The BBVA Open Internacional de Valencia has hosted a new edition of its Women’s Day, an event that brings together leading women from different sectors each year to share their career journeys and perspectives on the role of women in the professional world.
Sport was represented, alongside tournament director Anabel Medina, by Concha Montaner, a long jumper who competed in four Olympic Games and a Spanish 100-metre champion. Born in La Eliana (Valencia), she reflected on how opportunities for female athletes have changed since her competitive years and how the lessons learned through sport have shaped her professional career.
Gastronomy was represented by Begoña Rodrigo, chef behind several projects through Anarkia Group and founder, director and owner of La Salita restaurant, which holds one Michelin star and three Repsol Suns. Rodrigo discussed her journey towards culinary excellence and the challenges of combining cooking, business management and team leadership.
From the field of smart cities and sustainability, Victoria Majadas Morales, founding partner of Smart To People —a consultancy specialising in Smart Cities and Sustainable Development Goals, with experience in Smart Tourism Destinations, GovTech, startups and open innovation— analysed the progress made towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the steps needed to accelerate change.
Biotechnology was represented by Ángela Pérez, one of the leading figures in the sector in the Valencian Community. She has created and developed companies specialising in genetics, diagnostics and personalised medicine and currently invests in science-based startups. Pérez shared her perspective on the evolution of personalised medicine and the role of genetics.
Women’s football brought the series of talks to a close with Ari Arias, a Levante Unión Deportiva forward who made her debut for CD Tacón in 2019 and has also played for FC Barcelona and Wolfsburg. Arias reflected on her experiences at different clubs and in different countries, the importance of mental strength in elite sport and her role as an inspiration for new generations.
Representing BBVA, Rosa García Barba, Head of Talent and Culture for the bank’s Eastern Regional Division, took part in the event as part of the bank’s commitment to promoting the visibility of female talent.
To round off the event, the tournament’s sustainability certification was once again officially presented to Anabel Medina by Ana Pérez, Sustainability Director at Global Omnium, and Javier López from Bureau Veritas.
STRONG SPANISH PARTICIPATION ON COURT
On the sporting side, the day began with the doubles match between Papamichail and Vedder and Esquiva and Teixidó, with the former claiming a 7-5, 6-4 victory.
Meanwhile, in the singles matches, Irene Burillo advanced to the next round after defeating Natasja Schunk 6-2. The match between Guimar Maristany and Marina Bassols, which had been suspended due to rain on Wednesday, was also completed, with Bassols winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Valencia’s Alicia Herrero, meanwhile, defeated Rebeka Masarova 6-1, 6-2.
