In an endeavour to celebrate and amplify the contributions of women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields, Globant (NYSE: GLOB) has proudly announced the global winners of the fourth edition of the “Globant Awards – Women That Build Edition.” These awards, born from a commitment to inspire and empower, have quickly become a powerful catalyst for change in the tech industry.
Recognising Women in Tech
The Women That Build Awards stand as a beacon for inclusivity and gender equality in sectors where women are still underrepresented. This year, the awards garnered unprecedented participation, receiving over 3,100 nominations and engaging 83 international judges. Following rigorous deliberations, two extraordinary women emerged as global winners.
List of Victors
Jennifer Samaniego, hailing from Ecuador, secured the “Inspiring Leader” title for her groundbreaking work in immersive learning. As an educational innovation analyst at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, she manages the Virtopsia project—a cutting-edge augmented reality application benefiting distance learning students studying legal medicine. Jennifer’s dedication to advancing education through technology is truly inspirational.
Jaloree Lantigua, representing the United States, clinched the “Rising Star” designation for her remarkable contributions to students with special needs in the STEAM fields. Her brainchild, STREAM Technologies, serves as an educational technology centre specialising in video game development, virtual reality, and esports courses. These initiatives are tailored not only for typical students but also for those with special needs or exceptional abilities, exemplifying Jaloree’s commitment to inclusive education.
Creating an Inclusive Future
The Women That Build Awards have evolved to tackle the stark realities faced by women in the tech industry. The statistics speak volumes: women occupy just 28% of leadership positions in technology, and the gender gap persists in critical areas such as AI and machine learning. As the tech sector continues to drive the global job market, it is crucial to create inclusive, diverse, and collaborative STEAM fields.
Wanda Weigert, Global Chief Brand Officer at Globant, emphasised the importance of challenging the status quo, stating, “It’s very important for us to change the equation, and this is one of the major initiatives we are pushing with the Women that Build Awards.”