The Palacio Ardid in Alcañiz hosted the third edition of Liderando en Femenino, an event organized by Enredadas BPW Teruel that brought together businesswomen, executives, and self-employed professionals from across the province. Under the theme “Fearless Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals”, this initiative aimed to showcase the impact of women’s leadership in various economic sectors and encourage entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas.
The day began with an opening address by Manuel Blasco, Minister of Environment and Tourism for the Government of Aragón, who emphasized the importance of events like this in promoting equality and entrepreneurship. Blasco also referenced the efforts of programs such as BIOLOC, which aims to strengthen bio-based value chains in rural areas, creating new opportunities for women-led businesses and fostering sustainable development. He highlighted how female entrepreneurship not only boosts the rural economy but also aligns with regional sustainability goals.
The mayor of Alcañiz, Miguel Ángel Estevan, also underscored the value of diversity in leadership as a tool to enrich organizations and build a more just and inclusive society. Estevan celebrated the event’s provincial reach, marking its first edition held outside the city of Teruel.
Stories of Leadership and Inspiration
The program featured several activities designed to highlight the talent and resilience of women in various sectors. One of the standout sessions was the “Women and Tourism” panel, which explored opportunities and challenges in rural and cinematic tourism in Aragón.
Speakers such as Estíbaliz Centeno, Raquel Herrero, and Serafina Buj shared their experiences of innovating in their respective fields, focusing on their local roots and fostering strategic collaborations to drive regional development.
The “Fearless Women” panel brought together inspiring figures like Ana Sanz, Director General of SMEs and Self-Employed Workers, and Silvia Gil, the first woman to lead a Civil Guard command. Sanz also discussed how the BIOLOC project supports rural entrepreneurs, particularly women, by fostering bio-based and circular economic models that strengthen local economies. Their stories of perseverance demonstrated how innovative leadership can create lasting change.
The event also included a motivational talk by Julio de la Iglesia, an expert in fear management, who offered insights into transforming fear into a tool for personal and professional growth. His presentation aligned perfectly with the event’s objectives, encouraging participants to overcome obstacles and confidently pursue their goals.
A Support Network to Transform the Economy
Liderando en Femenino was not just a platform for discussion but also a space for strengthening connections among women from different fields. María Vigara, President of Enredadas BPW Teruel, highlighted the event’s role in creating support networks, noting that over 34% of the self-employed in Teruel are women—a testament to their crucial role in the local economy. Vigara emphasized the need to give visibility to this group and continue promoting initiatives that support their growth.
A Leadership Model for the Future
The third edition of Liderando en Femenino solidified its reputation as a benchmark for promoting women’s leadership in Aragón. With a diverse program and a focus on collaboration, the event demonstrated that women lead and transform their communities and sectors through courage, innovation, and teamwork. As the host of this year’s edition, Alcañiz showcased how rural areas can serve as the driving force for more inclusive and sustainable economic and social change.
