In the rapidly evolving world of technology, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. However, despite the increasing opportunities in these areas, there is still a significant gender gap. Women are vastly underrepresented in STEM fields, making up only 24% of the workforce in computer and mathematical occupations. This disparity is even more pronounced in the emerging field of virtual reality (VR), where women make up only 11% of the workforce. But amidst these statistics, there are trailblazing women who are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. These women, known as Virtual Vixens, are challenging stereotypes and inspiring change in the male-dominated world of STEM.
The term “Virtual Vixens” was coined by technology journalist and author, Dr. Pamela McCorduck, in her book by the same name. She defines Virtual Vixens as “women who are making a difference in the field of virtual reality.” These women are not only making strides in the technical aspects of VR, but also in advocating for diversity and gender equality in the industry.
One of the pioneers of VR technology is Nonny de la Peña, who is often referred to as the “Godmother of VR.” She is the CEO of Emblematic Group, a company that creates immersive virtual reality experiences focusing on news and documentary storytelling. De la Peña’s work has been recognized and praised for its social impact, as she uses VR to shed light on important issues such as immigration, police brutality, and sexual assault. She is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the VR industry, and actively mentors and supports women looking to enter the field.
Another Virtual Vixen making waves in the world of VR is Dr. Jacquelyn Ford Morie. With a Ph.D. in computer science and a background in animation and virtual reality, she is a leading expert in the field of VR and its applications. Her work ranges from creating VR experiences for entertainment and education, to developing VR technologies for medical and psychological rehabilitation. Dr. Morie is also a fierce advocate for women in STEM, and has been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Women in Tech” by the UK-based organization, Computer Weekly.
But it’s not just in the technical aspects of VR that women are making a mark. In the gaming industry, where VR is gaining traction as a popular medium, women are also making their presence known. One such woman is Gabby Dizon, co-founder of the VR gaming company Altitude Games. With a background in game development and a passion for VR, Dizon is leading the way for women in the gaming industry. She is also an advocate for diversity in gaming, and actively promotes the importance of representation and inclusivity in gaming content.

Virtual Vixens: Pioneering the Way for Women in STEM
The impact of Virtual Vixens goes beyond their individual achievements. By breaking stereotypes and advocating for diversity and gender equality, they are inspiring and empowering other women to pursue careers in STEM and VR. This is especially important as the VR industry continues to grow and evolve, with an estimated market size of $160 billion by 2023. With such a rapidly expanding field, it is crucial to have diverse perspectives and voices shaping the future of VR.
However, the journey towards gender equality in STEM and VR is far from over. Despite the efforts of Virtual Vixens and other female pioneers, there is still a long way to go. The lack of representation and opportunities for women in these fields is a systemic issue that requires a collective effort to address. This is why initiatives such as Girls Who Code, which aims to close the gender gap in technology, and Women in VR, a community that supports and promotes women in VR, are crucial in creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.
A current event that highlights the importance of diversity and representation in STEM is the recent announcement from the virtual reality company, Oculus. In an effort to address the lack of diversity in the VR industry, Oculus has pledged to invest $10 million in educational programs focused on supporting women and underrepresented communities in VR. This initiative, called “VR for Good,” aims to train and mentor women and minority groups in VR skills, and provide them with opportunities to showcase their work and launch their careers in the industry. This is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse VR landscape, and it is inspiring to see a major player in the industry take such proactive measures.
In conclusion, Virtual Vixens are at the forefront of the movement towards gender equality and diversity in STEM and VR. Through their innovative work and advocacy, they are paving the way for future generations of women in these fields. However, there is still much work to be done in creating a more inclusive and diverse industry. It is up to all of us to continue supporting and promoting women in STEM and VR, and to ensure that the Virtual Vixens of today will not be the exception, but the norm, in the future.
Sources:
– https://www.pamela-mccorduck.com/books/virtual-vixens/
– https://www.statista.com/topics/4173/virtual-reality-vr/
– https://www.oculus.com/blog/oculus-pledges-10-million-to-support-women-and-underrepresented-communities-in-vr/
– https://www.computerweekly.com/photostory/450406468/Computer-Weeklys-Top-50-Most-Influential-Women-in-UK-IT-2016/4/4-Jacquelyn-Ford-Morie-CEO-All These Worlds/innovative-virtual-reality-technology/
– https://venturebeat.com/2019/03/26/altitudes-gabby-dizon-on-the-future-of-vr-gaming-for-women-and-more/
Summary:
The blog post discusses the important role of Virtual Vixens in the tech industry, particularly in the field of virtual reality. These women are pioneers and advocates for diversity and gender equality, and their work is inspiring and empowering other women to pursue careers in STEM and VR. The post also highlights a current event where the virtual reality company, Oculus, has pledged to invest $10 million in educational programs to support women and underrepresented communities in VR. However, there is still much work to be done in creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.


