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Working on optics hardware is about connecting people around the world, improving the quality of life by empowering through technology.”
MARIA PACE
XR HARDWARE, GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND STRATEGY GOOGLE
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n a world where the technological revolution continues to redefine how we interact, learn, and function, women like Maria Pace are at the forefront, shaping the boundaries of these emergent landscapes.
As the global lead for XR Optics Hardware, Partnerships and Strategy at Google, Maria continually strives to pioneer the next computing platform. Her relentless pursuit of innovation extends well beyond the corporate sphere. “Working on optics hardware,” she declares, “is about connecting people around the world, improving the quality of life by empowering through technology.” Maria’s vision of the future is far from confined to 2D screens. “Our world is 3D,” she asserts, “immersing yourself in a 3D world is natural rather than a 2D screen which has many limitations.” As the landscape of spatial computing broadens, its applications are reaching critical sectors like medicine, education, manufacturing, and more, shaping a future where technology is seamlessly integrated into our physical reality. In the past, this trailblazer worked at Microsoft Hololens, guiding her team to innovate and address technical challenges to push the barriers and unlock solutions for the next generation of Mixed Reality devices.
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Maria serves on the Technical Committee at various SPIE Conferences. She is also a member of the Global Semiconductor Alliance, where she serves on the Women Leadership Initiative committee. She has a Ph.D. in MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) Technology from UC Berkeley. Not surprising, Maria holds numerous patents and publications in optics and related technologies. A definitive pioneer.
Shaping the Innovation Ecosystem As we gaze into the next five to ten years, Maria envisions a future where spatial computing forms the fourth wave of the computing platform. Her hope is to continue “solving technical challenges, managing teams, and supporting the community via conferences and education.” Maria foresees her industry undergoing enormous and rapid changes. She emphasizes: “Over the next ten years, the industry will continue to add more hardware to the ecosystem to grow spatial computing and enable the Fourth Wave of computing platforms.” Her mission is clear: “Connecting people around the world, improving inclusion, productivity, and achieving more,” she shares, adding: “Helping people improve the quality of life for everyone by empowering them through technology.” She thrives on the thrill of the unknown, the joy of solving technical challenges, and the rewards of mentorship. She is energized by the potential of new technologies and the opportunity to foster talent in unheard places, underscoring her commitment to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. That is, “providing opportunities for people from other cultures but also diversity in the technical sense): including people from different technical institutions and backgrounds,” she explains. Maria’s contributions to the innovation ecosystem are significant, encompassing much more than her work at Google. She serves on technical committees at various SPIE conferences, mentors upcoming women in the industry, and even take on the role of a judge in industry awards. From filing patents and writing technical papers to organizing high-level industry summits, she is a constant advocate and champion for emergent technologies.
PALO ALTO, USA
Her advice to her past self rings clear: “Remove negative people and surround yourself with those who want what’s best for you.” That emphasis on positive reinforcement, coupled with a commitment to selfcare, forms the cornerstone of her success mantra. In reflecting on the hurdles Maria has faced in her journey – a prestigious university’s discouragement, the dual challenge of being a single mother and a woman in tech – she admits, “I guess I love real challenges.” Through these trials, she emerged stronger, buoyed by hard work, creativity, and a supportive community. Success, for Maria, is not measured in accolades or professional milestones alone. Instead, it is a state of equilibrium where health, happiness, support, and positivity align, creating a conducive environment for growth and exploration. “It’s important that oneself is happy, positive, healthy, and caring for others to create a positive environment where people support each other,” she opines.
Carving a Path When asked about her advice for other women in the field, Maria’s words echo her personal journey: “Find good mentors and people who support you, not those who put you down. Work hard, be proud of your work, find ways to give back, and always strive to grow.” In terms of the challenges women face in tech, she believes in the necessity of allyship. “We still see very few women in high-level positions,” she acknowledges. “Men are our allies, and we need to show them how to support women.” She is a living testament to the potential of such alliances. Maria’s journey from a single mother pursuing a Ph.D. to leading global strategy at Google is an inspiring narrative of resilience, vision, and transformative impact. Her work is not just about developing technology; it’s about shaping a future where technology enriches lives, connects people, and creates an inclusive, dynamic world. As she navigates the future of spatial computing, one thing is certain: Maria is not just living in the future; she is actively helping to create it.
Defining Success Her philosophy is simple yet profound. It is a blend of “passion, hard work, perseverance, positivity, surrounding oneself with positive people, and a firm belief in the transformative power of good deeds and karma.”
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