2025 Laureate
Maria Eugenia
Brizuela de Avila
Maria Eugenia (Mayu) Brizuela de Avila has built a legacy of leadership defined by courage, innovation, and purpose. As a trailblazer in business, government, and sustainability, she became El Salvador’s first female president of a private bank, served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and established Corporate Sustainability HSBC Latin America. With vision and integrity, Mayu has spent her career breaking barriers and mentoring the next generation of leaders across the region.
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1956
Born (El Salvador)
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1997
Becomes the first woman president of an insurance company (Internacional de Seguros) in El Salvador
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1999
Starts term as Minister of Foreign Affairs for El Salvador, the first woman to do so
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2006
Begins tenure as Regional Director for Corporate Sustainability at HSBC
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2007
Receives the Palma de Oro award from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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2019
Named Honorary Member of FUSADES
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2024
Becomes first woman president of a private Bank in El Salvador
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2025
Inducted into the Global Business Hall of Fame
Maria Eugenia (Mayu) Brizuela de Avila began her career with a deep belief in service and education as the foundation for national progress. Born in San Salvador, she earned her law degree from the Universidad Dr. Jose Matias Delgado, where she would later serve as a professor and mentor to future leaders and as Vice President of the university’s board. Her studies at INCAE Business School shaped her perspective on ethical leadership and sustainable growth.
As El Salvador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mayu represented her nation with integrity and foresight. Her tenure focused on strengthening international relations, advancing ties with the Salvadoran diaspora worldwide, promoting economic development through free trade agreements, leading the land border demarcation between Honduras and El Salvador, and garnering external aid after two major earthquakes to support national reconstruction. Her leadership helped elevate El Salvador’s voice in global forums and served as a model for inclusive diplomacy.
After her years in government, Mayu transitioned to the financial sector, where she continued to break new ground. As President of Banco Salvadoreño S.A., she introduced special programs for female entrepreneurs and guided the institution through modernization and expansion. Later, through HSBC Corporate Sustainability, together with JA, she empowered youth from Mexico to Argentina.
Mayu named FUSADES Honorary Member 2019 (Read)
After her years in government, Mayu transitioned to the financial sector, where she continued to break new ground. She became one of Latin America’s first female bank presidents when she assumed the role of President of Banco Salvadoreño S.A., guiding the institution through modernization and expansion. Later, as Corporate Sustainability Manager for HSBC Latin America, she advanced environmental and social responsibility initiatives, integrating sustainability into the core of business strategy across multiple countries.
Mayu’s influence extends well beyond titles or sectors. As a member of the Atlantic Council, the International Commission on Missing Persons, and other global networks, she continues to advocate for responsible leadership and women’s empowerment. She frequently shares her insights on governance, sustainability, and equality, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making in times of uncertainty.
Throughout her career, Mayu has remained committed to mentoring emerging leaders, particularly young women in business and government. Her story is one of resilience, intellect, and heart—proof that leadership rooted in empathy can transform institutions and inspire nations.
Featured in Forbes: “Credit Empowers Women: María Eugenia Brizuela” (Read)
“True leadership is about serving others, not ourselves.”
A Global Force for Good
Mayu’s impact reaches across borders and generations. By combining diplomacy, corporate stewardship, and sustainability leadership, she has built bridges between business and society. Her example demonstrates that inclusive leadership strengthens communities, drives innovation, and opens opportunities for those who follow. Mayu’s voice continues to remind the world that progress begins when leaders choose integrity and service above all.
