Zapopan, Jalisco, March 7, 2025. Since its founding in 1966, the Universidad Panamericana has recognized the fundamental role of women in the academic and professional development of its community. Women's participation has been key to the consolidation of this university, both in its educational approach and in the integral formation of generations of students. alumni.
To Dr. Susana Ochoa Dr. Susana Ochoahead of the Academy of Social Philosophy and of the Family Studies Division of the Department of Humanities, the presence of women at Panamericana has been essential since its beginnings: "Women have always been an essential part of Universidad Panamericana . Since the founders there have been great women, always interwoven in all this context," she says.she says.
A clear example of this influence is the work of María Pliego Ballesteroswho in 1966 was part of the founding team of the Panamerican Institute of Educational Sciences, the forerunner of the Universidad Panamericana. Her vision, based on academic training with values, is still valid in the institution.
Women's leadership in the Pan American
The growth of Universidad Panamericana has been accompanied by women leaders in the academic and administrative fields. Among them, Dr. Fernanda Llergo Bayergo Dr. Fernanda Llergo BayGeneral Rector of Universidad Panamericana, who has become a benchmark for women's leadership in higher education.
"I am a woman, and I have not been exempt from difficulties because I am a woman.. I would like to contribute a thought that points to the richness of the value of one's own identity, I believe that this feminism with the person at the center can be the next wave, the feminist wave of the 21st century that with respect, strength and truth illuminates the way to participate with inclusion and equity in society, from the inalienable value of the person.from the inalienable value of one's own dignity".said Dr. Llergo Bay at the inauguration of the First International Congress Person-Centered Feminism.
With more than 20 years of experience at Universidad Panamericana, Dr. Llergo Bay has promoted the strengthening of equity and inclusion within the institution.
"We observe that today's world has witnessed profound changes in many areas of modus vivendi originating in the wake of the Enlightenment and the rationalist premises of the late seventeenth century. One of these changes is the growing participation of women in the cultural, scientific, political and economic spheres .. This progressive insertion in public life is a consequence of the feminist movement that developed in the sixties and seventies in Europe and the United States", she said at the congress.she said at the congress.
A human-centered feminism
Panamericana has been a pioneer in promoting feminism with a humanist perspective. In 2020, the Interdisciplinary Group of Feminist Studies (GIEF) was born with the aim of promoting analysis and reflection on the role of women in society and in education.
Dr. Diana Ibarra, a member of the GIEF, stresses the importance of this vision: "Our perspective starts from respect for the dignity of all people. We believe in a feminism that promotes development and equal opportunities without losing sight of the essential values of the human being.".
This approach has allowed Universidad Panamericana to be a place where equity is lived in practice, encouraging students, academics and collaborators to develop their potential without gender barriers.
Women in the Panamerican
The university community has female academics who have left their mark in research and teaching. Among them are Dr. Marisol Velázquez and Dr. Lorena de la Torre, whose research on the impact of the MAPFRE-UP Community Center in Santa Fe has demonstrated the improvement in the quality of life of the inhabitants of this area of Mexico City. has demonstrated the improvement in the quality of life of the inhabitants of this area of Mexico City.
"The commitment to ongoing evaluation is key to verifying whether programs are actually achieving their objectives and helping to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities," said Dr. Velázquez about the research she is conducting with Dr. De la Torre.Dr. Velázquez has said about the research she is conducting together with Dr. De la Torre.
On the other hand, Dr. Julieta Jiménez Cruz Dr. Julieta Jiménez Cruzfrom the Aguascalientes campus, is a reference in pedagogy with more than 30 years of experience at Universidad Panamericana. "I have always lived from my profession, I take care of it, I update myself and develop it with respect. The achievements must be oriented to the improvement of the University and the profession that I chose as a way of life".she emphasizes.
Universidad Panamericana: an institution of equity and inclusion
With a Christian identity that permeates its educational model, Universidad Panamericana has managed to consolidate itself as a space for equitable development for its entire community.
Martha Rodríguez, Secretary General of the Guadalajara Campus Campus Guadalajaraemphasizes that equity at Panamericana has been a reality since its foundation. "Here we seek the development of all people. I have had excellent mentors and at no time have I felt displaced for being a woman".she assures.
Throughout its history, Universidad Panamericana has demonstrated that leadership, education and excellence have no gender. Its commitment to equity and the formation of women leaders continues, inspiring new generations to reach their full potential in an environment of respect, values and knowledge.
Learn more about GIEF at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwYQjCc1K3Q
