Three female leaders from Panama’s banking, technology, and creative industries shared their strategies for building businesses with social impact. The discussion took place at the Women’s Forum 2026 in Panama City on March 26. Olivia Rodriguez from Global Bank, Susana Lau of ETYALAB, and Jochebec Arjona of Jochebec Design argued that true innovation must solve real human problems.
The panel titled “Innovation with Purpose” was presented by Global Bank and organized by ELLAS and La Prensa. It focused on moving beyond technological novelty to create tangible economic and social value. Each executive detailed how their company’s mission directly addresses specific challenges faced by Panamanians, particularly women.
Global Bank Vice President of Products Olivia Rodriguez opened the session by unveiling the bank’s “Única” program. This initiative was built from extensive research into the financial behaviors and needs of women in Panama.
“Innovation without purpose scales problems. Innovation with purpose transforms opportunities into realities,” Rodriguez told the forum audience. [Translated from Spanish]
She explained that the program now serves over 15,000 active clients with a financing portfolio exceeding $280 million. It offers flexible credit conditions and a specialized Visa card with health and wellness benefits. Rodriguez emphasized that the bank’s role extends beyond products to fostering financial literacy through workshops and networking events.
Technology Must Solve Problems Not Showcase Gadgets
Susana Lau, CEO and founder of the software development firm ETYALAB, challenged common perceptions of innovation from the tech stage. She argued that a solid educational foundation is the true starting point for any meaningful technological advancement. Lau credited her parents and her engineering background for shaping this perspective.
Her core message centered on value creation over technical sophistication. Simply using artificial intelligence or other buzzworthy tools does not constitute innovation in her view. The technology must make someone’s life easier or solve a documented problem.
“Many think that because something has artificial intelligence or because it is sophisticated it is innovative. But if it does not solve a problem or make someone’s life easier, it is not considered innovation,” Lau stated. [Translated from Spanish]
She cited her work on the “Mercadito” platform as a key learning experience. The project aimed to reduce food waste in local markets and improve conditions for producers. Lau said building and adjusting that model proved that ventures could generate both income and positive social impact simultaneously. She now focuses on mentoring young women interested in tech careers, stressing the importance of community and access.
Cultural Identity as a Foundation for Global Business
Jochebec Arjona presented a vision of innovation rooted in Panama’s cultural heritage. The CEO of Jochebec Design shared a poignant personal journey that began decades ago near the very forum stage. She recounted selling newspapers, including La Prensa, on the streets and later working as an assistant in an office at the global bank tower.
Those early experiences taught her fundamental business lessons. They now inform her company’s mission to blend design, craftsmanship, and international appeal. Arjona’s brand works to position culturally inspired design as a viable commercial proposition on the world stage. Her story underscored the potential for creative industries to build economic value while preserving and promoting national identity.
During a question and answer session, the panelists addressed the practical challenges of innovating within Panama’s ecosystem. Lau reflected that her understanding of purpose solidified when she became an entrepreneur herself. Seeing a direct line between her work and its social or environmental effect was transformative.
Rodriguez’s insights from the banking sector highlight a growing trend toward targeted financial inclusion strategies. Her participation follows other regional engagements by Panama’s financial leaders, such as when olivia rodr attended a recent presidential inauguration in Chile. The forum successfully bridged diverse sectors, demonstrating that the drive for purposeful innovation is a unifying force across Panama’s evolving economy.