Latest / Connecting with Kenna / How a Forbes 30 Under 30 Founder Is Getting More Girls Interested in Quantum Computing | Elisa Torres Durney

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How a Forbes 30 Under 30 Founder Is Getting More Girls Interested in Quantum Computing | Elisa Torres Durney · Connecting with Kenna

• 0:00
  Kenna: Ready?
• 0:00
  Kenna: Ready.
• 0:02
  Kenna: Hello and welcome back to another episode of Connecting with Kenna.
• 0:05
  Kenna: Today with me is Elisa Torres Derni.
• 0:08
  Kenna: She is from Viva Del Mar, Chile.
• 0:10
  Elisa: Yes.
• 0:11
  Kenna: She is doing electrical engineering here at Duke.
• 0:13
  Kenna: She's only a sophomore, but she has some amazing accomplishments, and I'm so excited for today's episode.
• 0:18
  Kenna: And I'm so excited for you guys to get to know Elisa a little bit more today.
• 0:22
  Kenna: So thank you for coming.
• 0:23
  Kenna: I'm so excited to have you here today.
• 0:24
  Kenna: Thank you, Kenna, and I I appreciate it so much.
• 0:27
  Elisa: I love that we have like this setting.
• 0:28
  Kenna: It's just perfect.
• 0:29
  Kenna: It's so beautiful.
• 0:30
  Kenna: This is on Duke's campus, guys.
• 0:31
  Kenna: And the setup is like I didn't change anything.
• 0:34
  Kenna: Exactly.
• 0:34
  Elisa: And it's like a specific place that we wouldn't disclose because it's perfect.
• 0:38
  Elisa: We're all gay kid this place.
• 0:40
  Elisa: Um, but it's just perfect for for the podcast, and I'm so happy to be having this chat with you.
• 0:46
  Elisa: We've had like so many chats um like about random stuff, and I think that this is like gonna be a great combination of like everything we're talking more.
• 0:54
  Kenna: So I reached out to Lisa on LinkedIn because I saw like you popped up on one of the Duke um event things on LinkedIn or something, and I was like, oh my gosh, I want to get to know her more.
• 1:03
  Kenna: So I texted her and I was like, hey, I'm gonna be at Duke this spring 2026.
• 1:07
  Kenna: Maybe we could get a coffee sometime and like I can get to know you.
• 1:10
  Kenna: We can like share ideas.
• 1:12
  Elisa: I remember I remember I was like, you were so nice.
• 1:15
  Elisa: Well, I remember that you reached out and you were like in China, so I was like, Yeah, what?
• 1:20
  Elisa: Like, this is like so crazy, but I always thought that you were like a Duke student.
• 1:24
  Elisa: Oh, just for there for the semester.
• 1:26
  Elisa: Exactly, exactly.
• 1:27
  Elisa: And so it's pretty nice.
• 1:28
  Elisa: So never never like disregard the power of LinkedIn.
• 1:32
  Kenna: Oh gosh, yeah.
• 1:34
  Kenna: I also just love one-on-one conversation so much, and that's one of the reasons I started this podcast.
• 1:38
  Kenna: So yeah, I'm so thankful that we were able to meet.
• 1:41
  Elisa: Yes, and we met um so the spring semester, this spring semester, yeah, and just like we met like mid-February, only a month ago, month a week ago.
• 1:51
  Kenna: Yeah, crazy.
• 1:52
  Elisa: And here we are.
• 1:53
  Kenna: Yes, it was my first ever episode that's recorded, like on video.
• 1:57
  Kenna: Yes, at least I got her go-to drink as well.
• 2:00
  Elisa: Yes, this is a lot of fog, and I got a matcha, an ice matcha.
• 2:05
  Elisa: Perfect.
• 2:05
  Kenna: Oh my gosh, thank you for being here.
• 2:07
  Kenna: Um, okay, so I wanted to ask you more about your hometown.
• 2:10
  Kenna: Like, what is it like there?
• 2:11
  Kenna: Yes, what are your traditions?
• 2:13
  Kenna: Um, and then we can get into some more things.
• 2:15
  Kenna: Actually, perfect.
• 2:16
  Kenna: Before we do that, um, do you want to share some of your hobbies or just like things that interest you?
• 2:21
  Elisa: Perfect before we get into it.
• 2:23
  Kenna: I love it.
• 2:23
  Elisa: Um, okay, so my hobbies.
• 2:26
  Elisa: I love well, gardening now that we're like outdoors, I think this is my inner child coming.
• 2:31
  Elisa: Oh my gosh.
• 2:31
  Elisa: Um, especially because I I feel that I spent so much time um at home just with my parents, with my grandparents, just like being outside, um, just enjoying with the cows as well.
• 2:43
  Elisa: I remember just like randomly you would see cows like near or garden, and that was so nice.
• 2:47
  Elisa: I was having a conversation uh some time ago with a friend.
• 2:51
  Elisa: Um, and that like we would just see cows like all over.
• 2:55
  Elisa: That was I I would love that.
• 2:57
  Elisa: Um just like being outside, I remember having like my orange juice and being there like with the soil.
• 3:04
  Elisa: I would just have like a mess in my house, uh, explore with things.
• 3:08
  Elisa: I would force my parents to like be my guests for my restaurant, and it would be like soil things.
• 3:14
  Elisa: Um, so I love gardening, I love um outdoor activities, um, painting.
• 3:19
  Elisa: My grand um father is a painter, so I I would just learn from him and just have so much fun.
• 3:25
  Elisa: And of course, more in the tech side, quantum computing and robotics, um, which the last one I've been able to explore here more this semester, robotics with my lab.
• 3:34
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 3:35
  Elisa: So it's been a lot of learning.
• 3:36
  Kenna: That's so amazing.
• 3:37
  Kenna: Thank you for sharing all that.
• 3:38
  Kenna: And I want to get into all those different topics.
• 3:41
  Kenna: Um, how did your grandparents inspire you to where you are right now and your parents?
• 3:46
  Kenna: And also, did you live close to your grandparents growing up?
• 3:49
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 3:49
  Elisa: Um, I think that um what I love the most about uh my grandparents is that they were really present because my parents were mostly working uh when I was at well all the time, but mostly.
• 4:00
  Elisa: Um I spent a lot of time with my grandparents and they were my second parents, I would say.
• 4:06
  Elisa: Um they were always there to like teach me about um different things.
• 4:10
  Elisa: From I remember having time with my grandfather and we would just like play tests or like just paint, and I would love it because I remember just like having like any idea of like, oh I'll just paint this like green or like something like orange, for example.
• 4:26
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 4:27
  Elisa: And he would teach me, like, oh, but what about like exploring with colours and we like just fun stuff?
• 4:31
  Elisa: Um, I don't know if you've seen, but there's like also this kind of game that you build with pieces and you like let's say like the Eiffel Tower, and then you build with like different um cartboard and stuff like that until you get the whole Eiffel Tower.
• 4:46
  Elisa: It's just very complicated.
• 4:47
  Elisa: I remember spending so much time with him like doing that.
• 4:50
  Elisa: So that's so nice.
• 4:51
  Elisa: I really appreciate that in like those like small moments that I was really being able to be curious and creative.
• 4:57
  Kenna: It's really nice.
• 4:58
  Kenna: I'm also it's so awesome that they're that they allowed you to be so creative and just bring dirt into the house and all that.
• 5:06
  Elisa: Yeah, for sure.
• 5:07
  Elisa: And I think that um well we were talking about it.
• 5:09
  Elisa: We we're both like growing into like um small cities, yeah.
• 5:13
  Elisa: And that is like such a great thing that I now appreciate the same that we were talking before that we both like really appreciate that we had that kind of childhood.
• 5:20
  Elisa: Um especially because it just allows you to see much more than just like iPads and like cell phones us right now that I feel that it's like I spend so much time with it all the time, and just being out there just painting, um spending time like knowing different plans, and just just being I remember just being outside and like smelling everything, like this is so nice and so fresh, and then it's so nice, right?
• 5:48
  Elisa: And then you can touch everything, like oh that you shouldn't touch that.
• 5:52
  Kenna: Yeah, I would love that.
• 5:53
  Kenna: I would love that.
• 5:54
  Kenna: So, how did your hometown or in where you grew up inspire you to become the person that you are?
• 5:59
  Kenna: And how did that get you to where you are today?
• 6:04
  Elisa: Oh, that's a good one.
• 6:05
  Elisa: I would say that um mainly by being just discovering myself through um like my surroundings and be able to just question a lot of the things that I was seeing.
• 6:19
  Elisa: So whether it was like um nature stuff, like the trees, I was always asking questions to anyone that was around me, and that also got like translated to high school and like middle school and elementary school.
• 6:33
  Elisa: I would be like asking questions all the time.
• 6:36
  Elisa: Um I remember like most recently pandemic style, yeah, um, it was mostly about we'll be in classes, and I would be like, you know, like the virtual hands, I'll be like asking questions, and I would always have like miss the human element of it, so I would always be there, and I think that was like very essential, but that was all through like this kind of curiosity that build up through childhood, and I think that my parents always like insisted me like ask questions, like it never like there's never like a dumb question stupid question, and I love that because right now at Tuk is like I'm surrounded by all the smart people, and you're there in the classroom, and then you're like I really want this, I want to ask this question.
• 7:21
  Elisa: I'm I'm not sure.
• 7:22
  Elisa: Um perhaps you're not sitting like in front row or like back there, so you're really like intimidated by everyone.
• 7:28
  Elisa: But I always think first, these people will never remember like perhaps this question, like ever, like it's just a tiny thing, and second, like you gotta try it, right?
• 7:38
  Elisa: Like, don't be intimidated by anyone, and I think that that just built up because like I was able to ask questions and just like being nature was like such a great place to explore creativity and just like being curious, and it is like here, you know, like that's why I love this place, it's like such a great setup.
• 7:54
  Kenna: It feels like time like slows down when you're outside, just or off a computer screen.
• 7:59
  Elisa: Yeah, no, I couldn't wrestle it with that because I like and off because um I think that when you're outside, you just like notice all the little details of stuff.
• 8:09
  Elisa: Yeah, when you're inside, of course, you have so much to do and then you see like people working and stuff, but here it's just so rounding and so relaxing.
• 8:17
  Kenna: Yeah, but I love going on morning walks and just looking at the trees and the different flowers.
• 8:22
  Kenna: I took photos, there was a tree, and these purple flowers were sprouting on the the trunk of the tree, which was really it was so pretty, but I've never seen that before.
• 8:32
  Elisa: So nice.
• 8:32
  Kenna: Yeah, it was beautiful.
• 8:33
  Elisa: Like purple flowers?
• 8:35
  Kenna: Yeah, wow.
• 8:35
  Kenna: I forget the name of the tree because it's a really long, confusing name, but yeah, it was so beautiful.
• 8:42
  Elisa: That was so nice.
• 8:43
  Elisa: I um well we were talking about this, like the the tulips and the duke gardens are so pretty right now.
• 8:49
  Elisa: Um and I just love seeing how everything changes like from like winter to spring.
• 8:55
  Elisa: Um, it's just so beautiful, and you get to see like people that are happier somehow.
• 9:01
  Elisa: You get to see like oh people outside enjoying the nice sun, and I think that you just like feel better or like more comfortable like going around campus as well.
• 9:11
  Kenna: Yeah, I agree.
• 9:12
  Kenna: I also feel more inspired.
• 9:13
  Kenna: Yeah, yeah, I agree.
• 9:15
  Kenna: Seeing the new life and everything, also the all the little animals in the springtime, the baby animals are so.
• 9:21
  Elisa: Everything, the birds.
• 9:22
  Elisa: We're just seeing some birds passing by, like yeah, all over.
• 9:26
  Kenna: It's so nice, and like some of spiders as well.
• 9:28
  Kenna: Yes.
• 9:29
  Kenna: Okay, so Elisa is very um grounded.
• 9:33
  Kenna: She likes all the painting.
• 9:35
  Kenna: Do you like poetry?
• 9:36
  Kenna: I love poetry.
• 9:37
  Elisa: I well, I would say that I'm not a connoisseur, but I I love um just spending some time like at night sometimes.
• 9:46
  Elisa: Like I love putting music.
• 9:47
  Elisa: Like this is the perfect itinerary for me, like my pajamas, music, and then I could just like write things down in like a document, or like I have a journal that my mom bought to me like a long time ago, and I would write things there in Spanish or like in English, and I would really like to get inspired by like Tilian poetry or like any poetry in general.
• 10:06
  Elisa: And sometimes I try to do some poetry, but it's on the in the process.
• 10:11
  Kenna: It's so good to write things down and just write down your thoughts or things that you want to accomplish.
• 10:16
  Kenna: And I think it allows you to remember those goals and then be like, Okay, I'll see if this happens.
• 10:21
  Kenna: Do you have a journal?
• 10:22
  Kenna: I do, but I need to write in it more.
• 10:25
  Kenna: I'm not so organized, I'll like write in my um school notebooks when I'm bored in class.
• 10:29
  Kenna: And one time I wrote like see a Duke basketball game, do like a podcast episode.
• 10:34
  Kenna: I have like four things.
• 10:35
  Kenna: Oh, okay.
• 10:36
  Kenna: And then I remember like looking after two weeks or two months had gone by, and I was able to check some things off of the list that I wanted to do at Duke.
• 10:43
  Kenna: And I was like, this is so awesome.
• 10:45
  Kenna: Because I think in the back of my mind, I remembered that list that I made, and then I was able to check them off.
• 10:49
  Kenna: It was really nice.
• 10:50
  Elisa: And I've seen um one thing that is like called the impossible list, that you would do like things that you might think would be impossible.
• 10:57
  Elisa: Um and then you try to like write them down, and then you like try to see like different steps or like more typical stuff that you can go like do to like afterwards achieve it, and it's so nice, and I feel that like you've been just a semester here doing you've been like doing so many things, so like that's so nice that you can be like to a Duke basketball game because it's like very known, and then uh just exploring, and I think that there's also like a lot of things to do here, so like one might get overwhelmed, but if you like know like certain things that you can do, it's just perfect, yeah.
• 11:31
  Kenna: Yeah, also you never know where your life is gonna take you.
• 11:34
  Kenna: So many things happen that you did not see coming, and this is also reminding me of the conversations we had about your girls in quantum um startup.
• 11:42
  Kenna: So, do you want to talk about that and how you founded it, what inspired you?
• 11:46
  Kenna: Um, were you expecting this to happen?
• 11:49
  Kenna: Um also it took you to Forbes 30 under 30.
• 11:52
  Kenna: Is that correct?
• 11:53
  Kenna: Yeah, is that what okay no that's sort of So go into that.
• 11:56
  Kenna: It's really inspiring and I want the audience to hear this.
• 11:59
  Elisa: Um I think when it c it comes to Girls in Quantum, um it started in 20 I started in 2022, but it was all after an online course that I took.
• 12:09
  Elisa: So um the pandemic, we all know what happened and all the stuff um that were not as positive, but I think that for me it was a moment where I was like spending a lot of time in my house in my house um with my computer as well.
• 12:23
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 12:24
  Elisa: And I felt that it was like throwing back to childhood moments where I was like there and I was I would be like, Oh, should I go outside, ride?
• 12:31
  Elisa: Um, or what else can I do?
• 12:34
  Elisa: And I explored different courses online and it was like more about like financial literacy and sustainability and just like all over.
• 12:42
  Elisa: Um and then I saw this course that it was like introduction to quantum computing, and that like threw me off because it was like so different from what I was like seeing before.
• 12:54
  Elisa: But I think that that just like opened my eyes to something that it was really different.
• 13:00
  Elisa: I asked my parents and they had no idea.
• 13:02
  Elisa: They were like, What are you talking about?
• 13:04
  Elisa: Um, but I just like I remember looking it up and I saw like this huge machine, like a lot of wires and stuff like that.
• 13:11
  Elisa: I was like, this is no way this is a computer because I wasn't sure about it at all.
• 13:16
  Elisa: Yeah, um, but I gave it a try.
• 13:18
  Elisa: I said, Why not?
• 13:19
  Elisa: This is like an opportunity that I should just learn.
• 13:21
  Elisa: And worst case scenario, I just like would withdraw from the course.
• 13:25
  Elisa: It was online course, so I would just apply it.
• 13:27
  Elisa: And I remember I applied for this colorship and everything.
• 13:29
  Elisa: I was like, okay, I'm I'm ready.
• 13:31
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 13:31
  Elisa: And weeks passed, and then I I received this like the news that I got into the program, and I was like, wow, okay, so it's time to learn.
• 13:40
  Elisa: And throughout a year, I just learned about uh its applications, but it would be like a new technology that you can use in so many other ways and like applications, so whether it's like pharmaceuticals or uh cybersecurity or optimization, so it's all about this other logic of processing data in a much faster way, and it could solve like certain problems, you know.
• 14:02
  Elisa: So even though it won't replace classical computers like our phones, it will be kind of this new technology that will work with quantum mechanics, so all different nature, and yeah, that's how it led to Grossing Quantum.
• 14:16
  Elisa: Um I don't understand.
• 14:19
  Kenna: Oops, so amazing.
• 14:21
  Elisa: No, it's fine, it's so inspiring.
• 14:23
  Elisa: And I I just like I feel that that just really inspired me to see like the community outside because I never thought we'd have an online community that I would be able to look up for and just have so much fun.
• 14:34
  Elisa: Um, and I said to myself, well, why not create another community that I can continue learning after the program?
• 14:41
  Elisa: Um, I said I want to also be able to see more girls into this field.
• 14:45
  Elisa: Yeah, I always get this question of like, why only girls?
• 14:49
  Elisa: Why are you name it girls in quantum and like people are just like really bad?
• 14:52
  Elisa: Uh and I I honestly like I think it's funny now.
• 14:56
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 14:56
  Elisa: Um, but I think it's well, first it's everyone is welcome to join.
• 15:00
  Elisa: We've organized different programs and every everyone is joining, but I really want to make that emphasis in the name so you could attract more girls into like this field and at the end of all not related to just like a field that is just male-dominated, right?
• 15:14
  Elisa: Um so yeah, that's that's how it started, and it's been a lovely journey of teaching students, teaching um learners, and just people that might be enthusiastic about it, um, to just explore quantum computing together.
• 15:27
  Kenna: That's amazing.
• 15:28
  Kenna: Um, I wanted to ask, is one of the reasons you were inspired to start Girls in Quantum because you wanted to like catch girls' attention, be like, okay, this is something that you could end up loving, and I want you to try it.
• 15:41
  Kenna: Like, not just for the girls that were like, Oh, I know about quantum.
• 15:45
  Kenna: I get you so much.
• 15:46
  Elisa: Um, I think that um absolutely one of my things um or purpose, like the purpose behind this was understanding that hey, if you don't know about it, is not like a limit for you to not like try it and see how it would be.
• 16:01
  Kenna: Yeah.
• 16:01
  Elisa: So I was like, okay, let's let's try it, let's do it.
• 16:04
  Elisa: Um and I remember asking a couple friends and they were just scared to like see how it turned out, everything, um, as they would learn more about the field.
• 16:14
  Elisa: So I just said it, like, I think this is a great incentive, perhaps, or like a way to say that it's just not just like all the stereotypes that you might think in your head.
• 16:22
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 16:23
  Elisa: Um, and I really wanted to make it seem something approachable and fun in a community.
• 16:28
  Elisa: So it's like when you join a club, you know, and then you're like, oh my god, I am this club and I really love this.
• 16:34
  Elisa: Like, you might love tea, like I don't know, like you love tea, but then if you join a community of like people that love tea the same as the way that you do, then you feel like inspired, you can try new things.
• 16:44
  Elisa: So I was it was kind of the same um mission behind girls in quantum.
• 16:49
  Elisa: Like, I loved quantum computing, learning about it, even though I I still have a lot to learn, and I feel that having this community would even encourage more people to join and learn.
• 16:58
  Elisa: That's awesome.
• 16:58
  Elisa: Yes.
• 16:59
  Kenna: What's the most inspiring conversation that you've had um by creating um Girls in Quantum?
• 17:06
  Kenna: Okay, I'm gonna rephrase that.
• 17:07
  Kenna: So I love that one.
• 17:08
  Kenna: After you create a girls in Quantum, what is what's a inspiring conversation that you had with someone and who inspired you the most?
• 17:17
  Elisa: Oh the most inspiring.
• 17:19
  Elisa: Like there's so many.
• 17:21
  Elisa: Uh but I I really want to like the most inspiring.
• 17:25
  Elisa: I'm sorry if I'm taking my time.
• 17:26
  Elisa: No, you're totally fine.
• 17:27
  Elisa: The most inspiring conversation.
• 17:30
  Elisa: There's okay, so there's been some great um experiences.
• 17:37
  Elisa: It's like really great question.
• 17:38
  Elisa: I've I think I've never been asked this.
• 17:40
  Elisa: Um there's been great conversations with people that have like awards and like they're super well like known.
• 17:50
  Elisa: I had the opportunity just two days ago to talk with um a novel prize winner for physics, and we were just talking about um how he got into quantum, the new possibilities for this technology as well in the future.
• 18:08
  Elisa: Um but when it comes to really something that perhaps made me think a little bit more about like learning in in community wise, I think it's definitely with some of the people from my team.
• 18:21
  Kenna: Yeah.
• 18:22
  Elisa: Um so of course I've learned so much from like mentors, and like as I said, like two days ago, I also I was able to like learn so much about people's like sometimes you might imagine like all these people that have like this great recognition, they have like also great starts and like great way that they like had like this childhood that really like was the I don't know the start of like everything that will be awesome in the future, but sometimes like everything starts with a question with a like an object or someone that inspired you.
• 18:53
  Elisa: Um and when it comes to this conversation that really inspired me was like one of our team members, and she was able to tell me about her journey um within science and that she got inspired as well because of like a university professor and she built a really good relationship with um her professor in terms that it would be like more of a like a father kind of role model, um, that it would guide her towards her goals and that even if her institution didn't support her in like her academic pursuits, perhaps it was more about just her developing a good relationship with his prof with her professor and be able to see that you can have different mentors in so many different areas that you might not expect.
• 19:38
  Elisa: Um, and that's so beautiful because that made me reconsider about how we look for mentors and people that really guide us through life.
• 19:45
  Elisa: That um sometimes you might think, oh, it has to be like this advisor in my area, in my field, or like a person that I really look up for, like in different areas, super accomplished.
• 19:55
  Elisa: Um, and 100% it can be that.
• 19:58
  Elisa: Um, but I think that that made me realize that we have to be open to just receive different advice and feedback and outlooks of life uh from everyone and take everything like as a learning opportunity.
• 20:12
  Elisa: Um, so that's been very beautiful because I think that she's so resilient.
• 20:16
  Elisa: Um the person that I'm talking about, and I really admire her, and I think that everyone in the team at Girls and Quantum really make me like feel that I can like accomplish so much more things, so many more things.
• 20:29
  Elisa: So that's very beautiful that you can like when you have people surrounding you um that are really like passionate about their things, that you can like see their eyes and they're like shining when they talk about what they love.
• 20:41
  Elisa: Um I love that I I think I I rambled a lot here.
• 20:44
  Elisa: Thank you so much.
• 20:46
  Elisa: I just really love uh those conversations when you're like you're talking with a friend or like in my case like a team member, um, and you get to build like this such a great friendship and to just learn so much about them.
• 20:58
  Kenna: Yeah, I love that.
• 20:59
  Kenna: I think it's so inspiring too that everyone you have interactions with can help you in your path and your journey, and one conversation can change your whole life.
• 21:09
  Kenna: Um I think it's so awesome that you're able to like you're you're literally the founder and you're talking about someone that's working with you and how they inspired you, and I think that's so beautiful, and I think it's also beautiful that anyone can be our mentor, like you were saying.
• 21:23
  Kenna: Um and I always try to treat conversations like that and also um listen to people's advice, where they like their story, um, because that all plays a role in everyone's journey, like where they're from.
• 21:37
  Kenna: Um I also think it's really inspiring and uh interesting that for example someone with a Nobel um award or like a Nobel Peace Prize, they are just a person as well.
• 21:50
  Kenna: And they have a story and they have um doubts, fears, they've been through like hardships.
• 21:57
  Kenna: Um and I think a lot of times people forget about the journey.
• 21:59
  Kenna: And how hard people have to work to be successful and to build something that's successful.
• 22:04
  Kenna: Um, because it's easy to like look at you and be like, oh my gosh, you were like this guest speaker in so many different events, you're so lucky, you started a successful startup, um, or sorry, nonprofit.
• 22:17
  Kenna: Um, but you put so much work into that, and you had to go over so many obstacles, I can assume.
• 22:25
  Kenna: Um, and I just think that's really inspiring that you are able to look at some girls in your group that probably look up to you and you're like, Well, I look up to you too, you know.
• 22:36
  Elisa: No, that's so nice.
• 22:36
  Elisa: And I I love that especially because I think that it has happened so many times that as you said, it's like, oh, you're so lucky, or this is like is because of like this, you know, or like this other reason.
• 22:48
  Elisa: And this comes like so natural, you know?
• 22:51
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 22:51
  Elisa: Of like, oh, like there has to be a reason because like this is like wonderful and beautiful and all this.
• 22:57
  Elisa: But I think it's like it's like there's like so many steps that comes down to like I feel it's like linkeding, for example, that you show the best version of yourself and it's like oh like I'm true to announce, which I'm already I have done 100%.
• 23:13
  Elisa: Yeah, I like I um yeah, um but I think that when it comes to just like building this whole of journey that you have, it's all not non-linear at all.
• 23:24
  Elisa: Like I imagine like 10 years ago, if I would have asked you, like, oh, where would you be at, then you would say like completely something completely different from now.
• 23:32
  Elisa: For sure.
• 23:33
  Elisa: Or perhaps you would have said, Oh, I want to be at Duke, for example, or like something else.
• 23:38
  Elisa: Yeah, but the path that led you to like be here might be completely different or unexpected, right?
• 23:43
  Elisa: Yeah, so like I think it's just like so curious and to like fun and interesting to see, like, yeah, everything might be like so beautiful from the outside, but that of course takes like a different process, and there's challenges as you said, and also like this non-linear path that you were like able to explore and get to the place that you're now.
• 24:02
  Kenna: Yeah, for sure.
• 24:04
  Kenna: I wanted to ask what does it mean for you to be a founder?
• 24:07
  Kenna: And also, um, what's the biggest trial you had to get through to get to where you are today?
• 24:15
  Elisa: Perfect.
• 24:15
  Elisa: Um, what does it mean to be a founder?
• 24:18
  Elisa: Um, I think that I when I um I remember once I uh launched Girls in Quantum.
• 24:27
  Elisa: I uh said, oh okay, I'm gonna start this, I'm gonna create this community.
• 24:32
  Elisa: And then I remember going to one of my first conferences, one of the first conferences that I attended, um they introduced me as like founder of Girls in Quantum, and I was like, wow, like this sounds so cool, you know, because like you always see like these movies and it's like you know, like the founder of I don't know, I don't know, like any company.
• 24:51
  Elisa: And when it comes to just like how it feels, I think for me it's just like being able to develop your idea and just be able to to lead it, to just chalk with so many people and brainstorm.
• 25:04
  Elisa: I would always imagine that it would be like I don't know, um, this kind of position that you're like have everything figure out and like planned, and then you have like this structure and your goals, like long-term, five years, ten years.
• 25:19
  Elisa: And even though at first it was like that, I was I remember like founding girls in quantum and having these goals that I would achieve.
• 25:25
  Elisa: Um, it's more about having like this open mind of leading and also sharing with others.
• 25:34
  Elisa: So it's not that you're like, I'm gonna lead this organization, it's like you co-lead with others and see like there's a space for creation.
• 25:40
  Elisa: And I love it because when you're having a non-profit or an organization or a project, like anything in mind, I love when it's like, what if we just organize a whole new project with these people and you start sending emails and you're like start getting rejected, and then you're like, Okay, so I'm following up, and then they don't reply, right?
• 26:01
  Elisa: So it's like just trying and like seeing that no one else is like gonna do it for you, yeah, but at the same time that you're fighting for your idea and that you're fighting to make it work, right?
• 26:10
  Elisa: So even though if like someone might not be responding, you're like, okay, like let's reach out to someone else.
• 26:16
  Elisa: So it's like your baby that you're like trying to like always hope for the best, um, but always trying to work as much as you can to like explore new things to happen and new opportunities.
• 26:31
  Elisa: Um, so I would treat it as a baby, and having the team is like the best thing ever.
• 26:35
  Elisa: So whenever you're having this idea, what whether it's that podcast or anything that you're like working for, um, if you have these people behind you that can support you, that can give you ideas, that can give you the support and encouragement, because there's like sometimes that you'll be like have zero motivation.
• 26:51
  Elisa: Um, that's definitely like the best thing that you can have.
• 26:55
  Kenna: Yeah, thank you for sharing.
• 26:56
  Kenna: This reminds me of a conversation that I had with um another Duke student and we were talking about startups, and I was like, What do you do when you just feel so alone because you're the most excited about this startup, you know, or this organization that you started.
• 27:11
  Kenna: And he gave me really good advice.
• 27:13
  Kenna: He was like, You'll never you'll always be the most excited about it because you're the one that started it, you're the one that put in all the work to get there.
• 27:20
  Kenna: Um, so you need to like treat it like your baby, and you just need to understand that no one is gonna be as excited as you are ever.
• 27:27
  Kenna: And I thought that was really good advice because sometimes I get when I'm starting an idea or something that I want to work on, and I think that's important to realize okay, I am the most excited about this, and I can find other people that are just as excited or like a little bit less excited that will work with me.
• 27:42
  Kenna: Um, but it's just about finding those people, and I think that's really that was really helpful for me because I was like, I'm so excited about this idea I have, but it just feels like it's getting nowhere, you know?
• 27:53
  Elisa: And yeah, yeah, and I feel that it's like so hard sometimes.
• 27:57
  Elisa: Um like I always ask others that have like teams, like how do you like get the best team, right?
• 28:04
  Elisa: How do you get like the right people?
• 28:06
  Elisa: And as you said, sometimes it's just more about the title than the role that you will have.
• 28:12
  Elisa: Uh so like oh what title am I gonna have?
• 28:15
  Elisa: Am I gonna be like lead of something, right?
• 28:18
  Elisa: Or um vice president of like so on, so on.
• 28:22
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 28:22
  Elisa: Um, but sometimes you just find people that have the mission to accomplish things within like the club that is like much more, like club anything in general, that is like much more than just like the title, and that's what I love because it's like it's not about oh I want to have this to put it on my LinkedIn or like my my scene.
• 28:43
  Elisa: Uh it's I want to do this because I really want to like see how this might work, you know.
• 28:49
  Elisa: And I always love the mindset when it's like what if like everything works out, you know?
• 28:55
  Elisa: Because sometimes we might think, especially when we're like starting things and you feel like super motivated, right?
• 29:00
  Elisa: It's like the perfect that's the perfect stage.
• 29:02
  Elisa: You're like starting something, you're like, okay, I have these ideas, but there's also a lot of uncertainty, right?
• 29:08
  Elisa: So it's this it's like, wait, will this work out?
• 29:11
  Elisa: Or what if it fails?
• 29:14
  Elisa: What if it's like not gonna work out at all?
• 29:16
  Elisa: And then all these ideas start to like get into your brain, but in some moments you just have to be, and I'm I'm not sure if this is the right word, but like you have to be delusional.
• 29:26
  Kenna: Yeah.
• 29:26
  Elisa: And what I'm trying to say is that you just have to be fueled by your own motivation and like all the things that you might be able to achieve with this.
• 29:35
  Elisa: And if not, it's gonna be a learning process either way.
• 29:37
  Elisa: So I remember um what is it?
• 29:40
  Elisa: I I think I wrote this like a couple days ago.
• 29:42
  Elisa: Like there's a saying in Spanish that is like tirarse la piscina, which is like to throw yourself into a pool.
• 29:48
  Elisa: And then that's like in Spanish, like it's usually used to like put yourself into a situation that you might not be like fully ready, but you just try either way, right?
• 29:59
  Elisa: Yeah, and that's like the founder like experienced and like anyone that is like starting something new, like you just throw yourself into a pool somehow, you know?
• 30:07
  Elisa: Like, and like sometimes you might belly flop, which is completely fair and completely fine, but like you give yourself the chance, and then you're like, you know what?
• 30:16
  Elisa: Like years later or months later, I try that, it didn't work, but then that made me pivot to something else.
• 30:22
  Elisa: Yeah, and it can always lead to something new.
• 30:24
  Elisa: Exactly.
• 30:25
  Elisa: So it's a win-win situation either way.
• 30:27
  Elisa: It's not that you're gonna like you might feel that it's like a failure or something.
• 30:31
  Elisa: It's not, it's just like a red direction somehow.
• 30:33
  Elisa: So that's perfect.
• 30:35
  Kenna: I actually felt this way about my podcast.
• 30:37
  Kenna: I was like so nervous to start it, I guess.
• 30:40
  Kenna: And then I was like, okay, I read this quote, and this is like where I was like, okay, I just need to like do this.
• 30:45
  Kenna: It said, I'm gonna try to think of the exact words.
• 30:48
  Kenna: It said it doesn't need to be perfect, you just need to like start it, like, and then you can make it perfect later.
• 30:53
  Kenna: Exactly.
• 30:53
  Kenna: It just needs to exist first, and then you can work on making it perfect, even though nothing can be perfect.
• 30:58
  Kenna: And I really liked that because I was like, Okay, even if I'm just recording with audio, I'm at least getting stories out there.
• 31:04
  Elisa: Exactly.
• 31:05
  Kenna: Um I had a conversation with my cousin actually, and this was a really helpful conversation, actually, because I was like, if you weren't my cousin, would you honestly listen to my podcast?
• 31:14
  Kenna: And he was like, No.
• 31:16
  Kenna: And I was like, Okay, that's fair, because like I can work on it, you know, that's something to work on.
• 31:20
  Kenna: Um, I can work on being a better host, asking better questions, and I was like, this is honestly so new for me.
• 31:25
  Kenna: And I'll just learn throughout the process if it doesn't reach the audience that I don't even have a specific goal of the audience that I want to reach, but I just want people to be inspired by conversations and be more aware of how much is out there in the world.
• 31:40
  Kenna: Um, so I was like, this is a learning experience either way, and I love having conversations with people and just learning it from them.
• 31:48
  Kenna: Um so yeah, I just wanted to share that because I completely understand like what if it fails, or um like not knowing like how much time should I spend on this if it's not going to work out, but instead just like think okay, what can work out from here and what can lead from this, like if it doesn't work out, you know.
• 32:06
  Elisa: Here we are, we're recording the podcast, and it's so nice.
• 32:09
  Elisa: We like we talk about this and we're like able to be here recording it, like having nice tea.
• 32:16
  Elisa: Um, so I think that it's like at first it might be like one like my question about it, like, oh I'm not sure if I'm gonna do it or not.
• 32:25
  Elisa: Like, is this the right way?
• 32:26
  Elisa: But once you do it, you're like you push yourself to like out of to be out of your comfort zone and you're just like trying it to be the best, right?
• 32:34
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 32:34
  Elisa: And I love also what you said when it's like you ask other people for like, hey, would you like listen to this or like like being open to feedback?
• 32:42
  Elisa: Yeah, yeah.
• 32:42
  Elisa: Because I feel that um when I started Girls in Quantum or like other projects that I have started, I always was like a little bit of I don't know, skeptical about oh, like I don't know, like I really I was very I was very stubborn and I would be like I want it my way and that's the terrible way to start.
• 33:01
  Elisa: That's like the worst thing ever because I would be like it's my idea, right?
• 33:06
  Elisa: I I know what I ambition this to be.
• 33:08
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 33:08
  Elisa: So I feel that it's like I only know how this might look like in the future, but that was the worst thing because then I wouldn't be able to like scroll and like see like how incorporating other elements to uh girls in quantum or like other projects would like turn up later on, right?
• 33:25
  Elisa: So I I think that just like that's so much work, like be able to just be like resilient and like sometimes there will be like feedback, and like there's people who have told me like, oh, like this is this was not a good program, for example, or this was not a good way to execute it.
• 33:38
  Elisa: Yeah, and even though before I was like I I don't like hearing that, like no one likes hearing that.
• 33:44
  Elisa: Um, but then you just get like okay, like I really appreciate that.
• 33:47
  Elisa: Like I I will like try to change that and see how that might be improving, like might be able to get improved.
• 33:53
  Elisa: Um, that's such a good way to like approach this.
• 33:56
  Kenna: Yeah, and I honestly think negative feedback is the best feedback if you are able to look at it in a logical way.
• 34:03
  Kenna: Because some people will give you negative feedback if they're jealous or like they just want to throw something at you, but if you're able to like look at it with a logical framework, you can be like, okay, I understand where you're coming from, yeah, and I think we can like move it this way, or um do it in the way that I wanted, but just like slightly different so that it helps the audience.
• 34:22
  Elisa: Yes, I love that.
• 34:23
  Elisa: I feel that it my 16-year-old was like very stubborn in that way.
• 34:27
  Elisa: Um, but I've learned so much, and as you said, like you always have to take it in a way that is like the worst thing to do it is to take it personal.
• 34:35
  Kenna: Yeah, for sure.
• 34:36
  Elisa: It's like always trying to see it as like that's a good that's a good way to like see it from someone else, you know.
• 34:42
  Elisa: You might look at like your project um in like a drawing, for example, and then you you might say like, oh, this is perfect, right?
• 34:49
  Elisa: But then someone else would see like, oh, perhaps you're like missing some like shade in here, you know?
• 34:54
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 34:54
  Elisa: I don't know if that's a good analogy, but I feel that it's like there's always good to see what someone else might um like give you for feedback and like ways to improve.
• 35:03
  Elisa: Like you're you're like a learner, even if you're a teacher in some other areas, and I I don't know if that makes sense, but I think that you can be um mastering like I don't know, engineering or um poetry and so on, but then you always are learning from something else, right?
• 35:21
  Elisa: So it's like you're always like there you're learning and constantly like trying to improve.
• 35:26
  Kenna: I like what you said about the learner and the teacher in my linguistics class.
• 35:29
  Kenna: There was it's I'm gonna try to explain this.
• 35:31
  Kenna: So there was duplicates of the same photo, so two of each photo, like side by side, and one was a guy in like a business suit and it said leader, and then one was footsteps falling behind that said um follower, and then it switched, so the follower was the person in the suit, and then the leader was the one um walking.
• 35:48
  Kenna: Nice, and I thought this was so interesting and in a really interesting perspective because sometimes the leader is like, oh, like the guy in the suit, and then all the followers are walking behind, but in another like way, the followers can be the guy in the suit, and then the leader can be the one walking in front or behind.
• 36:04
  Kenna: Exactly.
• 36:05
  Kenna: It's not all um asset, yeah, it's not perfect or uh set in stone, I would say.
• 36:13
  Kenna: Exactly.
• 36:13
  Kenna: Making something perfect should never be the goal, and I struggled with that for so many years.
• 36:17
  Kenna: Like, okay, if I start this, it has to be perfect, it has to be successful.
• 36:20
  Kenna: And then I'm like, okay, but what if it's not?
• 36:22
  Kenna: Like, what if it's um like super ugly and like messy, but people like it.
• 36:27
  Kenna: Uh-huh.
• 36:27
  Kenna: And something that I just thought of again, sorry, I'm like rambling.
• 36:30
  Kenna: No, this is in Japan, there's I forget the saying, but there's like a lot of people love poet uh pottery that's like uneven.
• 36:39
  Kenna: Oh and not perfect.
• 36:40
  Kenna: Do you know the word for that?
• 36:41
  Kenna: Yes, no, it's like beautiful.
• 36:44
  Elisa: I thought it was ikigai, but ikigai is like finding your own like purpose and joy.
• 36:47
  Kenna: Yeah, it's like ikigai is um like finding like making money, helping people, doing something you love.
• 36:53
  Kenna: I forget the all the yeah, but I know what you're saying.
• 36:56
  Elisa: That is like this pottery that sometimes broken.
• 36:58
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 36:58
  Elisa: You like fix it with like gold or like stuff like that.
• 37:01
  Kenna: Yeah, I think that's actually something else, but it's similar.
• 37:03
  Kenna: So it's like uneven pottery, but like people will pay more for it because it's beautiful, you know, it's unique.
• 37:09
  Kenna: And I love that so much.
• 37:10
  Kenna: I'm like, I need to live like this more, you know.
• 37:13
  Kenna: Not everyone's gonna like you.
• 37:14
  Kenna: I love that.
• 37:15
  Kenna: Don't need to worry about that.
• 37:16
  Elisa: Yes, and I couldn't like this is like so perfect because I think that um it's always like whenever you're trying to like do something or like convey an idea, then or like like even now, for example, like we're like on this podcast, like we might try to like say things and like express ourselves and try to like convey an idea in the perfect way ever.
• 37:38
  Elisa: But I feel that like that will never like would be a goal.
• 37:41
  Elisa: That that would not be like a natural conversation, right?
• 37:43
  Elisa: Like we're just like having fun, and that's the best thing.
• 37:47
  Elisa: So sometimes we just might show like this is like the way that I want to show this to others, yeah.
• 37:54
  Elisa: But the best way sometimes is just to be yourself and just like you know, like I might just have mistakes and this is what makes it perfect, you know, like or like good and like fun for me to just share with others, right?
• 38:06
  Elisa: For sure, and the best thing is like not how it'll be like the outcome for others, but for you.
• 38:11
  Elisa: So it's like if you're good with it, if you're comfortable, then you like you're so fine, then you're like so good.
• 38:16
  Kenna: That's what I also love about podcasts because it is like a little bit messy, like it's just a conversation.
• 38:20
  Kenna: But starting out, it sounded so staged because I didn't know how to talk normally, like while recording.
• 38:27
  Kenna: I was like, I do not sound like myself at all.
• 38:29
  Kenna: Hello, hello, and I think that's also what my cousin was saying.
• 38:32
  Kenna: He's like, like, if we had a conversation right now, what do you sound like?
• 38:35
  Kenna: That sounds like maybe this is the first like episode where I feel like I can bully myself.
• 38:39
  Kenna: So I'm really happy about that.
• 38:41
  Elisa: Yes, and I love it.
• 38:42
  Elisa: I I love what you say about like also the Japanese saying.
• 38:45
  Elisa: Like, whenever you try to like be perfect, then it's like what's what's what's wrong?
• 38:51
  Elisa: What's like there's something that might be like off, you know?
• 38:54
  Kenna: Yeah, but then oh okay, oh, it's just a caterpillar.
• 38:57
  Kenna: Okay, oh my god, it was like I was I I thought it scared me out.
• 39:01
  Elisa: I thought it was like the perfect the peripheral view, then you have like something's moving.
• 39:05
  Elisa: I was like, there's no way, right?
• 39:07
  Kenna: When you looked, I like could feel it.
• 39:09
  Kenna: It's really cute though, it's a little caterpillar.
• 39:12
  Kenna: Earlier, guys, there was a huge spider on me, and at least I got it off, so that was really nice.
• 39:16
  Kenna: I'm so scared with spiders.
• 39:17
  Kenna: We're both so scared.
• 39:18
  Kenna: You were so like calm that I was like, maybe she's not scared.
• 39:21
  Kenna: No, I was definitely so scared.
• 39:23
  Kenna: You're like, okay, just stay still.
• 39:25
  Kenna: I'll get it all.
• 39:26
  Elisa: That's so funny.
• 39:27
  Elisa: Oh my god.
• 39:27
  Elisa: Um but yeah, I I think we're just living with nature through this.
• 39:32
  Elisa: Yes, it's so beautiful here, so nice.
• 39:35
  Elisa: And like we're we're missing some flowers, but I think that's like it's just perfect.
• 39:39
  Elisa: Yeah, it's so beautiful.
• 39:41
  Kenna: Okay, I want to switch it to I want to talk about it like one more time, like the Forbes 30 under 30.
• 39:46
  Kenna: Perfect, perfect.
• 39:47
  Kenna: Like, how does that process work for listeners?
• 39:49
  Kenna: Like, if they want to understand more about what it is.
• 39:51
  Kenna: Perfect.
• 39:52
  Elisa: So um for um Forbes, I think that what happened was um that you have first to get nominated.
• 39:59
  Elisa: So I remember receiving this email, and you always think that it's like spam because I always receive emails of um get a free uh or like get a spot at something else, and it would be like at the end you'll see like just the fee would be $500, and it's like random.
• 40:18
  Elisa: And then you get like LinkedIn messages about it.
• 40:20
  Elisa: So I'm like, okay, again and again.
• 40:23
  Elisa: And then this one, by any chance, I didn't like delete it immediately.
• 40:27
  Elisa: I was like, that's good.
• 40:30
  Elisa: Um, but it was like um more about this nomination and that I could just if I could just send more information and I fill out the form.
• 40:39
  Elisa: I was like, okay, like it was a Google form, so I didn't like okay.
• 40:42
  Elisa: I thought it might be legit.
• 40:44
  Elisa: So I filled out the form and then I honestly just like waited.
• 40:48
  Elisa: And I think that months passed, and I was like, This was Oxford, um, that I was having my summer abroad program, yeah, and I was like studying for my um for my class, I was like spending time with my friends, and I received like this email.
• 41:04
  Elisa: Uh no, no, no, I'm joking, I'm lying.
• 41:06
  Elisa: I received like the call from my dad.
• 41:08
  Elisa: Oh, okay and it was like, Did you see?
• 41:11
  Elisa: And I was like, What?
• 41:12
  Elisa: It was like a FaceTime call, and my dad told me and I was like, There's no way, I like absolutely no way.
• 41:20
  Elisa: I I could not believe it.
• 41:21
  Elisa: But also, my dad wouldn't be lying to me about this for sure.
• 41:23
  Elisa: So I would be like, What?
• 41:26
  Elisa: So I was really excited, but mostly because it was like the recognition for the work that we've done True Girls in Quantum.
• 41:33
  Elisa: Whenever we get our recognition, I'm like always super happy for like I don't want this to seem like it's personal, yeah.
• 41:39
  Elisa: It's like with my name, but it's like this is all the team that is working, like it's it's so unfair that you have to just a name, but it's like all the team that is like doing projects.
• 41:49
  Elisa: Like, for example, we had a team member um like weeks ago that she organized like a whole hackathon by herself.
• 41:56
  Elisa: Oh wow, yeah.
• 41:57
  Elisa: Like I was like, what you did it all by yourself?
• 42:00
  Elisa: So it's like unfair that you just see a name when all the team is behind, and I'm very inspired by them.
• 42:07
  Elisa: And like I think that they would deserve more than just one recognition, they deserve like so many.
• 42:11
  Elisa: Um, because it's just like wow, like there's one person that can organize a whole hackathon and reach out to people and sponsors and so on.
• 42:19
  Elisa: So it's it's crazy.
• 42:20
  Kenna: You're so sweet, and even take the recognition for us.
• 42:23
  Elisa: No, no, no.
• 42:23
  Elisa: I'm amazing.
• 42:24
  Elisa: I'm just so thankful for like the team and and then like everyone that is being able to like do like things that I was like, how could you do it?
• 42:33
  Elisa: So I think it's like very, very nice that we get to like have those achievements at Girls in Quantum and and that I I really want to like in any way I really want to like showcase their work and how valuable they are for the team.
• 42:44
  Elisa: That's so amazing.
• 42:45
  Elisa: They're so lucky to have you tonight.
• 42:47
  Elisa: I'm lucky to have them.
• 42:48
  Elisa: I'm lucky to have them.
• 42:49
  Elisa: Wait, so where did your dad see the he saw that in an announcement, I think, on LinkedIn or in the newspaper, I think.
• 42:57
  Elisa: And I I was just like, what?
• 43:00
  Elisa: This is so crazy.
• 43:01
  Elisa: Um, it's um so I was along another Chilean, I think.
• 43:06
  Elisa: Um, and it's so nice because you're always like, I really want to be showcased with more people, or like with um other fill like fellow Chileans, so it's very nice to see that someone else also was mentioning this.
• 43:18
  Elisa: That's so nice.
• 43:19
  Elisa: Yes, I like this.
• 43:20
  Kenna: Do you want to talk more about Chile for a little bit?
• 43:22
  Kenna: Yes.
• 43:22
  Elisa: Okay, so what's life like there?
• 43:24
  Elisa: Um I always I'm very biased by this because I always convince all my friends to go to Chile.
• 43:30
  Elisa: Um, I think that's something that I really want to do with my friends or like people that I always meet.
• 43:35
  Elisa: Um I feel that when I um said to my friends I was like moving out from Chile to like study here, there's always like this will be sure with friends and everything, it would be like, Oh, perhaps she doesn't like the country at all, or like she just wants to like move away.
• 43:51
  Elisa: But I think I I just have a love so much for Chile and I really want the best for my country.
• 43:56
  Elisa: So in any way that I would be able to like contribute, I don't know, in the future.
• 43:59
  Elisa: Like with my education or so on, I would be more than happy to.
• 44:04
  Elisa: And when it comes to my country, I love the people, especially because they have taught me so much about resilience.
• 44:10
  Elisa: Um, my family, of course, but I think that the people um around me as well, like my teachers, my classmates, um, whether it's like through their different experiences, but also the way of like seeing life in so many different ways, and just like being themselves and like being proud about what they do, whether it's like I don't know, they just like I just love them so much because they're like always themselves.
• 44:36
  Elisa: Um, and that says a lot about the Chilean.
• 44:39
  Elisa: I would say I don't know, might people might take it in different ways, but for me, it's like Chileans are very resilient, they're hardworking, and I love that they embrace culture in so many different ways.
• 44:51
  Elisa: So even if it's not like a dance, that we might be like, oh, like we might express this by dancing, which is completely fair, right?
• 44:59
  Elisa: Yeah, we always try to showcase um what's happening within our country.
• 45:04
  Elisa: So like natural resources, right?
• 45:05
  Elisa: Like uh from energy and how we take advantage of that in the in the south, right?
• 45:10
  Elisa: By like the Aolic um energy, like wind energy, uh, to like the north, and just trying to see how we can have or find the right balance between using the natural resources, right?
• 45:24
  Elisa: And also like trying to do well for our environment, right?
• 45:27
  Elisa: Which is always a challenge.
• 45:28
  Elisa: So I think I might be just saying a lot of things here, as always, but it's I really admire that, and I hope that every time that I go there, I see more things happening.
• 45:39
  Elisa: I I really would like to see also um that more Chileans are proud of what we have because there's always that you look for the greener sort of grass in like the neighbors, you know, like if that makes sense, for sure.
• 45:53
  Elisa: Um, like other countries, and it's so good to compare yourself to like European countries or other countries that are like doing so much better.
• 46:00
  Elisa: But I think it's also really nice to appreciate what we have and the innovation hubs and what's being done slow, like step by step, you know, like with the resources that we have available.
• 46:10
  Kenna: Yeah, and how do Chileans um express their culture through food, music?
• 46:15
  Kenna: You said dance.
• 46:17
  Elisa: Yes, I think that um especially with music, there's a lot of artists out there.
• 46:22
  Elisa: I remember last um October I was able to go to um Japan with a team of Chilean women, and it's so beautiful because I was it was my first time going to Japan, first of all.
• 46:32
  Elisa: I was like, what in the world?
• 46:34
  Elisa: This is so crazy.
• 46:35
  Elisa: But also we were with the Taliban delegation of women um that were in like different categories.
• 46:40
  Elisa: So it was like people in arts, it was like this woman that was like a singer, um, and she would like play the guitar so beautifully, uh, and she would sing.
• 46:49
  Elisa: Um, there was like this woman who was leading this academy for young mothers that were like having different problems and that were not supported, of course.
• 46:59
  Elisa: So, like that's like different issues that we're having in our country.
• 47:03
  Elisa: There was people who are leading other social organizations, and I was so inspired because I think that in Chile we have so many things to offer from like this woman that was singing, right?
• 47:14
  Elisa: And it's so beautiful that you can like be like so proud about like this is so so nice, it's so nice because it represents sometimes social issues, people that are like trying to express their ideas or like feelings about what's happening in in like their communities and so on.
• 47:30
  Elisa: And I really love that in terms of food.
• 47:32
  Elisa: I'm a foodie, I'm a foodie.
• 47:34
  Elisa: I could like go hours and hours, but basically, I I would say that Chile is such a long country, it's like yeah, I think the longest in the world, and we just have so many like different variety, like so much variety of like foods and elements that you can just add to your dish, whether it's in the salad that you have.
• 47:54
  Elisa: Um I just forgot the name, but uh whether it's in the salad that you can have like this great soup.
• 48:01
  Elisa: Uh oh my god, I cannot I cannot forget about this.
• 48:04
  Elisa: But it's like cassuela, it's like very nice.
• 48:06
  Elisa: Uh it's like a soup that you have with meat and vegetables.
• 48:09
  Elisa: Um so nice that you can also make make it vegetarian.
• 48:12
  Elisa: Curanto, that's the one that I wanted to share.
• 48:14
  Elisa: That also you do it like in like this the like you literally do it in the ground level, and you like put different like leaves and then you cook it inside, like there, and it's just so nice.
• 48:26
  Elisa: Um, people that love meat, there's a lamp festival in Chile, which is the the side of Chile.
• 48:32
  Elisa: So a lot of things happening, and I I love it because you get to really try not only national food, right?
• 48:38
  Elisa: And like from very fresh vegetables, but also you get to taste the love from people that make it, and like there's a whole history about it, there's a whole process, and I think that that makes it even better, you know, when something that is just served to you, like I don't know, to just get a hamburger.
• 48:53
  Elisa: It doesn't need to be a hamburger, but just like a dish that's served to you is so much different when you just get to like see the whole process behind, and there's like women that are doing this, and like there's in the morning, early morning at 5 a.m.
• 49:05
  Elisa: There's like people that are giving all the vegetables and stuff like that, and you really try to like appreciate all that much better.
• 49:12
  Kenna: Yeah, it's so important to have gratitude and just acknowledge all the work that everyone else is doing around you.
• 49:21
  Kenna: One time I woke up really early to study before class, and all the workers before their shift even started was like setting up the cafe, getting everything ready for all the students, and I know there's a lot of like grateful students on campus, but I think so many people get so lost in their day that they forget to thank all the people around them.
• 49:40
  Kenna: And um, yeah, I just that really made that made me think of that.
• 49:44
  Elisa: No, and I feel that this sometimes like those little details that are not longer details anymore, you know, like yeah, saying like you know, like the basic stuff.
• 49:53
  Elisa: I feel that it has been forgotten in so many ways, like from a good morning to like just sometimes just passing by and we're like I even that has even happened to me.
• 50:01
  Elisa: Like sometimes you're in your phone or like listening to something and you just like just just like walk by, or you know, yeah.
• 50:07
  Elisa: And I think that that's always something that I like my parents always like really make me understand really, really well.
• 50:14
  Elisa: Um in the way that you always have to like be appreciative of like all the things, you know, like never take things to granted.
• 50:22
  Elisa: And I think that from like what you said, from like saying hello and thank you and so on, and just appreciating their work to like saying much more than that, you know, like all the all the things that are happening here at Duke, how people organize stuff, and whenever you have a friend organizing an event, it's like wow, they're putting so much work into this.
• 50:40
  Elisa: Like, yeah, wow, I like I sometimes to say like a few words to them, like I'm so proud of you, like what you've done, or like I'm really like proud that you organized this event, I like this podcast, and so on.
• 50:52
  Elisa: So, like I feel that those details and like being appreciated of like the things that people do for you, it's like always very nice.
• 50:59
  Elisa: Thank you.
• 51:00
  Elisa: Yeah, for sure.
• 51:02
  Kenna: Do you feel that in Chile tradition has is like slowly changing or like dissolving in a way, or is it still like very vibrant and rich?
• 51:12
  Kenna: Because I think around the world tradition is starting to like slip away, yeah, yeah, which is really sad.
• 51:19
  Elisa: Totally, and I feel that um it for sure depends on where you are in Chile, um, on like how you see that traditions are being appreciated and so on.
• 51:29
  Elisa: But when it comes to for example, national dance and or cuisine and so on, I think that cuisine is very well appreciated, although it's been like you have a lot of influence from other countries, and there's always like this new malls and like big shopping centers that you get like to have like I don't know cuisines from all over, right?
• 51:52
  Elisa: Um, which is super nice.
• 51:54
  Elisa: Um, but but yeah, it's just like I feel that it's been not taken into much consideration as before, unfortunately.
• 52:02
  Kenna: That's something I do love about Japan, is I feel like the traditions there are still very like vibrant.
• 52:07
  Elisa: And what do you think?
• 52:08
  Elisa: That's the reason.
• 52:09
  Elisa: I I like I always like would love to see like of course there's a great balance, I would say, in some places, but like I I think it honestly depends where you are in Japan as well.
• 52:19
  Kenna: Because there's like a lot of foreign um companies in Japan now, like in Tokyo.
• 52:25
  Kenna: Yeah, um but I think they do try to keep it traditional, and that's so beautiful.
• 52:31
  Kenna: It's so pretty.
• 52:31
  Kenna: Wait, where did you go in Japan when you went?
• 52:33
  Kenna: Um to Osaka.
• 52:34
  Kenna: Okay.
• 52:36
  Elisa: It was really nice, but I was able to just spend a couple days there.
• 52:39
  Elisa: Um it was in the conference venue, and then I remember like escaping a little bit uh just going out like really early in the morning or just like leaving early, like the venue to explore because I I was like I would never be here again.
• 52:58
  Elisa: I don't know, like you don't you don't even know um if you would ever visit the place and I was like I cannot just like be here stuck in like the conference venue and I would just go and explore and explore Kyoto as well.
• 53:10
  Elisa: That's amazing.
• 53:11
  Kenna: Oh my gosh.
• 53:12
  Elisa: Where have you been in Japan?
• 53:13
  Kenna: I've actually been to Osaka and Kyoto, like I went last year, uh-huh um and I've been to Tokyo.
• 53:18
  Kenna: That's nice.
• 53:19
  Kenna: Yeah, Japan is so beautiful.
• 53:21
  Kenna: Oh my gosh, I love it.
• 53:23
  Elisa: It's really nice.
• 53:23
  Elisa: I think that it would like if I were to visit another country, like dream destination would be again Japan to just be able to explore it more, and I think that is just like a perfect balance, as you said, between traditions, nature, and a lot of things that are happening there, like innovation-wise, they're so cool with robotics, they're so cool with like everything technology-wise, it's just like and it's so clean, like the streets and everything so beautiful.
• 53:49
  Kenna: We have so much to learn from Japan.
• 53:50
  Kenna: Do you ever believe that you're um sorry?
• 53:54
  Kenna: I was gonna say girls in quantum, and then I was gonna say startup, and then I was gonna say non-profit.
• 54:02
  Kenna: Is it is it best to say non-profit?
• 54:04
  Kenna: Yeah, perfect.
• 54:05
  Elisa: Girls in quantum, yeah.
• 54:06
  Elisa: Whatever sounds good.
• 54:07
  Kenna: Did you ever think that girls in quantum would like take you to Japan or other countries like that?
• 54:11
  Elisa: No, no, no, I don't.
• 54:12
  Elisa: I I remember um one of the first international experiences that I had, like, in Girls in Quantum was like an invitation that I received in LinkedIn, and it was like to Canada, it was in 2023, and I had started this in 2022, so I was like, This is it has to be a joke.
• 54:29
  Elisa: I was like underage, they invited me and my dad because I could like travel alone, yeah, and everything.
• 54:34
  Elisa: And I remember I was like, What?
• 54:38
  Elisa: This is crazy, and we were recording videos and stuff like that for girls in Quantum, and I just like you know, when people say like the world is your oyster, so to say, like I feel that you have to take that very seriously when it comes to just your building your ideas, and that's why I was like saying before, like, what if everything works out?
• 54:55
  Elisa: Because like many things have not worked out as well for girls in quantum, like so many things, but if you look back, you always have to be proud of like the things that you did, and like that you always start to like do the best, you know.
• 55:07
  Elisa: Yeah, um, and with Japan, I was like, there's no way I was here in like my during my sophomore year, first semester, and I remember like I'm gonna miss a whole week of classes, like this is insane.
• 55:20
  Elisa: But thankfully it was like the first week of like school, yeah.
• 55:23
  Elisa: Um, but it would be so fun because I would be like saying hi and then saying bye to everyone, and then just getting there, and like it was like 12 hours like difference, time difference, and I would be like I would wake up and I would see like the whole city, and I will I would be like, I am trimming, like this is something I never thought that would be possible, and I would record so many videos for girls in quantum.
• 55:45
  Elisa: It's just some surreal experiences that I I don't take for granted at all.
• 55:49
  Elisa: Like, I think that when I was there, I was like, Perhaps I'm not gonna live this anymore.
• 55:54
  Elisa: Like, this is like so beautiful, but you have to just appreciate the moment so much and just be happy and like be like unapologetically, like the best version of like everything, and just like take pictures and yeah, uh always take advantage of those opportunities and try to make the best out of them for sure.
• 56:12
  Elisa: You're such a positive person, I love it.
• 56:14
  Elisa: It's just so beautiful.
• 56:16
  Elisa: I really love it.
• 56:17
  Elisa: I really love it.
• 56:18
  Kenna: What did your dad say when you're like I got this message?
• 56:21
  Kenna: Are we going to Canada right now?
• 56:22
  Kenna: What did he say?
• 56:24
  Elisa: It was like I I I think that well, what I remember was like, what?
• 56:30
  Elisa: Like I I remember showing him like the message and he had like two like translated to Spanish and reread it and so on.
• 56:38
  Elisa: And I think like I saw like whenever we saw like the the flight tickets, it was like real.
• 56:45
  Elisa: It was like we're going to Canada.
• 56:48
  Elisa: And I was like, I remember we went and it was like there was like the worst storm ever, like that it has ever been, like in the whole like season.
• 56:56
  Kenna: Yeah.
• 56:56
  Elisa: And we waited there in like the airport for like no in the plane, like we like landed in Canada and we had to wait like hours and hours in the plane.
• 57:04
  Elisa: Oh wow.
• 57:05
  Elisa: And I was like, well, that's that's that's a good start.
• 57:08
  Elisa: Uh but after that they received us so well.
• 57:11
  Elisa: Canadian people are amazing.
• 57:12
  Elisa: They were able to like show us around the perimeter institute in Canada, which is the theoretical institute for physics, and it's just like there's so many like nice people.
• 57:21
  Elisa: I was able to meet um people from all over, like researchers, uh, physics, and it was like you're just immersed in a world that you never think like you could be like involved because it's just like so many people that are like different backgrounds and different ideas, and they just have done so much that I was like I feel like a little like what is it, like a aunt, little ask like, oh my god, wow, like this is like huge, you know.
• 57:47
  Elisa: And um being able to record videos, I was able to like be just like we are right now, having an interview with them, with like a couple students there and researchers and PhDs.
• 57:57
  Elisa: And we're like, I was so nervous because it was like my first interview, they had like a cam at a professional uh like camera crew and everything.
• 58:05
  Elisa: I was like, okay, there's a lot of pressure.
• 58:07
  Elisa: Um but I think that you just go for it and you just like try to make the best out of it.
• 58:12
  Elisa: And the best thing is when you're seated there and you're like so nervous, right?
• 58:15
  Elisa: You're like, okay, we're gonna start that they they say 3, 2, 1, and then you're like, you have to be serious or like do it well.
• 58:22
  Elisa: But then the best thing is when you like mess up and you're like, okay, you laugh about it, and then you're having fun, and you're like the other person laughs as well, you know.
• 58:29
  Elisa: So it's like making it less serious.
• 58:32
  Elisa: Um, but yeah, overall I think it was like a very, very nice experience.
• 58:36
  Elisa: Yeah, very nice.
• 58:38
  Kenna: You and you're also really good at just speaking and asking questions, and it was so fun to talk to.
• 58:43
  Kenna: One tries, one tries.
• 58:45
  Elisa: Well, it's so natural as well.
• 58:46
  Elisa: Like sometimes with certain people, it's just like so easy to also just like peep but and just like laugh about it and just like talk about whatever.
• 58:54
  Elisa: I love that.
• 58:56
  Kenna: That's why I want you to feel like that on my podcast.
• 58:58
  Kenna: I don't want you to feel like, oh, what do I need to say?
• 59:00
  Kenna: I love it, I love it.
• 59:02
  Kenna: Do you have any other like big things that you want to talk about?
• 59:07
  Elisa: I think the startup the um asked about that.
• 59:10
  Elisa: Yeah, yes, I would love to share it.
• 59:11
  Elisa: Um so uh talking about the Chilean landscape and more about all the things that are happening there.
• 59:17
  Elisa: Um recently I remember reaching out to uh different people and just trying to see like all the things that were happening in the Chilean ecosystem.
• 59:25
  Elisa: Yeah, and some months ago, um some no, some weeks ago, um some people from uh Chile reached out uh and it was so nice because they were telling me about this mission that they were having.
• 59:39
  Elisa: Um and these Chilean people were telling me about um this ecosystem that we're building, and it was mostly about innovation and trying to foster startups that are within deep tech, biotech, and I think climate innovation.
• 59:55
  Elisa: Uh-huh.
• 59:55
  Elisa: And I love it because as I said before, like there's a lot of things that can be done in Chile and that are being done as well in terms of like sustainable energy and circular economy, which is so so nice.
• 1:00:07
  Elisa: Um, and they tell me, like, hey, we would like you to be an advisor for like the startups.
• 1:00:12
  Elisa: There's people who are working that are like university students, there are people who have graduated, and I would be, I was like, I was like so excited.
• 1:00:20
  Elisa: I would be like, Yay, this is so nice.
• 1:00:23
  Elisa: Um, like I love this idea, and the main thing that I like about this is like building this hub that um sometimes in many areas is needed, not just in Chile, but in all across like Latin America and different countries, because you have like this kind of network of like people that support you and that can mentor you, but also you learn from like different entrepreneurs, so it's not that you're building it alone, you know.
• 1:00:46
  Elisa: Like if you're having this idea, you're kind of in your own path, of course.
• 1:00:51
  Elisa: But then when you see this co-creation studios that you're like seeing other people work on their ideas, like people have like these rejections and so on, you feel like yeah, it's natural, it's it's normal to just like have this kind of experiences together.
• 1:01:05
  Elisa: So I'm very excited.
• 1:01:06
  Elisa: I'm gonna visit them in May.
• 1:01:07
  Elisa: Um, but I'm also very like looking forward to working with the startups and seeing like how can I help.
• 1:01:14
  Elisa: Um, yeah, it's of course a challenge and a lot of responsibility, but I'm very looking forward to that in going to Chile once I finish the semester and go talk with them, um, go talk with high school students as well.
• 1:01:26
  Elisa: We'll do some activities with girls in quantum.
• 1:01:28
  Elisa: So looking forward to that.
• 1:01:29
  Elisa: That's so exciting.
• 1:01:30
  Kenna: And it's gonna be a year-long program.
• 1:01:32
  Kenna: Yes, okay.
• 1:01:33
  Elisa: So there's residents that they call, it's like the people that I apply to the program, and they're entrepreneurs from all over, like all different like industries, and they have like the opportunity to get immersed into like this lab and have the tools, like the support.
• 1:01:48
  Elisa: There's like the thing about this is that it's not equity, so that's that's really good for them to just like be able to build this product so on that they have and just like be able to experiment and have fun with it.
• 1:02:01
  Elisa: I think that's the best.
• 1:02:01
  Elisa: That's nice.
• 1:02:03
  Kenna: What does it feel like to what you're going to be mentoring people that have left college already or graduated college?
• 1:02:09
  Kenna: Is that correct?
• 1:02:10
  Kenna: Or you graduated high school?
• 1:02:11
  Kenna: Um, or a mix.
• 1:02:13
  Elisa: Yeah, it's like a mix.
• 1:02:14
  Elisa: I I it feels feels so odd because I feel that um whenever I have like meetings with people, it would be like should I tell them my age?
• 1:02:25
  Elisa: Like uh and then I generally like say this because it's like sometimes you feel like am I capable to do this and so on, and then am I like the right person?
• 1:02:37
  Elisa: But then people have taught me that the best thing to do is always to like be able to support in the best way that you can, yeah.
• 1:02:47
  Elisa: So don't limit yourself to say, Hey, I I don't think I'm like capable enough, and so on.
• 1:02:53
  Elisa: I feel the best way is like again throw yourself into the pool somehow, you know, like be able to collaborate and help in the best way possible.
• 1:02:59
  Elisa: And if I'm not the good um I don't know, people in their network to help, I might want to connect with other people that might want to help them, right?
• 1:03:09
  Elisa: Or might be the best fit to help them.
• 1:03:11
  Elisa: So I think that's how I see this.
• 1:03:12
  Elisa: That it's not about my age or um what I might be able to contribute to the table, but all my willingness to help, and that I'm like super excited to help them in any way possible and then learn from them as well.
• 1:03:25
  Elisa: I think that's like a mentor always also learns from them in tease, and vice versa 100%.
• 1:03:31
  Elisa: So as you said, like the the type person with like the followers, yeah.
• 1:03:35
  Elisa: So I I see it as a role where you have like a great opportunity to learn from them from what's happening, and also like I hope to help them connect with other people as well.
• 1:03:47
  Kenna: That's so exciting.
• 1:03:48
  Kenna: Yes, I'm so happy for you.
• 1:03:50
  Elisa: We'll see how they like find out about my age and everything.
• 1:03:52
  Kenna: Yeah, you'll have to let me know if you have any like funny stories that come up.
• 1:03:55
  Kenna: Yes, I will.
• 1:03:56
  Kenna: But it isn't it's not about the age, you have so many experiences and um just yeah, like advice that you can give from your experience.
• 1:04:04
  Kenna: So hopefully, hopefully okay.
• 1:04:07
  Kenna: I always ask in my episodes a favorite quote if you have any.
• 1:04:13
  Kenna: I should have asked you before this, but also while you you can think about it while I add something else.
• 1:04:18
  Kenna: So in one of my episodes, I asked the guest to leave a question for um another guest, and his question was when was the last time you were happy?
• 1:04:30
  Kenna: Like like really happy, like super happy in the moment.
• 1:04:34
  Elisa: Oh, that's so nice.
• 1:04:36
  Elisa: Okay, you're really good at asking questions.
• 1:04:39
  Elisa: I have to say, that's a great virtue.
• 1:04:40
  Elisa: Thank you.
• 1:04:41
  Kenna: Um I'm working on it.
• 1:04:44
  Elisa: Oh, very, very good.
• 1:04:45
  Elisa: Okay, so with the quote, it's a very tough one.
• 1:04:48
  Elisa: Okay, because there's you know, there's like so many people that have like really great quotes, and I have like I have Pinterest, so I'm obsessed with Pinterest.
• 1:04:56
  Elisa: I love Pinterest.
• 1:04:56
  Elisa: I oh my god.
• 1:04:57
  Elisa: I'm officially I think that Pinterest has to like be the sponsor of this podcast.
• 1:05:02
  Elisa: Um but I I have saved so many quotes, and even though like I like I I don't think like I can like like one is the one that you said that you will never be able to achieve something perfect and you should never aim for that.
• 1:05:17
  Elisa: Yeah, but like something that is like you feel like good about it.
• 1:05:20
  Elisa: I think that they're like the ones that I look for too is like mainly around the idea of that you create your own path and that whenever you try to compare it with others, then it's it's not your own path, you know.
• 1:05:33
  Elisa: And then you just I think being yourself, like they're all around this idea.
• 1:05:38
  Elisa: So I might not say it directly, but I would say like all the ideas that are come coming from.
• 1:05:42
  Elisa: Yeah.
• 1:05:43
  Elisa: So it's like trying to like be yourself in the way that you you you're being also you're creating yourself throughout the years, you know.
• 1:05:51
  Elisa: It's not that you're like discovering yourself, you're creating yourself like with the people that you surround yourself with, uh with activities that you try.
• 1:05:58
  Elisa: Um Also, in terms of that activities that you're like have no idea that you might be able to be good at.
• 1:06:06
  Elisa: So like you might never say, Oh, I'm like super great dancer, right?
• 1:06:10
  Kenna: Yeah.
• 1:06:10
  Elisa: Um, but then if you try it, then you're like, okay, what if like I try it and I'm like you're not hoping to be good, but then you're hoping to discover, right?
• 1:06:18
  Elisa: For sure.
• 1:06:19
  Elisa: So then I love those ideas and those quotes that are like trying to tell you that first be yourself, don't think about what others might think, because that's always in our mind, like, oh, what might people think, you know?
• 1:06:31
  Elisa: Like, what if I do this for like someone else and so on, do it for yourself.
• 1:06:35
  Elisa: And I think the other things, the other quotes I read is more about your self-journey, like of like understanding how you grow and how you just like are surrounded by different people that can be the right motivation and give you all the right energy to achieve whatever you want.
• 1:06:53
  Elisa: Um, so yeah, I think that's so beautiful.
• 1:06:55
  Elisa: And I I wish I could have a quote right now, but it's just so many quotes that I I think I find inspiration.
• 1:07:02
  Elisa: So I love that.
• 1:07:03
  Kenna: Um, I think I love the quote that it's like it's somewhere along the lines of why are you comparing yourself to someone else that's in a completely different race than you?
• 1:07:10
  Kenna: Like everyone's in a different race, and also I think it's very good not to put limitations on your abilities.
• 1:07:16
  Kenna: Because for example, when we were walking over to get our drinks, I said I can't dance, but I've never really tried, you know.
• 1:07:22
  Kenna: So that doesn't mean I can't do it.
• 1:07:23
  Kenna: It's just I've never done it before.
• 1:07:25
  Kenna: And if I go out my whole life saying, Oh, I can't dance, I can't dance, then I'm never gonna learn.
• 1:07:31
  Kenna: Exactly.
• 1:07:31
  Kenna: And you could have done the same with quantum mechanics as well.
• 1:07:34
  Elisa: I was gonna say yes.
• 1:07:35
  Elisa: Um, and yes, I I like I see you dancing, like I see you like doing those things, you know, and I feel that like whenever we're like, oh, trying to see an activity, it's like I don't know, like you might think of like someone else that might do it like so good or like whatever, whatever.
• 1:07:53
  Elisa: But I feel that you you can like be the best dancer, like and sometimes we put limitations because of our age as well, like yes, because I feel that we see like a lot of people, I don't know, like if you've seen Aliu uh skating, ice skating, yeah, okay, and I was like, wow, this is so cool, and then I immediately thought, oh perhaps I'm not gonna like if I ever like do that, I'm not gonna get to her level, you know.
• 1:08:14
  Elisa: But then it's like why not try, you know, and why not like yeah, or why is it that the goal, you know?
• 1:08:19
  Elisa: Exactly.
• 1:08:20
  Elisa: That's not the like exactly that's that's the thing.
• 1:08:22
  Elisa: And we put like so many barriers, and then like you get like perhaps tomorrow you're dancing, like you never know.
• 1:08:28
  Elisa: So like I I think let yourself like explore and like see all the other options that you can like become, you know?
• 1:08:34
  Kenna: Yeah, I love that so much.
• 1:08:35
  Kenna: Also, I remember growing up, I thought that when you were an adult, you can only have like one talent, you know, like he's the best at this or this or he's known for this.
• 1:08:43
  Kenna: And I think a lot of people get stuck in that.
• 1:08:45
  Kenna: Like, oh, I'm just I'm good at latte art or I'm good at running, you know.
• 1:08:50
  Kenna: And then I'm like, okay, you don't need to just be good at one thing, you know.
• 1:08:53
  Kenna: Exactly.
• 1:08:54
  Kenna: You can try new things.
• 1:08:55
  Kenna: Like a a month ago, I learned how to make like a bird sound with my hands, and it took me maybe 30 minutes to learn.
• 1:09:02
  Kenna: I'm like, why am I not doing more things like this, you know?
• 1:09:05
  Kenna: Um, so yeah, I wanna explore more of my little like hidden talents or just not even talents, like I just want to be able to do more fun things and have little like fun facts about myself.
• 1:09:16
  Elisa: So I really like that.
• 1:09:17
  Elisa: It's so cool that you're like able to the sound.
• 1:09:20
  Elisa: Thank you.
• 1:09:21
  Elisa: I I will want to see a demonstration later if you can.
• 1:09:24
  Elisa: Um what's a hidden skill that you have that no one knows about you?
• 1:09:29
  Elisa: I wish I could say something fun.
• 1:09:31
  Elisa: Um I honestly I think I I have to be in my own journey of discovering more about me, but I I love trying to do like accents in Spanish.
• 1:09:42
  Elisa: I love doing that.
• 1:09:43
  Elisa: Um yeah, I love doing accents in Spanish or like imitating like like people as well, like how they like express themselves.
• 1:09:52
  Elisa: I don't know if that's like a Dintelic, but I love doing that.
• 1:09:55
  Elisa: And with what you said about um like not just being good in one thing, I just want to say that um one of the advice that I received that I I think that I perhaps it could be modified, but perhaps it was a one like it's a good intention always when people tell this.
• 1:10:10
  Elisa: Yeah, but it's like oh just do whatever you're good at, right?
• 1:10:15
  Elisa: And then I feel that it could be a good advice, right?
• 1:10:18
  Elisa: And it's like sometimes like people say it like in the best way ever.
• 1:10:21
  Elisa: But I think that this could be also rephrase, why?
• 1:10:25
  Elisa: Because it's like you're just limiting yourself to like oh what you might feel you're good at, right?
• 1:10:30
  Elisa: So if you're like, I don't know, you've been always like painting, and then you're like, okay, just do that, right?
• 1:10:35
  Elisa: But then I feel that sometimes we have to just explore other things that we might be like not good at and then become like not even like experts on it, but like feel good and confident about what you're doing and what you're building.
• 1:10:49
  Elisa: So whenever I received like an advice, I remember like, oh, I didn't know what to study, and I didn't know about like who I was gonna like become, or like while like doing undergraduate studies, people would tell me like just like ambition yourself with something that you're good at, right?
• 1:11:05
  Elisa: But then I I've never been good at engineering, you know, or like I've never been good at like robotics, but then you try that.
• 1:11:10
  Elisa: I tried that like here in like university, second year, and I was like, this actually I I like this, so I I think that that's like the best way to say it.
• 1:11:19
  Elisa: Like you don't have to be good at at first, but if you try it, it's just like goes well.
• 1:11:24
  Kenna: Yeah, it's always good to explore new things like you wouldn't have discovered that you're good at and love quantum mechanics if you didn't try that.
• 1:11:31
  Kenna: So true, true.
• 1:11:32
  Kenna: It's always good to go outside your comfort zone.
• 1:11:35
  Kenna: Also, when you're learning and growing and changing, it's so uncomfortable.
• 1:11:39
  Kenna: Like you shouldn't feel comfort in when you when you know you're good at something, you feel comfort in that, you know?
• 1:11:44
  Kenna: Exactly.
• 1:11:44
  Kenna: You should always be adapting.
• 1:11:45
  Kenna: So if you're really good at painting, for example, maybe try a new style that you've never done.
• 1:11:48
  Kenna: Exactly, and feel that discomfort.
• 1:11:51
  Elisa: Like, and try cubism or like try like I don't know, painting like with different like have you seen like there's people who just paint and they have like different lighting styles, and then you would just like choose different colors and they would be like, Okay, and then it turns out like the painting with like different shades and like it's just so beautiful, and then you try to talent yourself, and there's always a way to talent yourself.
• 1:12:13
  Elisa: There's always in like with different people or like with yourself, uh, with the style that you're like trying to perceive and like portray.
• 1:12:21
  Elisa: Um, so yeah, it's really nice.
• 1:12:23
  Elisa: I love it.
• 1:12:24
  Kenna: I wanted to ask you, is your necklace meaningful?
• 1:12:27
  Elisa: This is my mom's, it's my mom's, and I think that I I miss them so much.
• 1:12:31
  Elisa: I think it's actually like this.
• 1:12:33
  Elisa: Um I miss them so much.
• 1:12:35
  Elisa: I'm happy I'm gonna see them um in May, but I haven't seen them in quite a long time.
• 1:12:40
  Elisa: And I think that's like one of the not the perks of being so far away from them.
• 1:12:45
  Elisa: Yeah, for sure.
• 1:12:46
  Elisa: But I'm happy that I'm always able to like FaceTime them and I'm always FaceTiming my loved ones.
• 1:12:51
  Elisa: I I love like just be able to like contact them and see like updates, and so nice when you have someone to listen as well, and like they know all the journey that it's been like before this, and they're always like long, but you got this, like five more weeks or four more weeks, and then they're like always like trying to support me, and they're like if I'm trying to be like positive about things, they're like even like 10,000 times better.
• 1:13:16
  Elisa: So I'm I'm always like super super happy and thankful that I have them and that I can like just call them and they would just like call and they like just listen or like give advice.
• 1:13:26
  Elisa: That's so I love that so much.
• 1:13:28
  Elisa: Thank you so much.
• 1:13:31
  Kenna: Thank you for being here with me and for sharing your story.
• 1:13:34
  Kenna: Do you have anything else that you would like to share?
• 1:13:36
  Elisa: I I generally I would love to share that.
• 1:13:38
  Elisa: I love to be in this podcast.
• 1:13:40
  Elisa: I'm so happy you're on it.
• 1:13:41
  Elisa: It's so beautiful, and I I love it.
• 1:13:43
  Elisa: And I think that you make this space feel so comfortable and so nice, and it's like a genuine conversation with someone, and then you can like you will let me like talk so much.
• 1:13:53
  Elisa: So uh I think you have great patience with that.
• 1:13:57
  Elisa: And like, thank you so much for for allowing this space to like share this with others.
• 1:14:01
  Elisa: Hopefully, this can be perhaps people can resonate with some of the ideas we talk.
• 1:14:06
  Elisa: I sure hope so, and I think it'll inspire a lot of people as well.
• 1:14:09
  Elisa: Your story's really inspiring.
• 1:14:10
  Elisa: 100%.
• 1:14:10
  Elisa: I I would love to say if anyone is interested in girls in quantum as well.
• 1:14:14
  Kenna: Happy that they can please reach out to Elisa.
• 1:14:16
  Elisa: I can add like some information in the description.
• 1:14:19
  Elisa: Yeah, that's all nice.
• 1:14:20
  Elisa: Uh so everyone that might be involved um in like technology or like that might not be involved as well, feel free to reach out.
• 1:14:26
  Elisa: I think there's always opportunities to like collaborate and have so much fun.
• 1:14:31
  Elisa: And yeah, if anything, also it's pretty important that what we talk here it's like applicable in so many areas.
• 1:14:39
  Elisa: It's just not about like I don't know, starting your own startup or like non-profit and so on, it's like your own project.
• 1:14:45
  Elisa: So hopefully you might feel motivated as well.
• 1:14:48
  Kenna: Yes.
• 1:14:48
  Kenna: I hope this inspires some girls and students around the world.
• 1:14:52
  Kenna: Thank you, Kenna.
• 1:14:54
  Kenna: Thank you so much for being here.
• 1:14:55
  Kenna: Thank you for having a wonderful day.
• 1:14:57
  Kenna: You too.
• 1:14:57
  Kenna: Thanks for listening, everyone.
• 1:14:59
  Kenna: We did it.