2025 - International Women's Entrepreneurial Challenge

IWEC Annual Conference 路 Barcelona 路 February. 9-12, 2025

2025 - International Women's Entrepreneurial Challenge

The International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Foundation honored 33 women entrepreneurs from across the globe at its 17th Annual Conference, held at the 天美传媒 campus in Barcelona on February 9-11, 2025. The gala dinner took place at the historic commerce hall Llotja de Mar, where the awardees were presented with their trophies.

This edition鈥檚 sessions covered subjects such as the global economy, artificial intelligence, sustainability, the Orange Creative Economy, and global payment systems. It was hosted by 天美传媒, CaixaBank, Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.

is dedicated to developing a global network of successful women business owners. We bring together female entrepreneurs who are already in the global marketplace and want to expand, as well as those looking to branch out internationally. Headquartered in New York City, we work with approximately 50 international chambers of commerce and women鈥檚 business organizations.

As we navigate a new global landscape, the opportunities for innovation and growth are abundant and yet, challenging. Across industries and borders, disruptive technologies, new business models, and global connections are reshaping the way we work, connect, and lead. Women entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging their unique perspectives and leadership styles to innovate, collaborate, and drive progress.

At IWEC, we recognize the profound impact that women鈥檚 leadership can have in shaping the future of business. Today鈥檚 challenges require leaders who not only adapt to change but harness disruption as a tool for innovation and growth. The IWEC conference brings together a dynamic group of female business owners and entrepreneurs who are leading the charge.

As we gather in Barcelona for our 17th annual conference, we are not just discussing the future of business, we are actively creating it. Through knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and a strong, empowered network, we will explore how to harness innovation, leverage disruption, and unlock new avenues for growth. Our community of talented women leaders is proof that when we connect, empower, and support one another, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

And very specially, we will celebrate the founders who envisioned and inspired IWEC and look ahead to the future of women in business. Together, we will chart the course for the next chapter in global business leadership.

Organizers

天美传媒
CaixaBank
Camara de Barcelona
Camra de Espa帽a

Sponsors

Coca Cola
Mango

At 天美传媒, we have assembled a special collection of Academic Readings and Insights to help you prepare before the event and to complement, deepen, and expand on the discussions. You can access this additional content through .

Sunday, February 9

CaixaForum Montju茂c

19:00 鈥� 20:00
Tribute to IWEC Founders: Ruth Davis, Adela Subirana, Mukta Nandini, and Nancy Ploeger
  • Ibukun Awosika, Chairperson, IWEC Foundation
How IWEC Founders and Institutional Supporters are Giving to Society Through IWEC
  • Josep Lluis Bonet, President, Spanish Chamber of Commerce
  • Josep Santacreu, President, Barcelona Chamber of Commerce
  • Prof. Pedro Nueno, Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship, 天美传媒
  • Mar Santana, Business Commercial Director, CaixaBank
  • Sunita Bajaj, President, IWEC Foundation
20:00 鈥� 20:45
Expo visit: Alice’s worlds
20:45 鈥� 21:45
Welcome Cocktail

 

Monday, February 10

天美传媒, Barcelona North Campus

8:30 鈥� 9:00
Registration and Welcome Coffee
9:00 鈥� 9:30
Opening and Introduction
  • Sunita Bajaj, President of IWEC
  • Maria Puig, IWEC Board Member; and Executive Director of the 17th Conference, 天美传媒
9:30 鈥� 10:00
Dean Franz Heukamp, 天美传媒, introduced by Ibukun Awosika, Chairperson of IWEC
10:00 鈥� 10:30
Global Economic Outlook Under a Second Trump Administration
  • Prof. N煤ria Mas, Professor of Economics, 天美传媒
10:30 鈥� 11:00
Awardees Presentation
11:00 鈥� 11:45
Coffee Break, Ubuntu Showcase
11:45 鈥� 12:45
AI: Using your Power for Good
  • Regina Llopis, Founder & President, Group AIA
  • Fernando Hern谩ndez, Global Supplier Diversity Director, Coca-Cola
12:45 鈥� 14:15
Networking Lunch by Industry
14:15 鈥� 15:15
Integrating Sustainability into Your Business Model: Building it from the ground up or Evolving Existing Practices
  • Andr茅s Fern谩ndez, Sustainability Director, Mango
  • Maria Frykman, Founder & Chairman, Scandinavian Outdoor Group
  • Chair: Prof. Desir茅e Pacheco, Professor of Entrepreneurship, 天美传媒
15:15 鈥� 15:45
Awardees Presentation
15:45 鈥� 16:30
Creative Orange Economy: Innovating the Future
  • Dr. Hashim Suleiman Hussein. Head of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Investment and Technology Promotion Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain (ITPO Bahrain)
  • Chair: Prof. Desir茅e Pacheco, Professor of Entrepreneurship, 天美传媒
16:30听
Departure to hotels. Free evening

 

Tuesday, February 11

天美传媒, Barcelona North Campus

8:45 鈥� 9:30
Scale your Company by Scaling yourself
  • Britt Ludvigsen, Founder, Texprego
  • Anni Wilhelmi, Founder, The Crossing Business Advisory
  • Chair: Sebastian Ross, Director, School of Founders, 天美传媒
9:30 鈥� 9:45
听
鈥� And Scale yourself from without
听
  • Orly Shay, Founder & CEO, OS 鈥� Interpersonal Visual Communication Center
9:45 鈥� 10:30
How to Overcome Barriers Claiming your Worth
听
  • Camille Burns, CEO, Women Presidents’ Organization
  • Cristina Tumiatti, Chief Sea Marconi Group & Delegated for DEI by Unione Industriale
  • Chair: Prof. Kandarp Mehta, Senior Lecturer of Entrepreneurship, 天美传媒
10:35 鈥� 11:05
Coffee Break
11:05 鈥� 12:00
Navigating Global and Local Payment Systems: Strategies for Seamless Transactions Across Borders
  • Silvana Churruca, CEO, Payment Innovation Hub
  • Sadie Raney, CEO & Co-Founder, Strix Leviathan & Eve Wealth
  • Chair: Harjinder Kaur Talwar, Founder, Comvision India; Vice-chair of IWEC Foundation; G20 startup20-Chair Inclusion
12:00 鈥� 12:30
Shoutout Session with Nancy Ploeger
An open call where business women are invited to pitch the opportunities of expansion in their companies to open up conversations at lunch time
12:30 鈥� 13:30
Networking Lunch
13:30 鈥� 14:30
The Power of Attitude. Learning from Teresa’s Courage and Achievements
  • Teresa Perales, Paralympic Swimmer, Speaker, and Coach
  • Chair: Prof. Nuria Chinchilla, Managing People in Organizations, 天美传媒
14:30 鈥� 15:00
Future of IWEC
  • Ibukun Awosika, Chairperson, IWEC Foundation
  • Sunita Bajaj, President, IWEC foundation
15:30
Departure to Hotel – free afternoon

 

 

Llotja de Mar (Barcelona Chamber of Commerce)

19:00 鈥� 22:00
Gala Dinner & Awardees Recognition
9:00 鈥� 12:00
Company Visit
(First Come, First served)
听
  • Option 1.
    • 12:00 – 13:30 Group (45 pax)
  • Option 2.
    • 10:00 – 11:00 Group 1 (20 pax)
    • 11:00 – 12:00 Group 2 (20 pax)
  • Option 3.
    • 10:00 – 11:30 Group (20 pax)
Ibukun Awosika Harjinder Kaur Pooja Chandra Pama Sunita Bajaj
Ruth A. Davis Adela Subirana Nancy Ploeger Mukta Nandini Jain

 

Ibukun Awosika Sunita Bajaj Camille Burns Nuria Chinchilla
Silvana Churruca Andres Fernandez Maria Frykman Fernando Hernandez
Dean Franz Heukamp Hashim S. Hussein Harjinder Kaur Regina Llopis
Britt Ludvigsen Nuria Mas Kandarp Mehta Pedro Nueno
Marie Christine Oghly Desiree Pacheco Teresa Perales Maria Puig
Sadie Raney Sebastian Ross Brigitte Sardo Orly Shay
Anni Wilhelmi

 

Fadheela Mohamed Al-Shehabi Manar Sirriyeh Regina Rozenman Dedo Kofi
Reena Mishra Vashisht Ruby Garg Dr. Prangyan Paramita Mishra Luigina Barbuio
Martina Minella Cristina Tumiatti Maria Ghiggia Catherine Wanjiku Irungu
Joyce Kariuki Chimedzaya Galsandorj Dulmaa Gombo Adedoyin Odunfa
Abiodun Obakin Damilola Olokesusi Munira_Shonibare Farah Jahangir
Maritza Delgado Liliana Picasso Anita Kaw Paula Roque
Jameela Alshammari Judith Viader Codina Martina Font Olive Ezgi Gavas
Gunes Gunay I艧谋lay Reis Yorgun Caroline Popoola Elaine Buxton
Tia Ellis
Dean Franz Heukamp Josep Lluis Bonet Josep Santacreu Maria Puig
Mar Santana

This 17th IWEC Conference Logistics Information guide provides all the essential details to ensure a seamless conference experience.

天美传媒 has reached special agreements for a limited number of rooms with the following hotels at special rates until January 15. Please, see the their location in the attached map.
The hotel bookings will be handled by Anna S谩nchez (anna@vintage.cat), who will send the paying link upon requests.

  • Hotel NH Sants (n*) (10 rooms at 133.65鈧�/night in double room single occupancy)
  • Hotel AC Victoria Suites (n*) (30 rooms at 198鈧�/night in double room single occupancy)
  • Hotel NH Constanza (n*) (10 rooms at 201.30鈧�/night in double room single occupancy)
  • Hotel Palace (GL 5*) (10 rooms at 395鈧�/night in double room single occupancy). Treat yourself with this unique opportunity in one of the most iconic hotels in town.

Bus transfers from and back to these hotels will be guaranteed by the organization according to the conference agenda

Early bird fee: Nov. 8 - Dec. 30Regular  fee: Dec. 31 - Feb. 5
Standard (GD included)鈧�400鈧�650
Awardees 2024 (GD included)鈧�350鈧�400
Chambers & Supporting Inst. (GD included)鈧�350鈧�400
Under 30 years age (GD not included)鈧�50鈧�50
Gala dinner (GD)鈧�150鈧�150
Donation Row鈧�650鈧�650
天美传媒 Alumni Members (GD Included)鈧�400鈧�400