Global Bank Panama has recognized three women for their transformative projects in education, food security and scientific research. The second edition of the Unique Women: Building a Sustainable Future award ceremony took place in Panama City on June 5, 2026. Karen Gibbs, Helga Patricia Barría Fábrega and Gabrielle Britton emerged as winners from more than 300 applicants nationwide.
The initiative forms part of the bank’s Unique Program, a platform designed to promote financial inclusion and empowerment for women. Nine finalists reached the final stage after a rigorous selection process. A panel of specialists in sustainability, education, leadership and social responsibility evaluated every submission.
The jury included Bruno Basile, an expert in corporate communication and social responsibility. Karin Sempf, founder of the educational laboratory Innova-Nation, also participated. Karla Mola, executive director of Sumarse, and Lorena Guzmán, senior vice president of Human Resources at Global Bank Panama, completed the evaluation team.
Three Categories Recognize Different Stages of Impact
The competition divided projects into three categories based on their trajectory. The Seed category welcomed initiatives with two to five years of existence. The Footprint category covered projects running for six to ten years. The Legacy category honored initiatives with more than a decade of sustained impact.
Karen Gibbs won the Seed category for her Scholar Shine-Mentess initiative. Her project uses technological tools to help young people explore professional careers and make decisions about their academic futures. “Technology can bridge the gap between talent and opportunity,” Gibbs said during her acceptance speech. [Translated from Spanish]
Helga Patricia Barría Fábrega took the Footprint category for her work leading the Food Rescue Foundation. The organization reduces food waste by recovering products fit for consumption and distributing them to vulnerable communities. “We save food and we save dignity at the same time,” Barría Fábrega explained. [Translated from Spanish]
Gabrielle Britton received the Legacy award for her leadership of PARI, the Panama Aging Research Initiative. Her scientific research project studies aging and health among older adults in Panama. The work contributes to early detection and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s.
Economic Support and Capacity Building
Each winner received a $6,000 economic incentive to strengthen their initiatives. The finalists also obtained a membership with Sumarse, the country’s principal sustainability network. This membership will help them expand their reach and strengthen their leadership capabilities.
Jorge E. Vallarino M., general manager of Global Bank, spoke about the bank’s commitment during the gala. “Our commitment to Sustainable Development Goal number 5, which promotes gender equality, drives this recognition,” Vallarino said. [Translated from Spanish] The bank’s focus on Gender equality in Latin America aligns with global development targets.
Beyond the financial prize, selected participants receive mentoring, training and tools to strengthen their initiatives. The program aims to generate positive transformations in education, sustainability, research, culture and community development. Winners and finalists will join the Unique Scalability Program, Elevate, designed to expand the impact of their projects.
Growing Reach Across Panama
The 300 applications came from diverse regions across Panama. Women from the central provinces, the center and the western parts of the country showed strong participation. This geographic diversity reflects the program’s growing national reach.
The gala created a meeting space for private sector representatives, social organizations and committed entrepreneurs. “We are building a network of women who change their communities,” said one organizer. The event highlighted female leadership and community impact from initiatives developed in different regions.
Sustainable development in Panama depends on inclusive leadership, according to event speakers. The recognition seeks to make visible projects that generate positive and lasting changes across multiple sectors.
Program Background and Future Plans
The Unique Women award launched in 2025 as part of Global Bank‘s broader inclusion strategy. The program specifically targets women-led initiatives that demonstrate measurable community impact. Organizers reported that applications doubled from the first edition.
Finalists came from diverse fields including environmental conservation, educational technology and public health. The selection process emphasized sustainability, innovation and community engagement. Each project demonstrated clear metrics for measuring its social impact.
Global Bank officials confirmed the program will continue annually. The bank plans to expand the award categories in future editions. New categories may include environmental technology and indigenous community development.
The Unique Program platform continues to grow beyond the award. It offers financial education workshops, networking events and access to capital for women entrepreneurs. The bank reported that more than 5,000 women have participated in program activities since its launch.
Women occupy 55 percent of executive positions in Panama but only 37 percent of board seats, according to recent data. Programs like Unique Women aim to close this gap. The award specifically targets women who lead projects with limited visibility and resources.
The winners will receive ongoing support through the Elevate program. This includes personalized coaching, strategic planning assistance and connections to potential funders. The program runs for six months following the award ceremony.
Global Bank has committed to expanding its sustainability portfolio. The bank’s corporate social responsibility strategy focuses on gender equality, financial inclusion and environmental stewardship. The Unique Women award represents one component of this broader strategy.
Community leaders praised the program for its concrete impact. “This is not just a ceremony,” said one finalist. “It is a launchpad for real change in communities across Panama.” The program’s emphasis on measurable outcomes distinguishes it from other corporate awards.
The next application period will open in January 2027. Organizers expect even more applications as word spreads about the program’s impact. The bank plans to increase the number of finalists and expand the geographic reach of the selection process.