Khaterine Villarreal, 31, Panama
Construction Supervisor at Pro Housing Construction
Khaterine Villarreal inspires girls and women to be whatever they want to be, even if it happens to be in a male-dominated profession. She is doing this in her native Panama by choosing a career in the construction industry. In her life, Ms Villarreal never listened to people who told her what she could not do. This was the case when she applied to the Technical University in Panama, one of the most difficult to enter in the country. Despite being discouraged by some, she was accepted and excelled. Professionally, she is a breaking through other barriers. She is a construction supervisor, responsible for overseeing various building projects, from hotels and apartment buildings to tourist villas and beach residences. Today, Ms Villarreal is a role model for young people, especially girls, at SOS Children's Village Penonomé, where she grew up.