Welcome!

Virginia Robano

I am a dedicated advocate for sustainable development, gender equality, and data-driven innovation. With a strong foundation in Economics from UdelaR Uruguay and a Doctorate in Economics from the George Washington University, I have honed my expertise through advising international organizations, policymakers, and companies on sustainable finance, regulation, gender equality and data science.

At the helm of Áurea Sustentable, I lead a passionate team harnessing the power of data science to champion gender equality, empowering women’s economic autonomy, and fostering inclusive decision-making processes. Since our inception in 2020, Áurea Sustentable has been at the forefront of shaping the agenda on gender equality, showcasing effective tools and best practices to drive sustainable development.

My journey spans across continents, with academic pursuits in prestigious institutions such as Sciences Po in France, Universidad Torcuato di Tella in Argentina, and managerial roles in academic institutions, including spearheading Uruguay’s first master’s degree program in data science at UTEC.

As a Women in Data Science Ambassador, appointed by the renowned Women in Data Science Conference at Stanford University, I have championed the cause of women empowerment and spearheaded three successful editions of the WiDS Montevideo Conference under the auspices of Ceibal, Uruguay’s pioneering agency in digital education.

My dedication to research and advocacy has been recognized globally, including winning the prestigious first prize in a global competition organized by the Global Development Network (GDN). This accolade, for my research paper on “The part-time premium enigma: an assessment of the Chilean case” underscores my commitment to advancing social protection and inclusive development.

With an extensive international background, having worked and lived in the United States (worked at the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank), Germany (Research Assistant for GWU), France (OECD and Sciences Po), Argentina (Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, regional office of the World Bank) and in my home country Uruguay (Central Bank of Uruguay, Ceibal), I am now based in the vibrant city of London, UK, shaping policies and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable growth worldwide.

Join me in our mission to build a future present where innovation, sustainability, and gender equality converge to create lasting positive change for all.