Maria Paz Aguirre

Maria Paz Aguirre is a passionate educator and advocate for empowering girls in STEM. Originally from the Philippines, her journey into technology was not a traditional one. She did not grow up immersed in STEM, and for many years did not see herself in that space. It was only after exploring different platforms and learning environments that she began to discover both her interest and her natural ability in technology.

Through persistence and curiosity, Maria Paz developed her skills and confidence, realising that she not only enjoyed working with technology but excelled at it. Her experience has shaped the way she approaches teaching and mentorship today. She understands first-hand what it feels like to question whether you belong in STEM, and uses that perspective to support and guide others who may feel the same.

At STEM the Gap Academy, Maria Paz is committed to creating a learning environment where girls feel seen, capable, and encouraged to explore. She believes that confidence is just as important as skill, and that every girl deserves the opportunity to discover what she is capable of without limitation. Her approach focuses on patience, encouragement, and helping students build trust in their own thinking.

Maria Paz is a strong believer in representation and access. She is passionate about showing girls that there is no single path into STEM and that it is never too late to begin. By sharing her own journey, she hopes to inspire others to step into spaces they may not have imagined for themselves and to realise that their potential is far greater than they think.