Chilean Alumnae Participate in Columbia’s Women in Leadership Workshop

In June, five accomplished Chilean alumnae, supported by the Santiago Center, traveled to New York to take part in Women in Leadership: Expanding Influence and Leading Change, a dynamic three-day workshop held on campus. This program, developed by Columbia Business School professors and renowned industry leaders, aims to amplify the impact of women in leadership through advanced learning tools, interactive lectures, and hands-on group exercises.

While research consistently shows that inclusive leaders and organizations achieve superior outcomes, women remain underrepresented across leadership levels. This workshop provides tools for women leaders to overcome these barriers, focusing on strategic influence, leadership change, and practical skills for professional growth.

Applications for the scholarship were open to Columbia alumnae living in Chile and working in academia, non-profits (think-tanks, foundations, NGOs), government, international organizations, media outlets and start-ups. The five Chilean women, who were selected by a special committee at the Executive Education Team in New York among 22 applicants, are:

• Isabel Aninat (LAW'13), Researcher, Centro de Estudios Públicos (CEP)
• Paula Estévez (SEAS'06), Head of International Affairs, Ministry of Energy
• Katherine Lama (SIPA'16), Chief of Staff to the Vice Minister of Trade
• Rosario Palacios (GSAPP'00), Associate Researcher at Universidad Católica’s Center for Educational Justice (CJE)
• María José Pérez (SEAS'15), Director of Finance and Development, School of Engineering, Universidad Católica

Reflecting on her experience, Aninat shared, “The course provided invaluable insights into the challenges women face in their careers, backed by the latest research on gender. The findings aligned closely with our own experiences and those of our classmates: women from different countries, professions and sectors. This proves that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done both at an individual level, within institutions and society as a whole.”

Palacios noted, “Positioning theoretical and empirically studied ideas in the field of public policies is undoubtedly a skill that needs to be exercised,” who also highlights strategic communications, branding and interpersonal relationships during the course as standout skills learnt during the course

The alumnae were grateful for the chance to connect, reflect and analyze with other women leaders from around the world and to deepen their understanding of gender-related issues and incorporate them into the national discussion.“Returning to Columbia was already attractive enough. Spending a few summer days in New York, even more so. But without a doubt, the added value was the quality of the course and its exhibitors,” reflected Lama.