Aliz Pinto

Aliz has battled discrimination and adversity to become the first woman in her family to attend university. Throughout her education, she has funded her studies with scholarships while dealing with family tragedy and trauma: the death of her father, the loss of her brother, and her mother's cancer. However, she feels these adversities have been pivotal in shaping her character, teaching her never to give up in the face of difficulties. Her determination and love of learning has led her to become part of the Ecuadorian Network of Women Scientists, where she participates in discussions and workshops to empower women in science. Throughout her life, Aliz has shown dedication to pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and inspiring positive change through creativity and innovation. 

Alongside her studies, Aliz has given time and energy in many different ways to help improve the lives of others. She has assisted the Ecuadorian Red Cross National Society in teaching English to children from marginalised backgrounds, hoping to foster inclusive environments where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. To contribute to action for climate change, she also led the Circular Bioeconomy event at the Youth Conference on Climate Change, where she engaged with youth leaders to explore sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. Additionally, she represented the Republic of Ecuador in the First Virtual Meeting of Andean Youth for Climate Justice, held in March 2024. 

Aliz is also a national-level activist committed to defending the rights of children and adolescents, bridging the gender gap, and promoting diversity through feminism. For two years, she coordinated the communication group of the Network of Organisations for the Defense of the Rights of Children and Adolescents, amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and advocating for them. Contributing to a study on technology-facilitated violence against women and girls has demonstrated her desire to promote gender equality and create safe spaces for all members of society.  

Aliz already has many achievements to her name. Not only has she won a global scholarship from the New York Academy of Sciences, but she also achieved third place in a STEM competition endorsed by NASA with a project on the design and manufacture of Bluetooth-controlled myoelectric hand prostheses using 3D printing. If Aliz wins the Global Student Prize, she will use part of the award to advance this project, which has the potential to transform the lives of people with physical disabilities by providing them with a tool that enhances their autonomy. Long-term, Aliz’s vision is to turn her project into a sustainable foundation that provides support to children and teenagers with physical disabilities –  as well as young people who are facing economic challenges in accessing education.