I strive to promote equal opportunities and inclusion through my everyday actions both in personal and professional settings. I firmly believe that only in a diverse environment can society and science truly progress in a fast and holistic way. As individuals, we must all work to create a friendly and welcoming environment around us – one in which everyone, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic, cultural or social origin, religion, ideology, age, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or specific personal circumstances, receives the same respect and enjoys the same opportunities. This is especially important for underrepresented groups in each context, who often face various forms of discrimination.
In particular, non-male researchers are underrepresented in astronomy and I am deeply committed to improving gender balance in academia through a variety of actions. I actively challenge gender discrimination and bias, and I contribute to building a scientific culture where every voice is heard.
Most relevant actions:
- I am a recently appointed member of the Women and Astronomy Commission (Comisión Mujeres y Astronomía, CMyA) of the Spanish Astronomical Society (SEA). Its main goal is to promote the visibility and participation of women astronomers in the activities of the Spanish astronomy community. This includes activities related to February 11, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In this context, this year I have been one of the organizers of the Children’s Drawing Challenge 2026. The CMyA also carries out important tasks, such as statistics about gender balance, at the Spanish level, in scientific committees, conference organizers and invited talks, PhD theses, and job positions. The CMyA draws the SEA Equality Plan and coordinates with Equality Committees of Spanish Research Centers about important matters related to gender.
- I served as an Equal Opportunity Officer at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (Heidelberg) for two years (2021-2022). My responsibilities included monitoring of hiring processes to detect potential biases, participation in selection committees, drawing up the new MPIA gender equality plan for 2022 and 2023, and the 2021 hiring guidelines, giving support to MPIA employees in terms of equality, inclusion, and diversity, and organizing institute-wide events related to these topics. This role was recognized with an MPIA performance bonus in 2021 and 2022.
- I co-coordinate the informal support group and network EOT: Every Other Thursday at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. This offers a safe and inclusive space to share thoughts and experiences on how gender affects our everyday work and professional careers. It provides an environment for networking with the philosophy that “together we are more powerful”. I have been a member of this group since its foundation in 2018-2019.
- I recently proposed a mentoring program for non-male BSc and MSc students at the University of La Laguna. The program aims to offer support through a network of female professors and researchers, with specific goals such as boosting student self-esteem, encouraging them to pursue their career goals, whatever they are, and supporting their decision-making from both academic and personal points of view.
- I have participated in numerous outreach activities with the purpose of increasing the visibility of women in science and breaking gender stereotypes. Most activities are related to “February 11, UNESCO International Day of Women and Girls in Science”. Here are the most relevant: ·Feb 2026: Interview with women scientists, on research topics and the scientific careers, conducted by the students for the school’s local radio station. The interview was broadcast throughout the school during recess. It is part of the PIDAS program (IES Rafael Arozarena, La Orotava, Tenerife) ·Jan 2024: “Interview with a woman astrophysicist” (IES Doramas, Gran Canaria, online); ·2019-2023, 2025: Talk to them: women in astronomy (two to four talks per year, virtual), ·2019-2023: Chatea con una astrónoma (virtual), ·15/03/2019: “II encuentro de mujeres de mil batallas” (IES Güimar, Spain), ·11/02/2018: “Hacia la diversificación profesional” (Project under Area 2030 of Innovation, Cabildo de Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain).