Pegine Echevarria, an international keynote speaker and leadership strategist, has been honored with the prestigious Legends of the Platform Award at the 2025 Legends Banquet. The award, established in 2000 at the Veteran Speakers Retreat, has recognized only 138 top speakers worldwide, including icons such as Zig Ziglar and Jeanne Robertson.
Echevarria's recognition carries significant implications for organizational performance and gender equity in leadership. Research demonstrates that companies with at least 30% women in leadership can be 15% more profitable, while leadership teams with strong female representation make better decisions 87% of the time, leading to 60% stronger results. These statistics underscore the tangible business benefits of gender-diverse leadership.
In her acceptance speech, Echevarria emphasized that "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 reinforces the importance of persistence and courage for women aspiring to leadership roles.
The economic impact extends beyond organizational performance. 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. These findings highlight the return on investment in women's education and professional development.
Echevarria's work through her speaking business and Power Women Worldwide focuses on amplifying women's leadership globally. She has impacted over one million people worldwide through her high-energy keynotes and leadership programs, serving clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to military bases. Her signature programs, including Communicate Your VALUE™ and Leadership Aura™, equip leaders to influence and inspire with confidence.
The recognition comes at a time when women reached a record high in Fortune 500 CEO roles in 2024, nearly half of whom hold MBAs. This trend indicates growing recognition of women's leadership capabilities at the highest corporate levels. Echevarria's award and the supporting research provide compelling evidence for organizations seeking to improve performance through gender-inclusive leadership strategies.
