Lima, Peru
March 1–4, 2026

From March 1 to 4, the 4th Annual LOLA Latin America Leadership Retreat brought together 24 women leaders in Lima, Peru, for four days of connection, learning, and leadership development.

Hosted at the Dazzler Miraflores Hotel, the retreat welcomed a diverse group of participants, including LOLA’s President, Nena Whitfield, regional leaders, national leaders, chapter leaders, and staff. Participants represented Brazil, the United States, Guatemala, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Venezuela, and Uruguay, reflecting the strength and growing reach of LOLA’s network across Latin America.

Our program’s  participants strengthened their leadership skills by engaging in workshops, discussions, and collaborative experiences. They learned how to help their LOLA chapters grow and flourish, all while advancing LOLA’s mission to educate and empower women in the liberty movement.

Day 1 – March 1 | Welcome Cocktail

The retreat opened in Lima with a warm welcome hosted by Marian Sara, a LOLA Regional Leader for Latin America, who received participants in her home country and set the tone for event.

Nena Whitfield, President of LOLA, shared the story behind the organization’s founding and mission, reinforcing the importance of building a network of women leaders committed to advancing liberty.

A central moment of the evening was the interactive session “How I Found Liberty”, where each participant shared her personal journey and connection to LOLA. With diverse backgrounds and experiences represented, this became a powerful and emotional opportunity to build trust and deepen bonds,  especially as many participants were meeting in person for the first time.

 A welcome cocktail reception followed, featuring local bites and drinks in a relaxed and vibrant space for networking and meaningful conversations as participants began building relationships that would shape the days ahead.

Day 2 – March 2 | Leadership, Culture, and Pitch Night

Day 2 focused on leadership development, regional collaboration, and one of the most anticipated moments of the retreat: the Elevator Pitch Contest.

A particularly powerful moment of the day was a video message from María Oropeza, LOLA’s Venezuelan leader who was imprisoned for over a year and a half under Nicolás Maduro’s regime and is now free. Although she could not attend in person, her message deeply resonated with participants. 

Throughout the day, participants learned more about LOLA’s stances on important policy issues, improved their communication skills, and trained in networking with a purpose. A special highlight was the Chapter Cultural Exchange, where participants shared traditional items such assweets, and symbolic gifts from their countries,  creating a fun opportunity for cultural exchange

Key sessions included:

• Effective Networking Strategies — Izabela Patriota (LOLA Director of Development)
• Institutional Positioning of LOLA — Sabrina Ribeiro (Former LOLA LATAM Regional Leader)
• Leadership in Action: Feedback for Growth — Alejandra Cossich (Atlas Network)
• Structure and Leadership in LOLA — Dalila Lisboa (LOLA Retreats Coordinator)

The program also included multiple networking activities as well as a traditional almuerzo criollo, offering participants a taste of Peruvian culture.

In the evening, participants gathered for the Pitch Night Reception, joined by members of the local LOLA Lima Chapter. During the Elevator Pitch Contest, each participant answered the question “What is LOLA?” in a one-minute pitch. Participants prepared their pitch in advance to win a trophy and an Amazon Kindle. The winner presented an emotional story of what LOLA was to her, and everyone in the audience had a chance to vote for three of their favorites.

🏆 María Eugenia Gomes Arias (Colombia) was awarded first place, followed by Sara Urquizo (Bolivia) and Letícia Barros (Brazil), completing the Top 3.

The second day ended with dinner at Huaca Pucllana Restaurant, a unique venue set within a pre-Inca archaeological site, offering an unforgettable cultural experience in the heart of Lima.

Day 3 – March 3 | Leadership, Recognition, and Closing Celebration

Day 3 focused on strategic alignment, leadership exchange, and celebrating the achievements of LOLA’s Latin American network.

The day began with a professional photo session so that each leader can professionally represent themselves and LOLA. This was followed by a session on regional strategic planning, creating space for alignment, goal-setting, and continued growth across Latin America.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in conversations and sessions centered on leadership, collaboration, and impact. A highlight was the Leadership Roundtable, where participants exchanged experiences, challenges, and best practices across chapters, reinforcing peer learning and regional support.

Key sessions included:

• Regional Strategic Planning — Lourdes Romero & Sabrina Ribeiro
• Leading Liberty — Yesenia Álvarez (Instituto Pro Libertad)
• Leadership Roundtable: Chapter Learnings and Exchange — María Eugenia Gomes Arias (LOLA LATAM Regional Leader)
• Donor Communication: Writing Effective Letters — Izabela Patriota

The afternoon transitioned to a close with final remarks from Nena Whitfield, President of LOLA, reflecting on the impact of the retreat and the strength of the Latin American network.

During the Awards and Recognition Ceremony, the Santa Cruz Chapter (Bolivia) was recognized as the Chapter of the Year in Latin America, honoring its outstanding work and impact in the region. Lourdes Romero, Regional Leader, was also recognized with the Joyce Mbogo Award, originally presented at the LOLA Annual Awards, and formally received her trophy during the retreat.

Finally, each participant was presented with a certificate, marking the completion of the program.

The evening continued with a closing dinner, followed by a Networking Mixer Night at Atmosfera Rooftop, co-hosted by Conecta. The event brought together participants, partners, and members of the broader liberty movement in Lima, offering aspace to celebrate, connect, and conclude the retreat on a high note.

Day 4 – March 4 | Lima Cultural and Institutional Experience

The final day of the retreat offered participants a unique opportunity to explore both the institutional and cultural landscape of Peru.

The morning began with a visit to the Peruvian Congress, where participants were welcomed by Adriana Tudela, Congresswoman of Peru. The group spoken with Ms. Tudela about the role of women in politics and the challenges of advancing liberty within institutional spaces across Latin America.

Participants then explored Lima’s historic center, followed by a visit to Miraflores, where they walked  the city’s famous boardwalk the Malecon with fantastic views from the cliff. 

The sun set in Barranco, Lima’s artistic and bohemian district, where participants gathered for a final dinner to reflect on the experiences shared throughout the retreat and make plans to meet again.

Closing & Acknowledgments

The LOLA Latin America Leadership Retreat 2026 sent 24 women back to their home countries with even more passion for liberty and LOLA, and with new skills to use to increase the size and impact of their chapters. LOLA Latin America stands out as one of the most active and rapidly growing regions within.

Throughout four days in Lima, participants shared challenges and collaborated to find collective solutions. These LOLA leaders build relationships that will magnify LOLA’s impact across the region. 

We extend our sincere gratitude to the partners and supporters who made this retreat possible: Atlas Network, Conecta, Looking, Juan Carlos Valdivia Cano, and Instituto Pro Libertad. Your support made it possible to bring together women leaders from across Latin America for a transformative experience of learning, collaboration, and growth.

As participants return to their countries, they carry with them not only new tools and ideas, but also a real sense of community and purpose. Together, they are shaping the future of liberty in Latin America, and building a more connected, empowered, and impactful network of women leaders.