EUSynBioSeminar - Luz Virginia Raygoza and Elizabeth Valencia Alvarez
From Guidance to Growth: The Power of Mentorship for Early-Career Women in STEM
🗣️ Luz Virginia Raygoza and Elizabeth Valencia Alvarez are biotechnology professionals whose careers bridge science, technology, and global community leadership, with a strong commitment to advancing women’s participation in STEM.
Luz is a Biotechnology Engineer working in R&D IT at AstraZeneca, where she integrates her scientific background with digital research systems to support biomedical innovation. Her experience spans research, applied microbiology, and process development, alongside project management in complex tech–biotech environments. She has played key leadership roles in women-in-science initiatives, contributing to WiSTEM efforts and driving community-based programs focused on equity and representation. As Project Head of GirlsLab within the iGEM Community, she leads a global mentorship network for young women in STEM, fostering strategic partnerships and building long-term support structures. 🦠
Elizabeth is a Biotechnology Engineer and Molecular Biomedicine MSc student at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Her work in molecular biology, synthetic biology, and biosensor development focuses on creating biomedical and diagnostic solutions with social impact. Elizabeth is deeply engaged in promoting gender equity in STEM; her leadership in GirlsLab and her contributions to WiSTEM programs amplify opportunities for early-career women scientists around the world. She is also part of the Columbia ICEP Global Fall Program 2025 Cohort, strengthening her global perspective in research and health innovation.🧬
✨Together, Luz and Elizabeth champion a shared vision of scientific innovation grounded in equity, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Their work through WiSTEM and GirlsLab reflects a commitment to building a more inclusive, empowered, and internationally connected STEM community for current and future generations.