Oaxacan Women Shine on Forbes' 2025 Power List: Innovation, Gastronomy, and Education

Oaxacan Women Make Waves on Forbes' 2025 Power List Three young women from Oaxaca, Mexico, have achieved remarkable success, earning their place on Forbes' prestigious list of the 100 most powerful women in Mexico in 2025. Their stories are a testament to the talent and innovation flourishing in the region. Shanni Valeria Mora Fajardo and Rosa Mendoza Sosa, students from Teotitlán del Valle, developed an innovative homemade water filter for use in textile production. Their project earned them international recognition, including the 2024 Stockholm Junior Water Prize. "Our goal was to create a sustainable solution for water purification in our community," said Shanni. Their success has led to a scholarship from UNAM to further their education. Chef Thalía Barrios, hailing from the Sierra Sur region of Oaxaca, owns two restaurants, including "Levadura de Olla." This restaurant earned a Michelin star, a first for an Oaxacan establishment. "It's an honor to represent Oaxacan cuisine on a global stage," she shared. These three women represent a new generation of leaders in Oaxaca, showcasing exceptional talent in environmental innovation, education, and gastronomy. Their inclusion on the Forbes list highlights their profound impact, not only in Mexico but also internationally.