Together, we’ve built a community of 1,500+ women across 60+ countries who are shaping the future of immersive technologies.

This is the story of “Julie Smithson

“As one of the three Co-Founders of XR Women Global, I’m deeply honored to celebrate five years of growth and impact. Together, we’ve built a community of 1,500+ women across 60+ countries who are shaping the future of immersive technologies.

Over these five years, we’ve hosted 241 virtual events, gathering weekly as avatars to explore real-world applications of XR. Our global network includes student chapters in the U.S. and the XR Girls Africa chapter in Kenya, fostering connection, mentorship, and collaboration across continents.

We proudly celebrate the women in our community, innovators, trailblazers, and changemakers, who are creating tangible impact worldwide. As we mark this milestone, we continue our mission to connect, educate, and empower women in immersive technology, building a supportive ecosystem for new economies and a more inclusive digital future.

We would be honored to be XR Women Innovators of the Year. 

Thank you for your consideration. Please join us anytime.💜”

Additional document to support the story: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1J9Jw4EE0chrevHD6XQ-ZVsoVRT7nGJkm

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kr6PmaAynz7j_QCm8PNGkxvENMNP9g7t

 https://drive.google.com/open?id=11WmaPXW704j_Qga4RErDog6FidY4sG-2

 https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ljGjSAtvyOZG_VVclYjNmm_Cfk092GSp

Woman Innovator of the Year 2026

If you are nominating another woman, fill out the form for the other woman
Share your innovation story (provide details what problem you solved, and the innovative solution given). The story can be of this year or more long term. Please share your story in a simple and authentic way, covering the following points:• A brief introduction about yourself and your background • What inspired you to start your innovation journey • The problem or challenge you identified • How your innovation/project/idea was developed • The impact or change your innovation has created in your industry, community, or society • Any challenges you faced during the journey and how you overcame them • Your future vision or goals related to your innovationWe would also request you to share: • Relevant photographs/images related to your journey, work, innovation, events, or achievements • Short video clips (if available) that can help us during video creation and storytelling • Any media features, presentation clips, workspace visuals, or behind-the-scenes moments that reflect your journey authenticallyThe more personal and real the story feels, the more impactful the final storytelling piece becomes.
No Choosen File
Photos, short video clips, or behind-the-scenes shots that bring your story to life.
No Choosen File
Brochures, impact reports, presentation decks — anything that strengthens your story.
Woman innovator

Share your story. Inspire others. Lead the change.

We're spotlighting women innovators
who turn ideas into impact.

Deadline to submit
Aug 15, 2026
Stories featured
Oct – Nov 2026
Open to women
Worldwide
Become a member, complete the form,
and share your innovation story.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

  • Get featured on
    VOWI platforms
  • Gain global
    visibility
  • Earn community
    recognition
  • Inspire future
    innovators

Share your story.
Inspire others.
Lead the change.

This October to December, Voices of Women in Innovation (VOWI) will spotlight inspiring stories of women who turned ideas into impact.

We’re inviting women from around the world to sharetheir innovation journeys – or nominate someonewhose creativity, courage, and leadership have made
a difference.

Selected Stories

will be featured on VOWI’s platforms
throughout the campaign.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Women innovators from any field — business, technology, sustainability, science, education, or social impact — who have led or contributed to projects that create positive change.

Business

Technology

Sustainability

Science

Education

Social Impact

IMPORTANT DATES

Deadline to submit

August 15, 2026

Story features: Published

October-November 2026

HOW TO JOIN

  1. 1 Become a member of VOWI
  2. 2 Complete this short form
  3. 3 Tell us about the innovation story that deserves to be celebrated
Quill and paper illustration

SELECTED STORIES WILL RECEIVE

Featured on
VOWI platforms
Global
visibility
Community
recognition
Opportunity to
inspire others