Building Bridges and Breaking Boundaries: Reflections on the Lean In EMEA Summit

What started as a simple idea during an informal conversation with a few Lean In EMEA network leaders has become a reality: the first-ever Lean In EMEA Community Summit unfolded last week, and I couldn’t be prouder. Some of these amazing leaders already knew each other; I didn’t. It was my first interaction with many of them. But through WhatsApp messages and a few video calls, we came together, aligning our visions, sharing our strengths, and building something truly unforgettable. It’s true: magic happens when great minds connect, but when women unite with a shared purpose, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

Barcelona was the chosen city, and Lean In Network Barcelona had the honor of taking a leading role in making it happen. It was deeply moving to see the support we received from incredible companies that believed in our mission and helped us create an unforgettable experience, even with limited resources.

• Lean In — Thank you, Rachel Schall Thomas and Nikki Pawsey for your support.
• ESTEVE — Special thanks to Mònica Segura , Maria àngels Valls , and Staffan Schüberg . Your warm hospitality gave us a home away from home, and your culture shone through everywhere we looked. THANK YOU.
• Tech Barcelona — Thanks to Juan Manuel Baselga Iturzaeta , Toni García , and Blanca Sarrias , for the amazing Pier 07 rooftop where we hosted our networking cocktail mixer — a memorable experience, even for us locals!
• HP — Olga Giménez and María Carrá Abad , my dear friends, thank you for the beautiful roll-ups, photocall, badges, and fun props. HP’s Digital Printing technology, as always, rocks!
• Grupo Freixenet — Once again, Sofia Llagostera thank you for your fantastic Elyssia cava. Your commitment to our cause means so much to us.
• malo&co — Thank you, Maria Lopez Ordo?ez , for ensuring our social media presence shined.
• CARAVAN MADE SL — Sílvia Cabra Riart , thank you for the delicious tapas. And BUSUP — Pol Pau Garrido , thank you for getting us safely to the venue, right on time.

Our incredible guest speakers brought us insights that will stay with us for a long time. Maria Teixidor , the elegance of your words, clarity, and courage reminded us of the power of unapologetic action. You showed us that when things don’t align, we don’t have to settle; we can act and create change. Your journey is truly inspiring.

Rachel and Nikki, your presence brought Lean In’s impact to life for all of us in EMEA. Thank you for continually encouraging us to do more.

A heartfelt thanks to our Network Leaders Lamé Verre, Dorcas Crawford, and Rita Hausken for leading workshops that could have lasted all day. The discussions were rich, authentic, and brimming with stories we couldn’t stop listening to.

And to Raquel Villaca?a, thank you for reminding us to stay mindful and breathe deeply through every moment. Your tips on self-care were priceless.

Thank you, Nadia Samanamud, for leading the panel with Lamé, Marina Bortoletto, Noemi Moya, and Nuala Murphy. Hearing each of their unique journeys within Lean In was a powerful reminder of why diversity matters.

To my incredible colleagues — Lamé, Isioma Asiodu-Otughwor, Kelly Cuesta, Marina, Dorcas, Nuala, Rita — it was a joy to work together. and although my voice didn’t last, our connection and energy spoke volumes! We’ll pick up where we left off soon.

Finally, my gratitude goes to the Lean In Network Barcelona leadership team — Maria Lopez, Elisenda Marti, Sara Sanchez, Gabriela Martin, Ana Mu?oz, Noemi Moya and María Marco. You are all simply the best!

With batteries recharged, I’m ready to dive into what 2025 has in store. Let’s keep building and lifting each other up.

Eva Blanco

Lean In Network Barcelona Leader