The President of Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Isabel Capeloa Gil, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 38th edition of the Dona Antónia Awards, an initiative organised by Sogrape.
Established in 1988, the Dona Antónia Awards recognise Portuguese women who have distinguished themselves through their careers, talent and contribution to a fairer, more inclusive and better-educated society, and aim to promote female talent.
As the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Isabel Capeloa Gil was described by the award jury as an “indisputable leading figure in Portuguese public life” for “her academic, scientific and institutional work, combined with her advocacy for education, culture and critical thinking as drivers of development”, and as “one of the most influential figures in higher education in Portugal”, thanks to her academic and managerial career, which is “widely respected in Portugal and beyond its borders”.
“Isabel Capeloa Gil has spearheaded a process of internationalisation and innovation that has helped establish the Universidade Católica as one of the most prestigious universities in Europe,” added the panel chaired by António Lobo Xavier.
“Dona Antónia’s example continues to open doors today for many young women,” emphasised Isabel Capeloa Gil, speaking about this award, whilst taking the opportunity to leave them a special message. “Never stop believing that it is possible. Believe that you have the necessary skills and, when opportunities arise, embrace them. If they do not arise, create the opportunities yourselves. The most important thing for a successful future is to have confidence in yourselves, and you can be sure that you are capable,” the rector emphasised. “The legacy I would like to leave for the future is the example that, even in environments where women hold a very small proportion of leadership roles, with integrity and a sense of purpose, anything is possible,” she added.
On receiving this Award, Isabel Capeloa Gil joins the “Ferreirinha” group of women, whose vision, determination and ability to bring about positive change in society reflect the values associated with Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, a businesswoman born in 1811 who left her mark on the history of the Douro and Port wine production by taking over the family business at the age of 33.
Isabel Capeloa Gil was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 38th Dona Antónia Awards.
Isabel Capeloa Gil and Nelma Serpa Pinto, recipients of the Career Achievement Award and the Emerging Talent Award, respectively, at the 38th Dona Antónia Awards, pictured with recipients from previous editions.