Dreams come true when you work with intention. Being a woman in STEM in Mexico often means navigating a path filled with obstacles, but we are working hard to ensure future generations find a smoother route. Today, being British Council Women in STEM scholars represents the resilience and leadership of our respective journeys. We are so fortunate to be studying at Durham University thanks to this program, which aims to close the gender gap and empower the female leaders of tomorrow.
Meet Jennifer and Natzayany
Hi! I’m Jennifer, from Mérida, Mexico, an Embedded Systems Engineer and British Council Women in STEM scholar. I’m pursuing an MSc in Energy Engineering Management, combining my passion for engineering with a dual purpose: reducing the STEM gender gap and actively contributing to sustainable technological development.
Hello! I am Natzayany Martinez Rosado, a Mexican petroleum Engineer now studying MSc in Renewable and Sustainable Energy. I am a mom learning to be a student again and enjoying my journey in this new country.
How we found our way here
Natzy: When the email arrived confirming my scholarship, I felt exactly like Charlie holding one of Willy Wonka’s legendary golden tickets. It was a surreal blend of disbelief and euphoria—the moment when a distant dream suddenly becomes tangible. In a perfect coincidence, there were exactly five golden tickets in the story. And there are exactly five of us in our cohort.
Jennifer: For me, securing this scholarship was the culmination of years of hard work. Winning it required true resilience, as I actually succeeded on my second attempt! Far from discouraging me, the initial rejection served as fuel to stay loyal to my mission of empowering girls in STEM. Fulfilling my dream to study in the UK has brought me absolute happiness, backed by the support of many women who lifted me up along the way.
What it means to be a woman in STEM
Natzy: This moment marks a significant milestone in a decade-long journey that began when I graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. Now, at the age of 33, having built my career in the energy sector, pursuing a master’s degree in Renewable and Sustainable Energy has become a deeply personal act of reinvention and a leap of faith in a future that is yet to be built. For me, this scholarship is more than an achievement; it is recognition that women from traditional sectors not only have a place in the global energy transition but also play a fundamental role in shaping it.
Jennifer: To me, it is an opportunity to become a role model who can transform her field and her country. It means connecting with incredible women from all over the world who share the same fire to make our reality more inclusive. This commitment drives me every day, especially so future generations don’t face the barriers that I did—or those faced by my grandmother, who wasn’t allowed to study, and my mother, who paused her career for family.
Our new home in Durham
Natzy: As a Mexican mother pursuing a postgraduate degree, this unique opportunity to live in a vibrant, youthful city while sharing the experience with other postgraduate mothers in a family accommodation has been a true blessing. It has enriched me in many ways and opened a new world for my daughter. I hope this journey inspires and motivates her to pursue her own dreams and helps her understand the true value of friendship, one that transcends cultures, challenges, and different stages of life.
Jennifer: Studying for my MSc in Energy Engineering Management has been an incredible experience. Joining student societies and all the campus activities constantly motivate me to contribute to the global energy transition. Durham is a beautiful, multicultural city steeped in history. Between the collegiate dinners and walks along the river, this journey has made me a better person. It has provided the perfect space to connect, share, and learn alongside amazing people from all over the world.
The future is female
As women in the energy sector, we firmly believe that the future is female. We want others to experience this life-changing path, which is why we co-founded Upcoming Women in Energy to uplift new generations of girls. We are deeply honoured to live this experience at Durham University, where we’ve learned that connection and solidarity are exactly what drive big changes for women in STEM. Together, we are building a world where a woman’s dreams can be as big as she wants them to be.
Discover more
Find out more about the British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
Follow Jennifer and Natzayany as they inspire other Women in STEM on their Instagram channel, Upcoming Women in Energy
Follow Jennifer Reynaga. Follow Natzayany Martinez
