Spanish sisters

OVER the years, women from across the world have achieved some extraordinary things. But what about right here in Spain?

Here we look at what our most inspirational Spanish sisters in arms are achieving.

Now 62, Ana Patricia Botin, 57, has served as the executive chairman of Santander bank, bucking the global trend for top banking positions to be occupied by men.

The fourth member of her family to hold the position, in 2013

Botin was ranked the most powerful woman in the world by Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Forbes al so named her the 8th most powerful woman in the world in 2017, 2019 and 202.

Another globally successful banker Maria Dolores Dancausa, 64, is the chief executive officer of Bankinter, holding the position since 2010. She led the bank in 2016 when the bank bagged record profits. She also made it into a gender-less list of the top 50 European directors by Forbes, following her results.

In the world of political philanthropy Paloma Escuedero, 57, is hard to beat. She is the communications director of UNICEF, the United Nations’ children’s fund, managing the agency’s brand image and global communications. Before taking on her new role, she was UNICEF’S country director in Spain responsible for 180 projects and 800 volunteers.

Banking and politics are not the only male-dominated sectors however, with haute cuisine one of the toughest arenas to break into.

Hugely famous Spanish chef Carme Ruscadella, 70, did just that with a slew of Michelin stars to her name.

A master of ‘natural’ cooking, she has a restaurant in her hometown Sant Pol de Mar, near Barcelona, one in Barcelona city, and another in Tokyo. Combined, the three restaurants have seven Michelin stars, making them some of the world’s most decorated kitchens.

Queen Letizia, aged 50, was a successful journalist on Spain’s most important national channel before marrying King Felipe VI in 2004. She serves as special ambassador for the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).