
Name: Virginia Arroyo
Country: Spain
Highest level of education: Bachelor’s Degree
Major or field of study: Computer Engineering
Current position: Cloud Migration Director
Virginia Arroyo is a Cloud Migration Director in the Oracle Database Product Management organisation. Based in Spain and working globally, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and specialises in databases. She helps organisations seamlessly transition to cloud-based infrastructures, maximising the value of data.
Virginia’s Challenges and Overcoming Them
Obstacles Virginia encountered throughout her educational and professional journey
Throughout Virginia’s educational and professional journey, she encountered several challenges, notably the scarcity of female role models in Computer Engineering. This lack of representation was particularly evident in leadership positions and various technical roles, making it difficult for her to find mentors or examples to emulate. Furthermore, Virginia faced persistent stereotypes and biases related to her field. The perception that roles like programmer, IT administrator, and project/product manager were more suited to men created additional hurdles, both in terms of overcoming preconceived notions and navigating a work environment where she often had to prove herself more than her male counterparts.
Strategies and actions adopted by Virginia to overcome these obstacles
To overcome these obstacles, Virginia focused on empowering women throughout her professional career by actively mentoring and supporting other women in the field. She also advocated for greater visibility of women in technology roles, striving to break down stereotypes and encourage more female participation. Additionally, Virginia worked to promote technology and computer science in early education, believing that fostering interest in these fields from a young age would help create a more diverse and inclusive pipeline for the future. By taking these proactive steps, she aimed to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women in tech.
Key lessons and insights gained from Virginia’s experience
Virginia believes that every action plays a crucial role in promoting STEM degrees and professional careers within the community. By actively breaking down biases and challenging the limitations that many students and individuals may face, she strives to create opportunities for all to thrive. Whether through mentorship, outreach, or advocating for inclusive practices, Virginia is committed to dismantling the barriers that often discourage underrepresented groups from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Virginia’s Opinion on the Importance of Women in STEM
The importance of increasing female representation in STEM education and careers
In Virginia’s opinion, it is crucial to have more women and girls in STEM education and careers to address the gender salary gap and ensure a more equitable future. By increasing female representation, we can also ensure that women are included in the development of the technologies—like AI—that will shape our world. Having diverse perspectives in the creation of these innovations leads to more inclusive, well-rounded solutions that better reflect the needs of all people.
Encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM
In Virginia’s view, it’s essential to break the bias that STEM careers are not for women or “cool girls.” By challenging these stereotypes, we can empower women and girls to embrace these fields without feeling the pressure to be “superwomen.” Encouraging them to recognise that they are fully capable of succeeding in these careers—just as they are—helps dismantle the societal expectations that limit their potential and fosters a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Initiatives and Programs Driving Women’s Empowerment in STEM
INSIPRA STEAM : is a pioneering project that aims to foster interest in science and technology among young people, especially girls. It is based on awareness-raising and mentoring actions provided by women, and also men, professionals from the world of research, science and technology.
Oracle4Girls: created in 2017, is a project designed and organised by Oracle Women’s Leadership Barcelona in collaboration with Universidad Pompeu Fabra. The initiative has the aim of inspiring girls in Spain to study STEM careers by introducing them to technology from a young age.

Virginia’s advice to young girls considering a career in STEM
“Why not? 😉 Our diversity makes us unique. Believe in a future where technology can make a better world.”