Mexican Women Who Redefined Success and Leadership in 2024
In 2024, women in Mexico broke barriers and created history in politics, business, the arts, and sports. From President Claudia Sheinbaum to pioneers like Wendy Guevara and Natalia Lafourcade, these ten remarkable women shaped a year of change for the country.
Political Pioneers: Leading Mexico to New Heights
Claudia Sheinbaum: Mexico’s First Female President
Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico’s first female president, winning a record-breaking 36 million votes—nearly 60% of the electorate. Her victory in a race against fellow trailblazer Xóchitl Gálvez marked a turning point in the nation’s political landscape.
Forbes ranks Sheinbaum as the fourth most powerful woman in the world. She often rejects the term “glass ceiling,” stating, “I didn’t reach this alone. We arrived together.” Her leadership represents a collective victory for women in Mexico and worldwide.
Ifigenia Martínez: A Lifetime of Political Leadership
A key supporter of Sheinbaum’s campaign, Ifigenia Martínez, at age 94, presided over the Chamber of Deputies and placed the presidential sash on Sheinbaum on October 1. Known as a leftist icon, Martínez co-founded the PRD party and became the first senator elected by an opposition party in Mexico City.
Her impact reached far beyond politics ‒ she stood out as one of the first Mexican women to study economics at UNAM and the first to pursue a graduate degree at Harvard. Martínez’s passing soon after the inauguration signaled the close of an era, but her gifts remain a foundation of Mexico’s growth.
Cultural Icons: Transforming Arts and Representation
Natalia Lafourcade: A Record-Breaking Artist
The 40-year-old Veracruz native cemented her place as the most decorated Latin Grammy artist in history with 22 awards, including four Grammy wins. Her album De Todas las Flores earned global recognition, showcasing her enduring creativity and influence after 23 years in the industry.
Cristina Rivera Garza: A Pulitzer-Winning Writer
Rivera Garza’s memoir, El Invencible Verano de Liliana, grabbed the 2024 Pulitzer Prize. Her touching story about her sister’s murder in the 1990s shines a light on Mexico’s continuous problem of violence against women. The book is a personal story and a strong political message tackling the lack of punishment and deep-rooted problems in the country.
Wendy Guevara: A Trans Trailblazer
Wendy Guevara became an emblem of LGBTQ+ visibility in Mexico and Latin America. Recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the world’s top 25 content creators, the 31-year-old influencer broke barriers as the first trans woman to win the reality show La Casa de los Famosos.
Once a marginalized sex worker, Guevara now commands a digital empire with millions of followers, offering a voice for inclusivity and representation in a country grappling with societal challenges.
Athletes and Innovators: Breaking New Ground
Prisca Awiti: A Judo Champion
Prisca Awiti earned Mexico’s first-ever Olympic silver medal in judo at the Paris 2024 Games. Her success showed her talent and strong spirit in facing the lack of resources and support for female athletes in Mexico.
Ángela Elena Olazarán: A Leader Among Global Students
Olazarán, only 18, was the first from Latin America to win the Chegg.org Global Student Prize. Her project, Ixtlilton, a smart virtual medical helper, shows her dedication to using technology to help society.
Gabriela Salas: Supporting Indigenous Languages
Engineer Gabriela Salas gained attention in 2024 for her work with Google to add Indigenous languages, starting with her own Nahuatl, to Google Translate. Recognized by the BBC as one of the year’s 100 most inspiring women, Salas uses artificial intelligence to preserve cultural heritage and empower Indigenous communities.
Women in Business: Redefining Leadership
Altagracia Gómez Sierra: A Rising Entrepreneurial Star
At 33 years old, Gómez Sierra climbed from 98th to 16th place in Expansión magazine’s ranking of Mexico’s top 100 entrepreneurs. As president of Grupo Promotora Empresarial de Occidente, she became a key figure in President Sheinbaum’s economic advisory council, fostering industrial partnerships and regional development.
Her influence underscores the growing role of women in reshaping Mexico’s business landscape, breaking into spaces historically dominated by men.
A Transformative Year for Mexican Women
2024 will be a big year for women in Mexico, with notable successes in politics, arts, sports, and business. These pioneering women broke down walls and sparked a new wave of dreams and ambitions.
Also Read: Mexico Embraced Transformation and Unity Dream Under Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum’s groundbreaking presidency and Wendy Guevara’s digital shakeup—these ten women show strength, skill, and leadership. They have changed what it means to be a woman in Mexico, leaving a lasting impact for many years ahead.
