The People Behind
VR Balance
Researchers, educators, and technologists from the University of Barcelona, the University of Huelva, and MetaMedicsVR — united by a shared commitment to gender equity through immersive learning.
🇪🇸 University of Barcelona
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences & Faculty of Nursing
Dr. Pepita Giménez-Bonafé
she/herDr. Pepita Giménez-Bonafé is an Associate Professor at Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Barcelona. She is a molecular biologist and PhD holder who has conducted research on chromatin condensation mechanisms in sperm cells.
After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in Vancouver, Canada, focused on prostate cancer, she returned to UB to lead research on chemoresistance in ovarian cancer and to spearhead European projects in educational innovation.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, she coordinates and teaches courses in Physiology and Human Reproduction across Medicine, Biomedicine, and Podiatry. She is a pioneer in implementing immersive virtual reality methodologies in higher education. Her projects include:
- A Journey Inside the Human Heart — a virtual reality anatomy experience
- VRBalance — promoting gender equity through virtual reality
- RVTrans — raising awareness around respectful treatment of gender-diverse individuals
- Training in response to natural disasters
- Virtual treatment scenarios for diabetes mellitus
Dr. Anna Manzano Cuesta
she/herDriving Gender Equity Through Education and Innovation
Dr. Anna Manzano Cuesta is an Associate Professor at the University of Barcelona and a passionate advocate for gender equality in Health Sciences.
As a member of the Equality Commission of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (2018–2025), Anna has led numerous awareness campaigns and academic initiatives, including round tables, conferences, and outreach activities for International Women's Day, LGTBIQ+ Pride Month, and the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
In VR-BALANCE, Anna contributes to the design of user-centered methodologies, curriculum development, and dissemination strategies, helping shape immersive learning experiences that challenge stereotypes and promote empathy.
Dr. Tomas Santalucía Albi
he/himTransforming Learning Through Digital Innovation and Inclusivity
An Associate Professor in Nursing at the University of Barcelona, he is passionate about the possibilities of digital learning and explores how technology can make education more engaging and accessible.
Through his participation in the VR-BALANCE project, Tomas has become actively involved in initiatives that promote gender equality and shared caregiving responsibilities. He contributes to the design and coordination of educational materials, dissemination activities, and data management.
Andrés Marchant Mellado, MSc
they/themAndrés Marchant Mellado is the youngest member of the team. He has a background in physiotherapy and holds a Master's degree in Integrative Physiology, with a focus on gender perspectives and diversity in health.
In addition to his academic training, Andrés has experience working in clinical settings and has served as a clinical instructor, guiding students through real-world patient care. His research interests focus on the physiological impact of stigma and social inequality on body symptoms and mental health.
He has participated in interdisciplinary projects that place the needs of marginalized communities at the center, contributing technical expertise and a strong commitment to social justice in health.
Dr. Àurea Navarro-Sabaté
she/herIntegrating Gender and Equity into Health Sciences
Dr. Àurea Navarro-Sabaté is an Associate Professor at the University of Barcelona, affiliated with the Faculty of Nursing. Trained as a molecular biologist, her research spans cellular metabolism, cancer biology, and translational biomedical research.
In recent years, she has contributed to research addressing health conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as endometriosis. She has also promoted inclusive healthcare education through teaching innovation projects using simulation and virtual reality.
Role in VR-BALANCE: She contributes to integrating scientific rigor and gender awareness into the digital training resources designed to foster more equitable environments.
🇪🇸 University of Huelva
Academic & Gender Studies Experts
Dr. Mar Gallego Durán
she/herFeminist Activism and Gender Studies
Dr. Mar Gallego Durán is a Full Professor at the University of Huelva and a committed feminist academic and activist. Her research focuses on African American and African diaspora studies, black masculinities, and gender and migration.
For more than 30 years, she has actively collaborated with institutions in outreach activities for key dates such as International Women's Day or LGTBIQ+ Pride Month. She became the first director of the Gender Studies seat "Clara Campoamor" (2022-2025) and has taught extensively both nationally and internationally (including Harvard and Northwestern Universities).
Role in VR-BALANCE: Mar contributes to the design of the materials from a gender perspective, promoting a rigorous approach to key issues such as gender stereotypes and discriminatory practices. She hopes to question structural sexism, advocating for alternative strategies to foster a more inclusive and just world.
🇵🇱 Women's Entrepreneurship Foundation
Fundacja Przedsiębiorczości Kobiet · Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Gender Equality
Dorota Czekaj
she/her Founder & PresidentDorota Czekaj is the Founder and President of the Women's Entrepreneurship Foundation and co-founder of the Black Swan VC fund. She is responsible for executing the Foundation's mission and objectives, shaping its operational strategy, and designing motivational and development programs.
She brings to the non-profit sector over 20 years of business experience gained in senior corporate management roles. She successfully introduced various cosmetic brands to the Polish market, establishing their strong presence, particularly within the medical community. Currently, she supports female-led businesses as an independent consultant, while also sharing her expertise as a mentor and jury member in startup and business competitions.
A strong advocate for female dialogue and cooperation, she leverages her extensive background in marketing, sales, and communication. A lawyer by training and a graduate of the Jagiellonian University, she also holds an MBA-equivalent diploma from the Copernic Program, completed at prestigious French institutions including the Institut d'Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) and École des Mines de Paris.
Agata Zioło
she/her Vice President & Director of InnovationAgata Zioło is the Vice President and Director of Innovation at the Women's Entrepreneurship Foundation, and an expert in social innovation, Design Thinking, and entrepreneurship development (SMEs and women-led businesses).
Her unique perspective combines in-depth knowledge of Psychology (SWPS University) and Management (SGH Warsaw School of Economics) with over 12 years of experience in the creative industry. Recognized by My Company Polska as one of the women transforming the world of innovation, she passionately designs and implements acceleration and educational programs. Agata is the author of numerous training courses and projects (including those funded by EU grants) that have benefited more than 600 enterprises to date.
Public Speaking & Event Facilitation: Agata has extensive experience as a host, trainer, and moderator for large-scale events. She regularly leads workshops, debates, inaugural meetings, and conferences for audiences exceeding 500 people. She has collaborated with prestigious institutions including SWPS University, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, and Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, as well as international partners such as the US and UK Embassies and the Polish Investment and Trade Agency. She is recognized as one of the top 100 facilitators worldwide for the international #IamRemarkable initiative.
Magdalena Jeżyńska
she/her Vice President, Financial Director & Project ManagerMagdalena Jeżyńska is the Vice President, Financial Director, and Project Manager for the "Business in Women's Hands" acceleration program and the Mentors' Club within the Women's Entrepreneurship Network.
A lawyer by training with extensive professional experience, Magdalena has been associated with the Women's Entrepreneurship Foundation since 2014. She is responsible for the Foundation's legal, human resources, and financial affairs, bringing years of expertise in project management to her roles.
She currently manages the Foundation's flagship acceleration program, "Business in Women's Hands," as well as the Mentors' Club. Additionally, she is a co-creator of several educational programs, including the Mentors' Club Academy.
Agnieszka Tomaszewska
she/her Project CoordinatorAgnieszka Tomaszewska is a Project Coordinator at the Women's Entrepreneurship Foundation. She holds a degree in Economics with a focus on Management and Marketing and is a certified facilitator of the #IamRemarkable workshops.
Agnieszka has successfully coordinated a wide range of impactful projects, including:
- "Strengthening the Role of Regional Economic Development Animators in Mazovia" (Entrepreneurial Discovery Process)
- "Warsaw Mom on the Labor Market" for the City of Warsaw
- Two editions of the "Start in Park" acceleration program with the Płock Industrial and Technological Park
- "Net_Smolna2023" in cooperation with the Smolna Entrepreneurship Center
- The 14th edition of the "Innowator Mazowsza" competition for the Marshal's Office
Within the Foundation, she is also responsible for managing volunteer programs and organizing "Biznes Mixer" — a series of online networking meetings for entrepreneurs.
Paulina Kołodziejak-Łaska
she/her Head of Digital & PartnershipsWith 15 years of experience in the media industry, Paulina has led numerous projects focused on the creation and management of prominent web portals. At the Foundation, she channels her expertise into designing and coordinating educational programs for female entrepreneurs.
She leverages her deep digital knowledge to support the Foundation in developing effective online solutions, prioritizing tools and platforms that directly address the users' actual needs. A strong advocate for research-driven development, she promotes the use of the Design Thinking methodology in all her projects.
Marta Zawiślińska
she/her Project CoordinatorMarta has extensive experience in marketing and communication. She continuously develops her graphic design skills, contributing to the visual identity of the Foundation's initiatives.
She coordinates activities within the flagship "Business in Women's Hands" acceleration program and the Mentors' Club within the Women's Entrepreneurship Network. Additionally, she collaborates with local government organizations, where she facilitates workshops for youth.
MetaMedicsVR
Innovation, Technology & Project Management Team
Beatriz Zambrano Serrano
she/her Partnerships Director & Project ManagerBeatriz leads partnerships and project management at MetaMedicsVR, coordinating European-funded projects and strategic collaborations with universities, hospitals, NGOs, and public institutions.
With an academic background in International Business Administration and Political Science, she bridges innovation, policy, and implementation. Her work focuses on consortium building, grant writing, project governance, and impact-driven innovation, particularly in areas related to health education, gender equality, social inclusion, and immersive learning.
David Martín Cabezudo
he/him Marketing, Online Events & Community EngagementDavid is responsible for marketing strategy, digital communication, online events, and community engagement at MetaMedicsVR.
He designs and executes dissemination campaigns that translate complex technological and educational concepts into accessible, engaging narratives. With a strong focus on audience growth, stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem building, David supports the visibility and impact of European projects through webinars, social media, and interactive events.
Gerard Renom Banach
he/him Senior DeveloperGerard is a Senior Developer at MetaMedicsVR, specializing in the development and optimization of immersive XR applications.
He plays a key role in translating pedagogical and clinical requirements into robust, scalable technical solutions. With extensive experience in software development for virtual environments, Gerard ensures the stability, performance, and adaptability of MetaMedicsVR's proprietary platform, enabling non-technical users to create complex, multi-scenario simulations.
Jesús Silva
he/him 3D Assets, Animation, UI/UX & Web DevelopmentJesús leads 3D content creation and visual design at MetaMedicsVR, covering 3D assets, animation, UI/UX design, and website development.
His work shapes the visual identity and usability of immersive training experiences, ensuring they are intuitive, engaging, and pedagogically effective. By combining artistic creativity with user-centered design principles, Jesús contributes to creating realistic and inclusive virtual environments that enhance learning outcomes.