Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — November 2025.
In a milestone moment for Puerto Rican leadership on the world stage, global educator and women’s empowerment advocate Dr. Virginia Rivera represented Puerto Rico at the Creative Women Platform event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her participation marks a significant step in strengthening international collaboration for women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and global leadership.
Dr. Rivera, recently appointed Puerto Rico Chair for the Creative Women Platform (CWP), joined distinguished leaders from across the world for a transformational gathering focusing on women-led innovation and cross-cultural leadership. The event, held under the patronage of Princess Noura, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving landscape in women’s leadership and its growing role in global gender advancement.
A Transformative First Visit to Saudi Arabia
For Dr. Rivera, this was her first time visiting Saudi Arabia—an experience she described as “moving, expansive, and deeply aligned with my purpose as a global advocate for women.”
“Traveling to Riyadh was more than a journey to a new country,” she said.
“It was a defining moment in my mission to build global bridges for women’s economic empowerment. Saudi Arabia surprised me. It inspired me. And it reminded me how important it is for Puerto Rico to have a voice in international dialogues.”
A Historic Venue: Princess Nourah University & the Women Leadership Center
One of the defining highlights of the event was its venue: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU)—the largest women’s university in the world and home to the Women Leadership Center (WLC).
Established in 2021, the WLC is a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s national vision for women’s advancement, offering leadership training, empowerment initiatives, professional development pathways, and strategic mentorship opportunities.
During the event, the Creative Women Forum officially announced the Women Leadership Center at PNU as a Strategic Partner for Creative Women Forum Saudi Arabia 2025, themed:
“Empower | Engage | Sustain — Women Leading Initiatives.”
Dr. Rivera emphasized that this partnership marks an important global commitment:
“This collaboration signals to the world that Saudi Arabia is investing deliberately and strategically in women’s leadership. It reflects a shared global vision that aligns with the work we lead in Puerto Rico and across the Americas.”
Representing Puerto Rico: A Voice of Resilience and Innovation
As Puerto Rico Chair for CWP, Dr. Rivera carries the stories, struggles, and successes of women across her island and throughout Latin America. Her leadership spans globally recognized initiatives, including:
• Mahila Udyami and the EVillage Smart Metro Village in India
• Mujer Emprende Latina, impacting thousands of women entrepreneurs
• Global Festival 2026, a multinational leadership and innovation summit
“For over a decade, I have dedicated my work to building ecosystems where women—especially rural, underserved, and emerging leaders—can thrive through education, entrepreneurship, and global partnerships,” Rivera shared.
“Being present in Riyadh affirmed why global alliances matter. When Puerto Rico sits at international tables, we bring a voice shaped by resilience, reinvention, and purpose.”
Creative Women Forum Riyadh 2025: A Global Platform of Influence
Led by founder Olga Balakleets, executive director Rebeca Riofrio, and under the patronage of Princess Noura, the Creative Women Forum brought together influential women leaders shaping policies, industries, and communities across continents.
The forum focused on:
• International collaboration
• Women-led initiatives
• Cross-border partnerships
• Expanding global opportunities for women
Dr. Rivera’s participation positioned Puerto Rico as an active contributor to global dialogues on women’s empowerment and innovation.
Looking Forward: Global Alliances for Women’s Economic Growth
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Rivera stated:
“This is only the beginning. Puerto Rico is on the global map, and I am honored to contribute to a global sisterhood committed to economic empowerment, leadership, and lasting change. Walking into the Great Blue Hall at PNU, I felt both the weight of representation and the joy of possibility.”
Her role in future collaborations will include strengthening ties between Puerto Rican women, Latin American entrepreneurs, and global institutions working toward inclusive economic development.
About the Creative Women Platform
The Creative Women Platform is an international organization dedicated to empowering female leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs through global forums, cultural exchange, and strategic partnerships.
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