How a 19 YEAR OLD is Democratising quantum education: Elisa Torres Durney
Think you’re too young or too inexperienced to make a global impact?
Meet Elisa Torres-Durney, a 19-year-old Chilean student, UNESCO Advisor, and the visionary behind Girls in Quantum, a UN recognised global initiative making STEM and quantum education more accessible to youth worldwide against financial, political or institutional barriers.
Annie sits down with Elisa to unpack how she turned early curiosity into a worldwide QUANTUM movement all before age 19. Elisa shares the personal and cultural challenges she’s faced, the importance of building community in male-dominated industries, and how she stays grounded while balancing university life with leading a social enterprise.
Celebrate the 2025 International Year of Quantum with us and tune in to learn:
How online education during the pandemic opened unexpected doors to QUANTUM COMPUTING
The mindset shifts needed to overcome imposter syndrome
Why you're never too young to create meaningful change
What every founder needs to keep going when rejection hits
Whether you're a student, early-career professional, or dreaming of starting your own venture, this episode will challenge your idea of what’s possible... at any age!
Follow me on:Instagram: @lowtogrowpodcastTikTok and YouTube: @lowtogrowhttps://www.lowtogrow.comSAY HI at lowtogrowpodcast@gmail.com :)
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to a Young Trailblazer
02:34 Elisa's Early Inspirations and Journey
05:58 Overcoming Challenges in Quantum Education
08:49 Building a Global Community in Quantum
11:28 Finding Financing for US University Applications
13:33 Balancing Education and Social Impact
16:42 Cultural Shock and Personal Growth
19:09 Redefining Success Through Community Engagement
21:06 The Essence of Success
22:27 Navigating Career Choices
24:18 Role Models and Inspiration
25:12 Women in Science Facing Rejection Before Breakthrough
26:20 Embracing the Entrepreneurial Journey
26:24 Everything Was Once an Innovation
28:37 Every Founder Needs Perseverance
29:43 Learning from Rejections
32:09 Elisa's Biggest Challenge with Girls in Quantum
35:57 Mental Health and Reflection
Follow Elisa:Website: https://www.girlsinquantum.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-torres-durneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisatdney/?hl=en-gb
Please Note: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. If you're struggling, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional. For free resources, visit https://www.mind.org.uk/.
