Pegine Echevarria, MSW, CSP, has been honored with the prestigious Legends of the Platform Award at the 2025 Legends Banquet, joining an elite group of only 138 top speakers worldwide recognized since the award's establishment in 2000. The recognition carries a significant message about organizational success: when women leaders are bold, brave, seen, heard, and paid well, organizations thrive. In her acceptance speech, Echevarria emphasized that legends are forged through adversity rather than born, stating "Legends aren't born—they're forged. Forged in the fire of rejection, of starting over, of being told you're too much or not enough—and showing up anyway." Her message underscored the critical need for women to answer the call to leadership, as their influence directly impacts organizational performance.
The business case for women in leadership is supported by compelling data. Companies with at least 30% women in leadership positions demonstrate 15% higher profitability, while leadership teams with strong female representation make better decisions 87% of the time, leading to 60% stronger results. Women with MBAs see 55–65% pay increases within five years, with four out of five reporting stronger career opportunities. Additionally, 73% of women MBA graduates say business school prepared them for leadership, and 79% reported promotions to higher-level roles. This data indicates that organizations that amplify women's voices unlock innovation, profitability, and success, making this recognition not just a personal achievement but a call to action for corporate leadership worldwide.
Echevarria's work through Team Pegine Inc. has impacted over one million people worldwide through high-energy keynotes and leadership programs delivered to Fortune 50 companies, military bases, and global conferences. Her signature programs—Communicate Your VALUE™, Leadership Aura™, and Be Powerful! Be You!—equip leaders to influence, impact, and inspire with confidence. As one of only a handful of Latinas in the Motivational Speakers Hall of Fame and founder of Power Women Worldwide, Echevarria's recognition cements her mission to ensure women are prepared and empowered to lead. The data clearly supports that when women are supported in leadership roles, organizations achieve measurable improvements in performance and decision-making outcomes.
