My interest in STEM grew naturally from curiosity rather than from a single defining moment. I was always drawn to problem‑solving, patterns, and understanding how systems work. This curiosity was nurtured through my studies in mathematics and computer science and later strengthened as I began applying these skills in real‑world environments. Seeing how technology and data can simplify complexity, support better decisions, and create real impact is what truly anchored my path in STEM. Over time, this evolved into a strong commitment to using digital skills not just as technical tools, but as enablers for people, inclusion, and meaningful change.
Your organization field and mission:
AX Group operates as a diversified Maltese group with its core sectors spanning construction & development, hospitality, care services, and real estate, under a single unified brand.
AX Group’s mission is centred on building long‑term value through quality‑driven development and operations, combining engineering and property expertise with people‑focused services such as hotels, restaurants, and care homes. The Group positions itself as a family‑owned organisation guided by integrity, reliability, and forward‑thinking, with a strong emphasis on delivering lasting value to customers, communities, and stakeholders while safeguarding a long‑term legacy rather than short‑term
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:
As Head of Data and Analytics at AX Group, I am responsible for leading the Group’s data, analytics, and reporting agenda across its diverse business units. In this role, I oversee data strategy, governance, and analytics capabilities, ensuring that data is reliable, well‑governed, and effectively used to support operational control, strategic decision‑making, and long‑term value creation across construction & development, hospitality, care, real estate, and corporate functions.
Your interest in STEM
My first role models weren’t famous figures, but people who showed me that curiosity and persistence matter. Watching others learn, adapt, and grow gave me the confidence to do the same. Today, I’m inspired by women who lead with confidence and kindness, and who prove that you don’t have to fit a stereotype to succeed.
Your studies
One of the main challenges during my Bachelor’s studies was not having a clear understanding of the career paths available. Software development was often presented as the default option, but I never felt it was the direction I wanted to pursue. At the same time, alternative roles and applications of the degree were not clearly communicated, which made it difficult to envision how the skills I was developing could translate into different careers.
Treat this journey as a long‑term commitment rather than a quick win. Progress in technology and data comes from discipline and consistency — showing up, practising, and improving step by step, even when results aren’t immediate.
Put effort into building strong foundations and don’t underestimate the value of hard work. Skills compound over time, and the people who grow the most are often those who stay focused and keep learning quietly in the background.
Actively seek good mentors and learn from people who are willing to challenge you, not just encourage you. Pay attention to how experienced professionals think, structure problems, and make decisions — these lessons are just as important as technical knowledge.
Finally, be patient with yourself. There will be moments of frustration and doubt, but persistence matters more than speed. Stay disciplined, surround yourself with people who raise your standards, and trust that steady effort will open doors over time.
You at work
AX Group promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion through fair employment practices, inclusive policies, and social initiatives such as the AX Foundation, which supports individuals with invisible learning differences. Sustainability is embedded across operations through renewable energy investments, waste‑reduction initiatives, and ESG governance structures that ensure long‑term environmental and social responsibility.
What I’m most proud of is how quickly I’ve been able to grow and take on responsibility, while staying focused on the impact of my work. Fast progression mattered to me because it gave me the opportunity to influence change, shape direction, and create space for others to grow alongside me.
I’m especially proud of the people I’ve supported along the way — seeing individuals build confidence, develop their skills, and progress in their careers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. I also value the professional network I’ve built, grounded in trust, collaboration, and shared learning.
Beyond my day‑to‑day role, I’m proud of my voluntary contribution to setting up DAMA Malta, helping establish a community and governance structure for data professionals in Malta as a way of giving back to the profession.
Your point of view
Technology empowers women by creating concrete, measurable opportunities. Digital skills open access to roles that are in demand across sectors and are less dependent on traditional career paths or networks. This makes entry, progression, and mobility more achievable.
It also enables flexibility in how and where work is done, which can be critical at different life stages. Technology‑driven roles often allow women to balance professional growth with personal responsibilities without stepping away from their careers entirely.
Finally, technology makes contribution visible. Through data, systems, and digital outputs, value can be demonstrated objectively. This helps shift conversations away from perception and towards results, which is particularly important in environments where women may otherwise be under‑represented.
Be intentional about gaining exposure early — through internships, projects, or hands‑on work — even if the role isn’t perfect at first. Experience helps you understand what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and where you want to specialise.
Seek mentors and peers who are willing to challenge your thinking and give honest feedback. Learning how others approach problems, make decisions, and navigate their careers is often more valuable than formal instruction alone.
Invest time in understanding the business context, not just the tools. In this sector, the most effective professionals are those who can translate technical work into real‑world impact. Learning how organisations operate, how decisions are made, and what problems actually matter will set you apart more than technical depth alone.
By 2030, I would like DEIS in the technology and data sector to move from intention to execution. Diversity and inclusion should be reflected in access to roles, progression, and decision‑making, not just policies. Equity should be visible in how opportunities, responsibilities, and development are distributed.
From a sustainability perspective, I would like to see technology used more responsibly — with data, AI, and digital systems designed to create long‑term value rather than short‑term optimisation.
To finish with
Continuous improvement – I value learning and progress over fixed paths. I believe skills, organisations, and people evolve, and I place importance on reflection, feedback, and adapting based on experience.
I value determination because it reflects persistence, follow‑through, and the ability to keep going even when things are difficult or uncertain.
I also value helping people grow, by supporting others, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for them to build confidence and capability.
My future challenges include scaling my impact without becoming a bottleneck, sustaining momentum for change in complex environments, balancing strategic leadership with technical depth, and managing personal energy as responsibilities grow.
By 2030, I hope my career will have evolved towards broader strategic influence, with strong teams and leaders grown along the way, and a continued contribution to the wider data community beyond my day‑to‑day role.
The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : https://codeweek.eu/