The event, held as part of International Women's Day, highlighted the commitment to equity, human rights, and the daily efforts of Panamanian women.
Commitment to female leadership The event began with words from María del Pilar Sánchez, Vice President of Strategic Businesses and Real Estate Banking at Mercantil Banco Panamá, who reaffirmed the institution's support for women's leadership spaces. Sánchez detailed that 61% of the institution's staff and 53% of its managerial positions are held by women.
Meanwhile, the director of the Women's Rights Protection Office (DPRODM), Alessandra Chena, emphasized that the fundamental objective of this contest is to value the work of those who inspire new generations to build a future based on justice, respect, and equality.
Awarded by categories In this 2026 edition, the recognition covered multiple disciplines that generate social transformation in the country: • Defense of a Healthy Environment: Yohanna Araúz and Liska Magdalena Ortiz Muñoz. • Art and Culture: Eimy Michelle Sánchez Jaén. • Entrepreneurship: Heidi Margarita Ampies Fuentes. • Fight Against Gender Violence: Shirley Mosquera Ardila. • Science, Technology, and Research: Yehudi Nafisa Rodríguez Arriatti. • Community Leader: Karla Martina Torrero Samaniego.
The award ceremony was attended by the Ombudsman, Eduardo Leblanc González, along with institution officials such as Alessandra Chena, Anna Karina Salerno, and Luis E. Bolívar, as well as representation from the private banking sector.
Social impact and cultural closing During the closing ceremony at the Mercantil Banco Panamá Auditorium, the Ombudsman, Eduardo Leblanc González, highlighted that the distinction transcends individual achievements to value the real impact that women generate in their communities.
Seven leaders receive the Outstanding Women 2026 award for their social impact • Within the framework of Women's Month, the Outstanding Women 2026 contest highlighted stories of social transformation and commitment to human rights in the country. The event included performances by the National Assembly's Folklore Group and the Caimitillo Third Age Folklore Group, as well as an exhibition of local women-led ventures by Yaravis Glasgow, Nancy Sánchez, Masiel Ríos de Sánchez, and Irene Cansarí.
