Women Leadership Expands in Nuevo Leon, Guanajuato

Summary: Women entrepreneurs are expanding their role in Mexico’s economic development through new business leadership in Nuevo León and Guanajuato, supported by public policy, workforce programs and collaboration agreements that strengthen female-led enterprises and MSMEs. Rising female participation in employment, entrepreneurship and STEM fields is increasing talent availability across key industries including automotive, aerospace, technology and manufacturing, while persistent gaps in labor participation and technical leadership highlight structural challenges. The shift reflects growing policy and private-sector focus on gender inclusion as a driver of productivity, innovation and regional investment competitiveness in Mexico.

Women entrepreneurs and professionals are strengthening their role in Mexico’s economic development as new business leadership emerges in Nuevo Leon and Guanajuato, alongside expanding participation in employment, entrepreneurship and STEM fields.

Recent leadership changes within business organizations, new collaboration agreements and government programs aimed at economic inclusion reflect a broader shift toward increased female participation in productive sectors across the country.

New Leadership Strengthens Women’s Business Networks in Nuevo León

The growing influence of women-led enterprises was highlighted in Nuevo Leon with the swearing-in of new leadership at the Mexican Association of Women Business Owners (AMMJE) chapters in Monterrey and Guadalupe. Martha Gaona assumed the presidency of AMMJE Monterrey, while Susana Urdiales took office as president of AMMJE Guadalupe. The ceremony brought together business leaders and government officials, underscoring the organization’s role in strengthening female entrepreneurship.

Nuevo Leon's Minister of Economy Betsabé Rocha recognized the work of outgoing AMMJE Monterrey President Margot Dieck and reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and business owners.

Following the leadership transition, AMMJE signed a collaboration agreement with Index Nuevo Leon aimed at strengthening the female business ecosystem. The partnership seeks to generate synergies that promote entrepreneurship, training and economic empowerment for women. Both organizations plan to develop joint programs and projects, as well as create collaboration networks designed to expand women’s participation in business activity.

These initiatives aim to strengthen female-led enterprises and support business growth across the region.

Women’s Workforce Participation Expands in Guanajuato

Beyond Nuevo Leon, women are playing an increasing role in Guanajuato’s economic development, supported by public policy and growing participation in entrepreneurship and employment.

More than 1.22 million women currently participate in Guanajuato’s workforce, ranking the state sixth nationwide in female labor participation. Additionally, 36,000 women serve as employers, placing the state seventh nationally for female business leadership, reported MBN. 

According to data from the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), more than 447,000 women hold formal jobs in Guanajuato, placing the state among Mexico’s top five for women with registered employment. As of January 2026, the average monthly salary for women insured through IMSS reached MX$15,900.

As participation increases, the Guanajuato government has expanded programs designed to support employment and training. During the current administration, more than 22,700 women have been placed in jobs, while 4,000 received training and 6,500 obtained professional certifications. Training initiatives are supported by the State Training Institute (IECA), which operates 28 technical training centers, three specialized institutes and five technology hubs.

In entrepreneurship, 3,440 women-led MSMEs have obtained certification through the Marca Guanajuato initiative, part of a broader network of 8,599 certified businesses. The program aims to strengthen competitiveness and facilitate access to national and international markets.

The state’s Industrial Connection strategy further integrates women-led companies into clusters such as automotive, aerospace, information technology, food processing and medical devices.

The expansion of women’s business leadership also extends to the Bajío region, where AMMJE Leon installed its new board for the 2026–2028 term. Beatriz Balleza assumed the presidency during a ceremony led by Guanajuato Minister of Economy Cristina Villaseñor. The organization brings together women entrepreneurs across sectors and supports MSMEs through business linkages and market access initiatives.

AMMJE Leon promotes professionalization, collaboration and supply chain integration, contributing to regional economic development.

Women’s Participation in STEM Continues to Grow

At the national level, women’s participation in education and innovation is also increasing. In 2025, women accounted for 57% of professional degrees issued in Mexico, according to the Ministry of Public Education. More than 700,000 professional licenses were processed and over 1.1 million degrees registered, with women representing the majority. However, UNESCO data shows women account for only 35% of STEM students, with participation below 20% in some technical fields, reported MBN. 

According to INEGI, women represent roughly 30% of Mexico’s technology workforce, with fewer in leadership roles. Experts note that increasing participation in STEM fields remains critical for productivity and innovation. Industry leaders identified priorities including early STEM education, mentorship programs, inclusive labor policies and expanded participation in innovation ecosystems.

Despite progress, structural challenges remain. According to the Women, Business, and the Law 2026 report by the World Bank, fewer than 5% of women globally live in economies offering near-complete legal equality.

In Mexico, 51.8% of women participated in the labor force in 2024, compared with 79.2% of men, according to INEGI. Parenthood and limited access to childcare remain key factors influencing participation. Economists note that expanding women’s workforce participation represents a major opportunity for long-term economic growth, particularly as industries face labor shortages and increasing demand for skilled workers.