AEPA Alicante: Growth, Innovation, and the Path Forward in 2023
AEPA, the Alicante Province association for women leaders, professionals, and managers, closed 2022 with a strong rise in participation. The year finished with 235 members, marking a 22% increase from the start of the year. This milestone was shared by the head of AEPA, Marcela Fernández, during the final year-end meeting that brought together executives and the President of the Alicante Chamber of Commerce.
Fernández highlighted steady advancement driven by the collective effort of the association’s partners. She noted that 2022 saw the organization enhance its member base and implement key activities designed to keep members at the forefront of technology. The aim was to strengthen professional networks, introduce new management tools, and apply fresh formulas to daily operations. In her words, the growth reflects the ongoing commitment of AEPA partners to progress and practical learning.
AEPA is widely recognized for its commitments to empowering women through the Establishment and Active Participation Award, which celebrates the actions of Uepal business groups that boost visibility of women in today’s business landscape and promote direct participation by women in governance. During the year, the association carried out more than a hundred activities built on core pillars such as innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, equality, and education. Notable initiatives included a program promoting the economy for the public good as a governance model for women-led enterprises, and a slate of 22 online and in-person courses focused on social skills and collective bargaining.
In collaboration with the University of Alicante, AEPA launched this year a training program titled Equality Brokers at the UA campus in Alicante. The collaboration expanded the network across the Alicante province in June, deepening ties with local organizations and institutions.
The Commitment to Innovation
AEPA’s drive for innovation led to the launch of several initiatives, including a program to raise the visibility of women in knowledge and innovation, funded by the Valencia Innovation Agency. The organization also highlighted its role in project selections and financial sponsorships for women with new business ideas. The Foundawards program, developed with the University of Alicante, and Start Miguel Hernández University’s Science Park Marathon were among the notable accelerators of entrepreneurship highlighted in the annual report.
Award recipients were invited to join AEPA activities as part of the program’s sponsorship. This arrangement ensures participants stay informed about the latest developments in innovation, and it creates opportunities for exchanges with AEPA’s member companies, according to President Marcela Fernández.
Equality remained a central axis for AEPA in 2022. Across all activities, the organization pursued equality efforts and recognized a Seal of Equality awarded to companies and institutions for their demonstrated commitment to equal opportunity.
AEPA also strengthened its board in response to the rising number of affiliates and the expansion of its activities within the province in 2022. CSR initiatives this year focused on projects for women from vulnerable groups, reinforcing the association’s dedication to social impact alongside business progress.
2023 Goals
Looking ahead to 2023, AEPA intends to continue expanding its partner network, broaden collaborations, and support additional business projects across Alicante. The leadership emphasizes the importance of strong communication to help partners refine their projects. The strategy includes maintaining active networking and showcasing the talents and projects led by members. The association plans to promote its services through a user-friendly platform and remains committed to ongoing innovation and digitalization of member companies.
Overall, AEPA’s year-by-year trajectory signals a vibrant ecosystem where women-led enterprises gain visibility, grow stronger networks, and innovate with the support of a robust professional community in Alicante and beyond. This aligns with the broader goals of empowering women in business and advancing inclusive, technologically adept leadership across Canada and the United States as interested partners and observers take note of the model’s potential.
At the close of 2022, AEPA’s annual report and subsequent discussions underscored a resilient organization ready to scale impact and deepen collaboration. The ongoing efforts reflect a clear agenda: empower women, foster innovation, and build networks that accelerate business growth while advancing equality in every facet of the professional landscape. (Citations: AEPA annual report and affiliated university partnerships.)