The Center for Inclusive and Sustainable Leadership (CELIS) of INCAE Business School and Coope Ande celebrate the successes achieved by the 36 Costa Rican businesswomen who completed the LEADS Academy for Women program, held exclusively for Costa Rica.
The business leaders achieved extraordinary results: 53% increased their payroll, generating more than 250 new jobs; 62% of the businesswomen increased or improved their media presence; 43% improved the efficiency of their processes; 64% improved or increased their sales; 55% applied for financing; and 55% developed an alliance with another program participant.
"In our institution we are convinced that female leadership is fundamental for the economic and social development of the region. Leads Academy for Women is an initiative that seeks to contribute to this objective, providing women with the tools and support they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses," said Gabriela Lucke, director of CELIS.
The program also drove innovation: 58% of participants improved their existing products or services; 32% launched new products or services; and 10% plan to introduce new solutions in the next 6 months.
"The strongest learning I take away from Leads Academy is really empowerment in the financial area, I feel ready for the next step of Element Pilates," commented Marcia Castro, owner of Element Pilates.
LEADS Academy for Women reaffirms INCAE and Coope Ande's commitment to women's economic empowerment. The program recognizes the potential of women as leaders and agents of change, providing them with the tools and support necessary to achieve success in their endeavors.
"At Coope Ande, we are proud to contribute to the growth of the female business fabric in Costa Rica through LEADS Academy for Women. This program is a sign of our commitment to gender equity and sustainable development," said Alexandra Márquez Massino, general manager of Coope Ande.
In this first edition, which was held in partnership with Coope Ande, there was participation of businesswomen from 6 provinces of the country, from sectors such as health, agriculture, services, textiles, distribution, construction and others.
The success of this initiative demonstrates the need to continue promoting programs that strengthen the capacities of women entrepreneurs to contribute to the economic and social development of the region.
