Issue #3

Breaking Glass Ceilings: Paving the Way for Women in Leadership with Maria Rosa Torres


Maria Rosa Torres stands for  leadership and resilience building. Her journey from Colombia to becoming a strategic portfolio and programme manager in the UK is not just a tale of personal success but also a beacon for community advocacy and empowerment. 


Her story exemplifies the power of perseverance, cultural heritage, and breaking through glass ceilings to thrive in a new environment.


Like many Latin women in the UK, Maria Rosa’s initial move was motivated by love, but it was her formidable spirit and resilience that guided her through the complexities of integrating into a vastly different professional landscape. Her decision to migrate came with its challenges, but she turned these obstacles into opportunities, demonstrating how women can successfully adapt and live abroad while maintaining a strong sense of purpose.


Despite starting with roles that didn’t align with her expertise in project management, Maria Rosa’s persistence and strategic thinking paved the way for her eventual recognition in the banking and insurance sectors. Her journey reflects the importance of defining impostor syndrome and refusing to let it undermine her confidence. She strategically positioned herself to overcome adversity and take on leadership roles in a competitive industry.


Community Advocacy and Personal Branding


Beyond her professional accolades, Maria Rosa is an impassioned advocate for the Latin American diaspora in the UK. As a board member and a vocal community leader, she emphasizes the significance of community engagement and personal branding. Her advocacy work highlights the substantial contributions of Latin Americans, particularly women, in diverse sectors. "It's about more than just professional success—it's about amplifying the voices of our community and celebrating our resilience," Maria Rosa often shares.


Maria Rosa’s leadership philosophy is rooted in resilience and the proactive embrace of opportunities. She believes in leveraging one’s unique background to achieve success and encourages emerging leaders within the Latin American diaspora to do the same. Her focus on resilience building underscores the importance of becoming resilient in the face of cultural and professional challenges.


Envisioning the Future for Women Leaders


Looking forward, Maria Rosa envisions a future where women of the global majority are prominent leaders across various sectors. She strives to elevate the visibility and influence of Latin American women and encourages them to pursue leadership roles with confidence and determination. Her journey serves as an example of overcoming adversity and shattering glass ceilings, setting a path for future leaders.



Maria Rosa Torres’s story is a compelling reminder of the power of perseverance, cultural heritage, and the importance of leveraging one’s unique strengths in enriching professional and community life. Her dedication to her profession and her community sets a sterling example for future women leaders around the world. For more stories on resilience, leadership, and success, stay tuned to Represented Newsletter & our Special Digital Editions.



By Represented January 15, 2024
Issue#1 Breaking Glass Ceilings: Professor Elena Rodríguez Falcón’s Journey Resilience and Success.
By Represented January 8, 2024
Issue #2 Breaking Glass Ceilings: Katya Torres De la Rocha's Journey of Overcoming Adversity and Entrepreneurial Leadership