Four Cuban women have been highlighted in the third edition of Forbes Women's "50 Latinas to Watch 2026," recently unveiled by the Spanish edition of the magazine. This list celebrates the most influential and active Latin American women in Spain and around the globe.
The recognized Cubans—Verónica Carrillo, Yohania de Armas, Mayi de la Vega, and Mayte Medina—each boast distinguished careers in diverse fields such as entrepreneurship, international consultancy, and luxury real estate.
Verónica Carrillo: A Trailblazer in Ethical Luxury
Verónica Carrillo moved to Mexico at a young age, where she studied economics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and began her journey as a communicator. She hosted a financial program on TV Azteca and co-founded one of the country's most influential fashion and lifestyle magazines. In 2017, she relocated to Madrid to lead businesses and events at Cambio16. Today, Carrillo is at the helm of "Lujo Consciente," a platform advocating for ethical and sustainable luxury branding.
Yohania de Armas: A Legal Leader Connecting Ibero-America
Yohania de Armas, a Havana-born lawyer now based in Madrid, founded Conecta Iberoamérica, a platform connecting over 1,300 highly-qualified professionals across 22 countries in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. Her journey to Spain was facilitated by the Carolina Scholarships, and in 2011, she was selected among 50 participants for the Ibero-American Young Leaders Program. Her leadership has been recognized by Bloomberg Línea, which listed her among the 500 most influential people in Latin America in 2023, and by the National Federation of Self-Employed Workers of Spain, which named her Entrepreneur of the Year 2025. "Entrepreneurship is a way to redefine freedom," she stated upon receiving the award.
Mayi de la Vega: From Refugee to Real Estate Mogul
Mayi de la Vega exemplifies the Cuban diaspora's success story in the United States. Arriving in Miami as a refugee, she became the first Cuban owner of a Sotheby's International Realty franchise, acquired with strategic foresight during the 2008 economic crisis. She founded ONE Sotheby's International Realty, now the top luxury real estate agency on Florida's east coast, boasting 31 offices, 1,300 agents, and nearly $8 billion in annual sales. In January 2026, she transitioned from CEO to executive chairwoman of the company.
Mayte Medina: A Veteran in Real Estate and Hospitality
Mayte Medina, with over two decades of experience in real estate and hospitality, serves as an executive at Drago. Born in Cuba and raised in the United States, she studied Architecture in Houston and earned a master's degree in Real Estate and Construction Management from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Her career includes roles at firms like Archer Hotel Capital Everty and Primark, and she returned to Drago as COO in January 2026, having previously held positions there. Medina is the daughter of Cuban exiles.
Cuba ranks fifth by nationality on the list, trailing Venezuela with 13 representatives, Mexico with 10, and both Colombia and Argentina with nine each.
This isn't the first time Cuban women have stood out in this selection. In the 2024 edition, Forbes Spain acknowledged Rachel Valdés Camejo, Ella Fontanals-Cisneros, and Glenda León, affirming the consistent presence of impactful Cuban profiles across diverse sectors like art, social entrepreneurship, and real estate.
FAQs on Cuban Women in Forbes List
Who are the Cuban women featured on Forbes' 2026 list?
The Cuban women highlighted are Verónica Carrillo, Yohania de Armas, Mayi de la Vega, and Mayte Medina.
What fields do these Cuban women excel in?
They are recognized for their achievements in entrepreneurship, international consultancy, and luxury real estate.
How does Cuba rank on the list by nationality?
Cuba ranks fifth, behind Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.