At the emblematic Larra-Journalism Lab in Madrid, Ineco held the 3rd edition of the mINerva Awards, a meeting that brought together leading figures from the fields of engineering, communication and women's leadership to recognise women who, from their different backgrounds, have made dissemination a tool for social transformation.
Under the slogan " Sharing Knowledge Opens Doors ", the event vindicated dissemination as a powerful lever for bringing technical knowledge closer to society, awakening STEAM vocations and making female talent visible in strategic sectors.
Leading change from the mINerva network.
The event was opened by the president of Ineco, Sergio Vázquez Torrón, who highlighted the role of mINerva as a catalyst for change inside and outside the organisation, consolidating its position as a benchmark network in the promotion of talent and equality. "Ineco is an engineering company with a presence of women well above the sector average, and this is no coincidence. It is the result of a strategy that has been cultivated for years", he emphasised.
Carolina Ajates and Cristina González, president and vice-president of mINerva, respectively, shared the past year’s achievements, highlighted by territorial expansion with activities in Valencia and Seville, the strengthening of collaborations with networks such as EVA, WomenCEO, and WITAM, and a continued commitment to mentoring, training, and visibility programs for female talent. "Minerva is a driving force. And in 2026, it will lead the change", they stated, anticipating new initiatives under the slogan "Lead your own change".
Three Leaders, Three Ways to Inspire
The central moment of the event was the presentation of the mINerva 2025 Awards, which in this edition distinguished three women for their ability to disseminate, lead and transform:
- Belén Benito Martínez, Director of Operations at Canal de Isabel II, received the first prize for her career in hydraulic engineering and her ability to communicate the challenges of water and sustainability with rigour and sensitivity.
Claudia Rebollo Bernabéu, a Materials Engineer and creator of Clau, quiero ser ingeniera, was honored for her efforts to bring science and technology closer to girls and young people through relatable role models and engaging, accessible digital content. Her platform is already a repository of vocations in a female key.
- Rosa María García-Malea,} Lieutenant Colonel of the Spanish Air and Space Force, received the third prize for her pioneering career in Spanish military aviation and for her role as a communicator in national and international media and forums. She was the first female Fighter pilot in Spain and today continues to inspire new generations with her testimony.
The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Celestino Rodríguez Rubio, Executive Director of Corporate Coordination at Ineco, in which the award winners reflected on the importance of making women visible in decision-making and technical leadership positions. Each one shared an inspirational message and the vision of the transforming role of communication as a lever for change, but they all shared a common idea: having female role models is fundamental for the equality of future generations.
The event, attended by professionals from diverse sectors and regions, also paid tribute to all those—visible or behind the scenes—who have left a lasting mark on our careers. Because disseminating is not just about informing: it is about inspiring, moving and building a fairer, more inclusive and innovative future.
About mINerva
mINerva is the Ineco Women's Network. Since its creation, it has been working to promote equal opportunities, make female talent visible and promote inclusive leadership inside and outside the company. Through training, mentoring, dissemination and strategic alliances, mINerva has established itself as a benchmark in the promotion of STEAM vocations, work-life balance and professional development with a gender perspective. Do you want to join the network? Write to minervaredmujeresin@gmail.com
