ACM Scholar Spotlights: Gabriela Vega
Welcome to ACM Scholar Spotlights, a series where we shine a light on the inspiring paths of women in computing who received the 2025 ACM-W scholarship. Through their own words, we hear how they found their place in tech, what motivates them, and how they’re making an impact. These stories reflect not only technical achievement, but also courage, curiosity, and community.
In this feature, we share the story of Gabriela Vega, a Peruvian Master’s student in Media Informatics at Saarland University, Germany. From her early fascination with technology to her research in Human-Computer Interaction, Gabriela reflects on her academic journey, the inspiration she found at womENcourage, and her commitment to empowering women in STEM around the world.
Introduction
Hola! My name is Gabriela Vega, and I am a Peruvian student pursuing a Master’s in Media Informatics at Saarland University (Germany), focusing my research on Human-Computer Interaction at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics. I chose technology because it allows me to engage in exciting, cutting-edge projects, a fascination that started when I was a teenager, at a time when computers and the internet were becoming trendy. I completed my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering in Peru and felt that studying Computer Science would complement my knowledge, so I moved to Germany to do so. Media Informatics has been a perfect fit because it blends CS lectures with design and media art, giving me the chance to explore my artistic side as well.
Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a PhD and continue research in either an academic or industry setting. I am also passionate about volunteering in STEM organizations, and I would like to create projects that impact disadvantaged communities. Growing up in Peru, studying a STEM career was not a common path for girls, but seeing some of my cousins study engineering, and being inspired by my father, who works with electronics, motivated me to follow this path. Along the way, meeting senior students at university encouraged me to engage in organizations, share knowledge, and seek mentorship. My own mentor, Ariana Romero, has been invaluable in guiding my research journey and always encourages me to pursue new opportunities.
My Experience Attending womENcourage
This year, I attended womENcourage for the first time, and it was an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights for me was meeting other women studying similar subjects and making friends from different countries and continents, including Albania, Malaysia, and Iraq. The workshops were engaging, and the hackathon was fun; my team even won second place!
womENcourage inspired me to continue my journey in Computer Science while supporting other women to do the same. Hearing about the challenges some participants face as women in CS made me realize how privileged I am to be in an environment where I don’t face as many difficulties — and it motivated me to support initiatives that empower women. In fact, I am now considering starting an ACM chapter at my university to foster community and mentorship.
The sessions also broadened my perspective on career paths. Some speakers came from academia and others from industry, both sharing their challenges and how they overcame them. I attended a workshop about technology for social good, which resonated deeply with me and may shape my future career focus.
One of the key lessons I learned during the conference is that every person has their own path, there is no single route to success in CS. I also realized that women still face many challenges in the field. While the level of difficulty varies, there are still barriers, sometimes very subtle but still impactful and we need to support each other in overcoming them.
Advice for Future Participants
For women planning to attend womENcourage next year, my advice would be to network, but also make friends! It’s incredible to meet people from different realities and cultures and to learn from their experiences. I really loved this conference, I’ve attended others before, but this one is my favorite so far! I learned, made friends, and engaged actively. I’m already planning to attend again in the years to come!