Roundtable Discussion with Entrepreneurs Benefiting from the “Women Who Shine” Program
January 6, 2026
The AES Panama Foundation, committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women in society, organized a roundtable discussion with the leaders of the projects that benefited from the competitive grants awarded through the “Women Who Shine” initiative.
Miguel Bolinaga, President of AES Panama, expressed his satisfaction with the materialization of this project and the social impact it has had on communities near the company’s areas of influence: “Each of the projects participating in ‘Women Who Shine’ not only benefits its creator, but, as we are seeing today, has become a beacon of hope and a role model for other women. They are a testament to the transformative power of community leadership. Almost all of these leaders have shared their knowledge with other women, have designed workshops to expand their work, and have provided tools so that others can also generate income.”
During the program’s closing event, the stories of these women who shine with their own light were shared: Berta Vivero, leader of the project Artesanas Que Brillan; Librada Pérez, from the Eco Agro Consultores initiative; Lurdes González, from Modistería Jared; Ileany Camargo and her foundation La Jalapeña; Lyann Leguisamo, from Semillas de Identidad; and Yaniret Acosta, creator of Son Descar-T. These wonderful projects, spread across several regions of the country (Panama City, Colón, Los Santos, and Penonomé), are a true example of what can be achieved when efforts come together and when women’s empowerment is embraced as a driver of economic and social development.
These entrepreneurs shared their experiences in the “Women Who Shine” program with attendees, alongside Stephanie Lezcano, Executive Director of the AES Panama Foundation. Lezcano emphasized the multiplier effect achieved by these initiatives, which together received a total of USD 25,000 to reach their objectives.
Six initiatives showcasing the social role of women
“Artesanas Que Brillan” is one of the ventures supported by the AES Panama Foundation. This initiative, developed in Colón, operates through six-month workshops. Twelve women participated on a regular basis, in addition to many others who joined specific workshops. Participants included girls as young as 8 years old, young women between 15 and 20 years of age, and even a 93-year-old woman—demonstrating that there are no age limits to learning and entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, the “Eco Agro Consultores” initiative is built on pillars such as gender equity, leadership, sustainability, and the strengthening of productive capacities. It is a field school that provides training in the production of organic fertilizers, waste management, home gardens, and the manufacturing of sustainable agricultural inputs, enabling women from the Paraíso community in Pocrí to improve their living conditions and strengthen their role within the community.
Lurdes González
“Modistería Jared” is a venture dedicated to the making of polleras and traditional Panamanian costumes. It seeks to provide women from La Represa, in Colón, with the opportunity to learn a trade that allows them to generate income from home. Through hands-on courses, 10 participants between the ages of 18 and 46 learned about garment construction processes, sewing machine operation, pattern making, and final garment assembly. This initiative not only preserves Panama’s cultural heritage through traditional attire, but also leaves a positive mark on the community by creating opportunities and strengthening women’s economic independence.
Ileany Camargo
Another project that received competitive funding is the La Jalapeña Foundation, an organization that promotes a social initiative supporting children and young athletes in Colón by providing food, uniforms, and strengthening partnerships with the private sector.
The “Son Descar-T” initiative seeks to reduce food waste and create economic opportunities for rural women in Penonomé. Through practical workshops, participants learn to transform discarded products into processed foods, fostering entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Yaniret Acosta
Finally, the Semillas de Identidad project aims to rescue the gastronomic heritage of the Emberá community in Chepo through the implementation of micro-gardens and the recovery of traditional ingredients. This project addresses one of today’s most pressing challenges: achieving food security. The goal is for Indigenous communities to reclaim their native foods and reincorporate them into their diets, thereby contributing significantly to their well-being and sustainability.
AES Panama, through its Foundation, firmly believes in the value of promoting initiatives like these so that many more women have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. For this reason, it will continue working with communities and supporting their development to help build a nation full of opportunities for all.
