Nuria Fraile-Diaz is a Learning Designer and Digital Accessibility Specialist, currently working as the Digital Learning and Development Manager at The Data Lab. She studied Philosophy and Classics a long time ago, but it was her master’s in Digital Education that truly shaped her career. Passionate about learning and all technologies that support learners, she is also a keen collector of information and facts. Nuria is the first autistic woman to graduate from the Empowering Women to Lead Digital Transformation Programme in Scotland.
What would you tell your teenage self?
That there is nothing wrong with you! Your brain is simply wired differently, and the world around you doesn’t speak the same language as you — plus, it’s incredibly bright and loud! Be patient; soon enough, you’ll understand why, and everything will make sense in the end. Keep going, you’ve got this! I’d send my teen self lots of love, especially during a time when she felt lost and isolated.
What has been the biggest challenge in your life, work or otherwise?
Moving to a different country to pursue my dreams and starting over at the age of 26. After a few years working in jobs just to get by, I found my true vocation and changed careers later in life. That journey showed me that you can achieve anything if you truly understand your goals. Sometimes it’s difficult when you lack information or when life has steered you in a different direction, but discovering what I want to do “when I grow up” is one of my greatest joys.
If you were ruler of the world for a day, what would you change first?
I’d grab a big hammer and knock down every barrier I could find — especially social barriers! Although now that I think of it, it would take more than a day to create a world where everyone can thrive and be treated as equals, without stigma. It may sound utopian, but if we use our technological advancements, digital tools, and AI ethically, to improve social well-being and educate people about others’ struggles, I believe we can achieve it. But yes, it would take more than just one day!
What is your spirit animal?
An otter — I love them! They symbolise enjoying the simple things in life and taking things slowly to appreciate your time on earth. They also represent social connections, intelligence, empathy, joy in what you do, and never-ending curiosity.