LUIZA HELENA TRAJANO:THE LEADER WHO TURNED BUSINESS INTO A TOOL AGAINST INEQUALITY
In Brazil, Luiza Helena Trajano’s name needs little introduction. She is one of the country’s most respected business leaders, a self-made woman and an admired figure for having built an extraordinary business career without ever losing sight of social impact.
Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Magazine Luiza, Luiza has led one of Brazil’s major business transformations: taking a small neighbourhood store in the interior of São Paulo and turning it into one of the country’s leading retail and technology groups. With remarkable ambition for growth, a forward-thinking vision of commerce and a deeply nonconformist attitude, she drove Magalu’s expansion and digital transformation, positioning it among Brazil’s most iconic companies. That transformation alone speaks to the scale of her business legacy.
Her influence has crossed borders. She has been included in the TIME 100 list as one of the most influential people in the world, recognised by the Financial Times among the most influential women globally, and named for nine consecutive years as Brazil’s most reputable business leader by the MERCO ranking.
But what makes Luiza especially relevant is not only what she has built as a businesswoman, but how she has used that position to push for real social change. Over the years, she has been a strong voice in defence of equality, inclusion and the fight against inequality, especially racial and gender inequality.
That commitment is clearly reflected in Grupo Mulheres do Brasil, a movement she founded in 2013 and which today is one of the most relevant women-led civil networks in Latin America, with more than 140,000 participants in Brazil and abroad. Through this platform, Luiza has promoted initiatives linked to education, entrepreneurship, social inclusion and the fight against violence against women.
On June 3, Luiza Helena Trajano will take part in South Summit Madrid 2026 in a conversation with María Benjumea, founder and president of South Summit, taking place at 16:30h on the Arena Stage. It will be an opportunity to hear first-hand the story, vision and lessons of a woman who has been able to build company, community and social impact through business.
The conversation will explore how impact can be built from within business, what it means to open paths in spaces that were not always designed for women, and how innovation can become a tool to create real opportunities.
In addition, this year South Summit will present Luiza Helena Trajano with the South Summit Leadership Award, recognising her business career and social commitment. The award will be presented by H.M. King Felipe VI on June 4, as part of the 15th edition of South Summit Madrid 2026.
If you want to get closer to one of the most influential and admired leaders in Latin America, don’t miss this conversation on June 3.