Leadership, innovation, and action: Four women from the EGADE community share their reflections and projects that drive change towards a more equitable future.

By INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

On the occasion of International Women's Day 2025, 8M, EGADE Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey recognizes the leadership and vision of four women from its community who are transforming the present and paving the way towards a more equitable and inclusive future.

Through their projects, Yuri Hirayama, Ana Karen Ramírez, María Concepción del Alto, and Eloísa Pérez drive concrete initiatives that generate significant change in their respective fields.

THE POWER TO TRANSFORM THE FUTURE

Each of them has built their path with determination and purpose. If they could speak to their younger selves, their message would be clear: the world needs their talent and perspective.

"If I could talk to my younger self, I would remind her that she, like her friends, has an incredible power to shape the future. I would tell her to trust her instincts, stay curious, and embrace her unique voice," shares Yuri, a Doctorate in Administrative Sciences student at EGADE Business School and an alumna of the EGADE MBA Online. As a School Director, Principal Educator, and Chief Sustainability Officer at the Yuri Education Center, she has promoted initiatives that combine education and sustainability in Japan.

For Ana Karen, an alumna of the EGADE Full-Time MBA and founder of Epic Queen, creativity and curiosity are superpowers: "I would tell that little girl that her way of seeing the world is precisely what will lead her to change it. She shouldn't be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and imagine the impossible because that's where the best ideas come from."

From a financial leadership perspective, María Concepción, professor and national director of the Master in Finance at EGADE Business School, emphasizes the importance of perseverance: "You can achieve anything with effort and determination, but not just for the short term—always with an eye on how you want to leave a lasting impact."

Eloísa, Director of Educational Innovation at EGADE Business School, highlights the importance of lifelong learning: "I would remind her that the passion for learning and curiosity are powerful tools for generating change. Every experience and challenge will expand her vision and strengthen her ability to make an impact."

INITIATIVES THAT CREATE IMPACT

The initiatives led by these women seek to transform their environments with tangible results.

Yuri leads the "You Lead" program in education, empowering young people from underserved communities with global leadership skills. Additionally, through the "Waste to Wow!" event, she promotes sustainability in education, aligned with the UN SDG 12.

"Epic Queen has impacted over 100,000 girls in Latin America, bringing them closer to science and technology so they can discover their potential in STEM," explains Ana Karen. "When a girl realizes she can be part of the future, it changes her story and many others as well."

María Concepción works to transform organizational structures and promote equal opportunities in the workplace. Through the Work Life-Balance Forum IMEF-EGADE, she drives initiatives that foster better conditions for women in their professional careers. As a Women Corporate Directors (WCD) Mexico Chapter member, she seeks to expand access for more women to decision-making spaces: "It is important to be in places where decisions are made and to hold leadership positions to promote better labour and social practices."

From educational innovation, Eloísa has strengthened EGADE Action Week, incorporating new experiences and participation methodologies that enrich this sustainability-driven initiative. She promotes the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the classroom, aiming to optimize teaching and enhance decision-making with a sustainable approach: "This program has impacted more than 400 students, and now we seek to integrate technology to strengthen the learning experience."

NETWORKS OF SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

For these women, collaboration with various networks and communities has been key to the success of their initiatives.

"EGADE provided me with the tools to structure my ideas strategically and find allies who propelled my projects forward," says Ana Karen.

María Concepción's role in academic leadership has been a platform to promote female participation in executive education and connect talent with opportunities.

"We apply knowledge acquired in different training spaces to strengthen sustainability and leadership in education," highlights Yuri.

Eloísa emphasizes that collaboration within the academic environment has been key to innovation in teaching: "We have co-created projects with different teams, generating a tangible impact on the leadership development of our students."

ADVICE FOR WOMEN DRIVING CHANGE

The four leaders of EGADE Business School share an inspiring message for all women who are driving change.

"Never underestimate the power of your ideas. The future is not only built by large companies, but by each of us with every decision we make, every technology we create, and every door we open for those who come after us," says Ana Karen.

"If we want to make a lasting impact and build a better world, we must work hard and never give up," emphasizes María Concepción.

"As women, we balance innovation and the preservation of our traditions. We must continue driving change with respect for the past and a clear vision for the future," affirms Yuri.

Finally, Eloísa highlights the importance of breaking barriers: "Don't be afraid to build new paths. The future is built not only with ideas but also with action and collaboration."