate, the hours fly by. Of course, not every day is fun or exciting, but after almost 25 years in STEM, I’m happy with my work.”
Banco Sabadell supports young STEM talent, focusing on gender. Below are insights from recent female hires through the Data Scientist Programme, 33% of whom were women. They share their visions for a more equal, diverse, and prosperous world. Discover their stories here.
The Banco Sabadell Foundation also recognises women in science, featuring past winners of the Banco Sabadell Foundation Awards.
Additionally, the Banco Sabadell Foundation supports many women in STEM. See them all here.
