Mexico City, March 5, 2026.—The Universidad Panamericana Mexico City Universidad Panamericana hosted the 100 Women Leaders 2026, an initiative launched in partnership with El Universalthat recognizes women who are making an impact in politics, business, the media, and civil society in Mexico.
The forum aims to highlight the talent, achievements, and influence of women who are transforming various aspects of public life in the country and enriching the conversation about Mexico’s future.
Juan Francisco Ealy Ortiz, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of El Universal, attended the event accompanied by his family. During the gathering, his wife, Perla Díaz de Ealy, spoke briefly, emphasizing the importance of promoting women’s empowerment and continuing to close the opportunity gaps between men and women in various areas of public and professional life.
A conversation about the common good
Dr. Fernanda Llergo Bay, President of the UP-IPADE System, emphasized the importance of fostering opportunities for dialogue on women’s participation in public life within the university, as part of its commitment to social reflection and the education of individuals with a humanistic outlook.
“Hosting the 100 Women Leaders event is much more than simply organizing a high-profile, high-visibility event. It is a way to affirm the Universidad Panamericana a space for public discourse and to emphasize that women’s leadership is not a passing trend, but a crucial aspect of Mexico’s present and future,” said the university president.
The event brought together a variety of figures from the country's public, political, cultural, and media spheres. Notable attendees included Senator Kenia López Rabadán; former presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez; federal deputy Margarita Zavala; the governor of Tlaxcala, Lorena Cuéllar; the mayor of Uruapan, Grecia Ortiz; cultural promoter Consuelo Sáizar; as well as journalists Paola Rojas, Azucena Uresti, and Ana Paula Ordorica.
Also in attendance were María Elena Esparza, Gender Advisor to the Mexico City Citizens’ Council and President of Ola Violeta; Romina Contreras, Mayor of Huixquilucan; María Dolores González, President of the Mexico City Human Rights Commission; and Cecilia Canal, Vice President of the Mexico City Campus at the Universidad Panamericana.
From the sports world, the event was attended by Claudia Carrión, corporate director of Club América, and Daniela Leal, director of the Mexican Women’s Softball League.
Their stories reflect the wide range of fields in which women are reshaping public discourse and paving the way for future generations.
Forums for dialogue on transformation and innovation
One of the highlights of the event was the roundtable discussion Women’s Leadership That Transforms, moderated by Maite Azuela, in which prominent women leaders participated to reflect on the role of decision-making in building more sustainable organizations and societies.
During the conversation, key topics were discussed, such as purpose-driven leadership and the ability to drive change from decision-making positions; the relationship between innovation, sustainability, and new market priorities; as well as the challenges of breaking through barriers and paving the way for new generations of women across various sectors.
Transforming University Culture
Dr. Fernanda Llergo also reflected on the challenges faced by women aspiring to leadership positions, which, she noted, are not only structural but also cultural.
There are still entrenched attitudes that require women to prove themselves twice over or juggle multiple responsibilities. In light of this, educational institutions have a responsibility to promote concrete changes that strengthen women’s participation in decision-making roles.
Among these initiatives, he mentioned policies to promote work-life balance, intergenerational mentoring programs, merit-based evaluations, and opportunities for shared responsibility between men and women.
“Promoting women’s leadership does not mean blurring differences, but rather recognizing them as an asset that strengthens decision-making and broadens the institutional perspective,”she said.
Education with a humanistic focus
For the Universidad Panamericana, higher education means training individuals capable of making a positive impact on society. Within this framework, women’s leadership plays a significant role in its educational vision by promoting the active participation of women in academic, business, social, and decision-making spheres.
From this humanistic perspective, the institution promotes initiatives that support the well-rounded development of its students, fostering rigorous academic preparation, social responsibility, and a commitment to the common good.
In a world marked by technological transformations, geopolitical shifts, and advances in artificial intelligence, the Universidad Panamericana an education that combines specialized knowledge, critical thinking, and ethical principles.
This approach aims to ensure that future generations can tackle contemporary challenges with a sense of responsibility and the ability to lead in various sectors of society.
An institutional commitment to women's leadership
The " 100 Women Leaders 2026 " event reaffirmed the Universidad Panamericana commitment Universidad Panamericana promoting women's leadership as a key factor in the country's social, institutional, and business development.
The organization of this event reflects the collaboration between the Universidad Panamericana and El Universal, institutions that, through education and journalism, promote opportunities for recognition and public discourse regarding women’s talent and its impact on Mexico’s economic, social, and cultural life.
By fostering opportunities for dialogue and reflection on women’s participation in public life, the university strengthens its mission to educate leaders with a global perspective, a humanistic outlook, and a commitment to the positive transformation of Mexico.
