WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao welcomed a distinguished delegation of Brazilian women entrepreneurs for the 2nd International Women’s Forum, held from July 24 to 29, 2025. Among the high-profile participants were Regina Nunes, First Lady of the City of São Paulo, and Giovanna Antonelli, a celebrated Brazilian actress and entrepreneur known for her work in television and business. Over five days, 50 Brazilian businesswomen and CEOs engaged in a dynamic program that included panel discussions, workshops, and an awards gala hosted by CINEX. As part of the gala, CINEX organized a matchmaking session, connecting the visiting executives with local women executives and entrepreneurs, further strengthening business ties between Curaçao and Brazil.
The forum was organized by ‘GCSM Mulher’, the women’s division of Grupo Innsbruck, a prominent Brazilian business hub with publishing and corporate event platforms. This year’s event, hosted at the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, brought together 50 influential Brazilian businesswomen and CEOs. CINEX (Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency) hosted the forum’s gala dinner and matchmaking session, which was aimed at building sustainable economic bridges. "This forum was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for real opportunities. As the national investment promotion agency, CINEX also serves as a connecting bridge for the people of Curaçao who seek to offer their products and services in markets like Brazil," Miles Mercera, CEO of CINEX, explains. "This visit reinforces our commitment to creating sustainable and impactful partnerships. We also extend our gratitude to our stakeholders, especially the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), for their continued efforts in paving the way for this growing synergy between Brazil and Curaçao."
The attending businesswomen collectively represented over USD 200 million in net worth and brought expertise across sectors such as aesthetic clinics, hospitals, consulting, retail, and public service. This diversity underscored the forum’s focus on fostering cross-sector collaboration and entrepreneurship. Tathiana Turbian, President of GCSM Mulher, praised the event’s success, stating: "We are very pleased with this event in Curaçao. It’s already clear that business conversations have begun, and many leaders are eager to invest in the island. Curaçao has tremendous potential—especially in healthcare, technology, food, retail, and events."
The awards gala, hosted by CINEX at Restaurant Omundo, featured a matchmaking session connecting Brazilian participants with local Curaçaoan women entrepreneurs and business women. During the ceremony, Zuleika Lasten, CEO of Soxia Tax, received the MESV 2025 International Award for her exceptional legacy in global finance. In addition, Shanny Sommer, Director of the local platform Influence, was recognized for her leadership in inspiring women on the island. Her award was part of a nomination process led by JCI Creative Leaders in Curaçao (JCI CLIC).
As the forum came to a close, Regina Nunes, First Lady of the City of São Paulo, reflected on the significance of the event and the promising future of Curaçao-Brazil relations: "We learned so much here in Curaçao. The exchange among participants was deep and meaningful, and getting to know the local ecosystem was a great opportunity to build stronger ties between São Paulo and the Caribbean. Brazilians need to do more business with Curaçao."
