El Cortijo Alegría in Mijas is currently hosting the first Soroptimist International Costa del Sol Women’s Leadership Academy. From the 5th to the 11th of November, the municipality will welcome this experience focused on personal and professional development. It is “a meeting point for 24 young women, aged between 20 and 30, from across Europe, who come here to learn new professional skills, but also to better understand themselves and face the challenges they encounter in reaching their goals”, explained the president of the group, Dafne Theunissen.

Together with other members of the association, Theunissen was in charge of welcoming the participants and leading the inauguration of this academy, which extends beyond the workplace. “Soroptimist is increasingly organising this initiative across Europe. This year it has already been held in Slovenia and Scandinavia, but for us it is the first time, although it will not be the last”, she said.

Personal growth

Although the academy officially began on Wednesday 5th, participants and organisers had already held some preliminary online meetings. Over these five days, attendees will enhance their personal and professional skills through workshops, talks, round tables and other activities.

For Mari Carmen Banqueri, a cancer researcher and participant, “it’s an opportunity I can’t waste, because leadership is very important, especially in science and communication, as well as in knowing how to reach out to others, handle different situations, manage emotions and deal with team problems”, she said.

“In addition to leadership”, added her colleague Nora Ripa, a theatre student, “there has to be methodology and techniques, so I think it’s fantastic. I’ve come to develop myself in that area; I want to learn how I can move forward and progress with my projects”. For Nora, the meeting will also serve to “practise my English, grow personally and take away both the experience and the connections with people”, she said.

Until next Tuesday, the participants will share experiences, training and daily life in a natural environment that, as the president of the collective pointed out, “encourages reflection, learning and the creation of bonds between women”.

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