Emili's background

Emili's dedication to innovation and technology was shaped by her early experiences in various extracurriculars while still living in Armenia. Now a co-president of the Google Developer Student Club at IE University, Emili leads initiatives to enhance students' technical skills, encourage women in STEM, and create collaborative learning environments. In addition, her role as an ambassador for Feminno Global has allowed her to inspire young women in tech by organizing Armenia's largest female tech conference. Representing Armenian youth and women in STEM on global platforms, Emili also serves on the Advisory Council on Youth at the Council of Europe, bringing youth perspectives to AI and digital policy discussions.

Emili's story is one of dedication and inspiration. Balancing two part-time jobs and leading an Armenian youth group from Spain, she has shown unwavering commitment to her studies and her community. Her dedication to helping others while also funding her own education made her the clear winner of this year's scholarship. She is currently in her second last year of her BSc in Data and Business Analytics; she is excited to finish her education, join the tech scene in Spain, and build on the network she has created in the last years.

How Emili chose her study destination

When deciding where to study, Emili prioritized an environment that fostered both high-quality education and cultural diversity. Spain's inclusive atmosphere and IE University's vital data and business analytics program perfectly aligned with her goals to expand her technical expertise and develop a global outlook. The support and resources provided by IE University have been instrumental in her journey. Spain's open-minded approach to innovation has further enriched her journey, allowing her to learn from diverse peers and immerse herself in a community that values growth and inclusivity.

"The vibrant culture in Spain and the academic rigor at IE University have given me the ideal platform to grow both personally and professionally," Emili shares.

How Emili's education will shape her future

For Emili, her data science degree is more than a stepping stone; it's a powerful tool to tackle real-world challenges through technology. She is particularly interested in combating misinformation and is currently developing "Smartinfo AI,” a project focused on using artificial intelligence to counter fake news on social media. Her degree is not just about building technical skills—it's a foundation for advocating for safe digital spaces and informed communities.

Emili's vision for the future is one of inclusivity and opportunity. She envisions leading initiatives that make tech education accessible across generations. She aims to launch a free educational program to help individuals with outdated skills re-enter the workforce with knowledge of AI and emerging technologies. This program will focus on capacity building, providing practical training that equips participants for today's digital economy. Emili's experiences, networks, and knowledge gained through her STEM studies will be vital in turning this vision into a sustainable reality, creating opportunities for people to adapt and thrive in a fast-evolving technological landscape.

Read about the other scholarship finalists and winners of 2024:

• Undergraduate in STEM Scholarship - 2024 Finalists
• Winner of the Women's Scholarship for International Students 2024
• Winner of the Study a Master's in Europe Scholarship 2024