Pegine Echevarria, an international keynote speaker and leadership strategist, has been honored with the prestigious Legends of the Platform Award at the 2025 Legends Banquet. The award, established in 2000 at the Veteran Speakers Retreat, has recognized only 138 top speakers worldwide throughout its history.
Echevarria's recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the tangible benefits organizations experience when women leaders are empowered. Research demonstrates that companies with at least 30% women in leadership can be 15% more profitable, while leadership teams with strong female representation make better decisions 87% of the time, leading to 60% stronger results. These statistics highlight the critical importance of gender diversity in organizational success.
In her acceptance speech, Echevarria emphasized that "Legends aren't born—they're forged. Forged in the fire of rejection, of starting over, of being told you're too much or not enough—and showing up anyway." This perspective underscores the resilience required for women to break through barriers in leadership positions.
The economic impact of investing in women's leadership development is further evidenced by career outcomes for women with MBAs. Women with MBAs see 55–65% pay increases within five years, with four out of five reporting stronger career opportunities. Additionally, 73% of women MBA graduates say business school prepared them for leadership, and 79% reported promotions to higher-level roles. These figures demonstrate the return on investment for both individuals and organizations that prioritize women's leadership development.
Echevarria's work through her various initiatives, including her speaking business and Power Women Worldwide, focuses on equipping women to lead effectively. Her signature programs such as Communicate Your VALUE™ and Leadership Aura™ have impacted over one million people worldwide, from Fortune 50 boardrooms to military bases. This widespread influence demonstrates the scalability of effective leadership development programs.
The recognition of Echevarria as a Legend coincides with broader progress in women's corporate leadership. In 2024, women reached a record high in Fortune 500 CEO roles, nearly half of whom hold MBAs. This trend indicates growing recognition of the value women bring to top executive positions and the importance of advanced education in preparing women for leadership roles.
Echevarria's achievement and the supporting research presented make a compelling case for organizations to prioritize gender diversity in leadership. The data shows that when women leaders are bold, brave, seen, heard, and paid well, organizations don't just become more equitable—they become more profitable and make better decisions. This has significant implications for corporate strategy, human resource development, and economic growth across industries worldwide.
