With International Women’s Day fast approaching, we’re celebrating the achievements of some of the most influential women in the XR space!
We spoke to this group of women about their inspiring contributions to the XR community, how they’ve shaped the field, and the real impact they’re making on the world.
From leading the largest public education VR rollouts in the U.S. to using immersive technology for powerful storytelling, these women have used XR for immeasurable impact – and have been kind enough to share their stories and wisdom with us.
This group’s skills, leadership, and innovation embody IWD 2026’s theme of ‘Give to Gain’, and they are an inspiration to us all. Let’s shine the spotlight!
Muhsinah Morris, Morehouse College
“When women are given space to lead in XR, we don’t just build virtual worlds – we build possibilities.
“I pioneered the first Metaversity model to ensure students, especially those historically excluded from innovation, could see themselves in the future of technology. That work has trained over 1,000 educators and expanded access to immersive learning across 200+ institutions.
“When women lead in XR, opportunity multiplies and communities gain confidence, access, and agency. She who learns, teaches!”
Muhsinah is Director of Metaverse Programs at Morehouse College, and an XR & AI Education Pioneer.
Shannon Putman, Putman XR Consulting
“I feel deeply grateful that my work in immersive education has led to extraordinary opportunities.
“I opened Kentucky’s first immersive VR lab and led the largest rollout of VR in American public education, bringing transformative tools to thousands of students. As co-founder of XReps, I helped create a neuroscience-based learning platform, and through the Jeremiah Hurt Foundation, I’m expanding access for underserved communities.
“I don’t change how students learn – I change how I teach.”
Shannon is the Owner of Putman XR Consulting, and has more than 15 years of IVR experience and implementation of technology in educational curriculums.
Annie Eaton, Futurus
“In 2024, I published The Extended Reality Blueprint, a guide that breaks down the XR production process for business leaders and non-developers.
“What I didn’t expect was for it to be adopted as a textbook across universities globally.
“Knowing that my experience is helping shape the next generation of XR professionals is incredibly rewarding, and far beyond what I imagined when I wrote it!”
Annie is the Founder and CEO of Futurus, and is involved with Women in XR Atlanta, Women in Technology (WIT), and The Academy of International Extended Reality (AIXR).
Amy Stout, Futurus
“I lead a talented team of XR creators and developers focused on delivering immersive training solutions that make an impact.
“Companies using our training simulations have reported measurable results, such as a reduction in training time by 50% and an increase in knowledge retention by 30% compared to traditional methods.
“We are setting a new standard for workforce development and reimagining how the next generation gains the skills and confidence to succeed on the job.”
Amy is the COO of Futurus, and is a leader in the immersive technology space working to create virtual and augmented reality training solutions for companies.
Zillah Watson and Katie Grayson, Phase Space
“Our proudest achievement is simple: we started with nothing but a belief that immersive technology could help struggling students, and we built it.
“Now we see the results – children attending school again, sitting exams, regaining confidence.
“Phase Space went from an idea to a solution that is quietly, meaningfully changing young lives. That still takes our breath away.”
Zillah and Katie are the CEO and COO of Phase Space, a cutting-edge, multi-sensory, immersive experience that provides immediate stress relief for young people.
Samantha Kingston, Virtual Umbrella
“My career began in awe of those telling powerful stories through innovative technology. When it was time to tell my own story, the immersive community gave me space and their unapologetic support to create.
“I made my VR film Anonymous knowing the industry was holding my hand. That support and impact was transformative: not just for me, but for the message I wanted to share”
Samantha is Co-Founder and CEO at Virtual Umbrella, as well as Director of the VR film Anonymous, a 360 narrative film sharing a powerful personal story.
Louise Paepe, RTC Antwerpen
“Bringing XR technology to 700 schools across Flanders has been one of the most rewarding achievements of my career.
“It wasn’t just about devices or software; it was about opening doors for teachers and students to experience learning in entirely new ways.
“Seeing classrooms transform and educators gain confidence with innovation reminded me that real change starts with opportunity.”
Louise is Education Consultant for RTC Antwerpen, and helps build quality education at the intersection between the education and labor market in Belgium.
Toriâh Teague, System Active
“One of my proudest achievements is leading VR demonstrations and integrating the technology for UK defence organisations.
“As often the only woman in the room, I’ve worked hard in my career to command the space, engage audiences, and showcase the power of transformative XR technology for Land, Sea, Air, and Space defence. Connecting with and learning from like-minded women across the industry has been amazing, and together we’re shaping the future of tech.
“I’m proud of the work I do, the people I collaborate with, and the impact we’re creating. Can’t stop, won’t stop!”
Toriâh is Head of Immersive Technology at System Active, helping organisations seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies like VR into their operations.
Sonya Haskins, Augmented World Expo
“My entry into the XR industry was a bit of an accident. Introduced to VR by my son, I was an overweight, middle-aged, seated female player who challenged stereotypes.
“I encouraged industry leaders to build with inclusivity in mind and I championed diversity as we worked to build the earliest and largest XR communities.
“I look back now and I’m proud of the impact I made because everyone should be able to feel welcome.”
Sonya is Head of Programming at Augmented World Expo and founder of VR Community Builders, a community-driven group focused on outreach.
Gema Molero González, IE University
“As an XR Lab Manager, one of the achievements I’m most proud of is leading through education in a field where women are still underrepresented.”
“In my classes, I remind students and fellow educators: step forward, even if you’re afraid – and learn to turn that fear into growth.”
“By giving knowledge, confidence, and representation, we gain empowered women ready to break the glass ceiling in XR.”
Gema is Project Manager, Academic Vision Scaling at IE University, and manages Virtual Reality activity across all IE University programs – undergraduate and graduate.
Thank You!
As we wrap up, we want once more to give a massive thank you to these inspirational women in XR. Every day, they show us what’s possible in the XR space when you have the right drive, innovation, and passion for helping others!
