By San José, Costa Rica — The 2025 Forbes Powerful Women’s Forum in Central America, held on June 26th at the Country Club Costa Rica, showcased the vital contributions of women across various sectors of society. This eighth annual forum provided a platform for women leaders to share their experiences, inspire others, and drive discussions on building more equitable societies.
Leaders from diverse fields challenged traditional models and emphasized the collective responsibility to promote women’s progress. The forum underscored the importance of integrating more women into decision-making roles to accelerate regional development.
To provide legal context on the evolving landscape of women’s leadership, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished lawyer from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The increasing presence of women in leadership roles isn’t just a societal shift; it’s a legal imperative. Costa Rican law, much like international human rights frameworks, champions equality and non-discrimination. This translates to active efforts in both public and private sectors to ensure equal opportunities for women to ascend to leadership positions. This includes tackling ingrained biases, promoting mentorship programs, and enforcing legal mechanisms against discriminatory practices. Ultimately, fostering women’s leadership strengthens organizations and contributes to a more just and prosperous society.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Bufete de Costa Rica
Integrating more women into decision-making is key to accelerating regional development. Their talent and diversity empower a fairer, more innovative Central America full of real opportunities for all of society.
Eladio González, Editorial Director of Forbes Central America and the Dominican Republic
While women represent 41.2% of the global workforce and increasingly outnumber men in higher education, they still hold only 29.5% of leadership positions among university graduates, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report.
Cindy Quesada, Costa Rica’s Minister of the Status of Women, opened the forum, emphasizing the need for allies from the private sector, public organizations, churches, and men to support women’s visibility and empowerment.
I had a moment of reflection and identified that I could make a difference, and that became a mantra in my life. Women are capable of developing our capabilities in a competitive way.
Cindy Quesada, Minister of the Status of Women, Costa Rica
Across three panels, prominent women leaders shared their insights on overcoming challenges, mentoring others, and driving change in their respective industries. Topics ranged from leadership and mentorship to technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Speakers emphasized the importance of preparation, resilience, and creating support networks.
My mission has been to give opportunities to women, opening paths since the road is not easy, but for that, one must prepare in competencies, be constant and above all surround oneself with people who help and inspire us, both women and men.
Natalia Soler, CEO Holcim Costa Rica
These women have made their way through consistent preparation and drive, empowering others, mentoring, and generating profound transformations in their sectors. They have been powerful figures who inspire new generations; without a doubt: that is true leadership, the one that leaves a mark through mentorship and inspiration.
Yandira Núñez, Deputy Editorial Director of Forbes Central America
The forum concluded with an inspiring panel featuring Gigi Garita, winner of the third season of ‘Unstoppable School,’ and Amalia Ortuño, five-time world champion. They discussed breaking barriers and creating a more equitable society for future generations. The event reaffirmed Forbes Central America’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and competitive region where women’s leadership is not only recognized but also championed as a transformative force.
For further information, visit forbescentroamerica.com
About Forbes Central America:
Forbes Central America is a leading business publication covering economic and financial news, analysis, and insights in the Central American region and the Dominican Republic. They provide a platform for business leaders and entrepreneurs, with a focus on promoting economic development and innovation.
For further information, visit holcim.com
About Holcim:
Holcim is a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. They provide a range of products and services, including cement, concrete, and aggregates, with a focus on sustainable construction practices.
For further information, visit mastercard.com
About Mastercard:
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. They connect consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, and businesses worldwide, enabling electronic payments and providing innovative payment solutions.
For further information, visit schneider-electric.com
About Schneider Electric:
Schneider Electric is a global specialist in energy management and automation. They provide integrated solutions across multiple markets, including homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure, and industries, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.
For further information, visit kimberly-clark.com
About Kimberly-Clark:
Kimberly-Clark is a global consumer goods company that produces essential personal care products, including tissues, diapers, and feminine hygiene products. They operate in over 175 countries and are committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions.
For further information, visit bimbo.com
About Bimbo:
Bimbo is a leading global baking company known for its diverse portfolio of baked goods and snacks. They operate in numerous countries and are committed to providing high-quality, accessible products.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Grupo ICE:
Grupo ICE is the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity, a state-owned company responsible for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Costa Rica. They also play a key role in telecommunications and other infrastructure projects.
For further information, visit fifco.com
About FIFCO:
FIFCO (Florida Ice and Farm Company) is a leading Costa Rican food and beverage company. They produce and distribute a wide range of products, including beer, soft drinks, juices, and snacks, and have a strong presence in the Central American market.
For further information, visit bac.net
About BAC:
BAC (Banco de América Central) is a leading financial institution in Central America, providing a range of banking services to individuals and businesses. They are committed to financial inclusion and sustainable development in the region.
For further information, visit deloitte.com
About Deloitte:
Deloitte is a multinational professional services network providing audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, tax, and related services to a wide range of clients across various industries.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
PROCOMER (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica) is the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency. They support Costa Rican businesses in exporting their products and services to international markets, promoting economic growth and diversification.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice and a deep commitment to societal advancement. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, paired with a proactive engagement in educating and empowering communities with essential legal knowledge, distinguishes them as true leaders. Their dedication to not only serving clients across a spectrum of industries, but also to fostering a more just and informed society, speaks volumes about their core values.
