As the world comes together to honor International Women's Day, Los Cabos proudly celebrates the remarkable women shaping its tourism, hospitality, and cultural landscape. These inspiring leaders, from hoteliers and chefs to artists and adventurers, exemplify the strength, vision, and passion that make Los Cabos a world-class destination. Here’s a look at some of the extraordinary women making a difference in this paradise by the sea.
Julie Byrd – President & CEO, Cabo Villas
A trailblazer in luxury travel, Julie Byrd has built Cabo Villas into a premier vacation rental and concierge service. Her expertise in creating unforgettable guest experiences has set new standards for personalized hospitality in Los Cabos. Under her leadership, the company has grown to manage over 200 exclusive properties, while pioneering innovative concierge services that connect visitors with authentic local experiences.
Ana Patricia Domínguez Alipio – Dive Master, Cabo Adventures
As a Dive Master at Cabo Adventures, Ana Patricia Domínguez Alipio guides visitors through the underwater wonders of Los Cabos. Her passion for marine life and dedication to ocean exploration has made her an ambassador for the region's rich marine ecosystem, helping guests discover the magical confluence of desert and sea that makes Los Cabos unique.
Giuliana Torres – General Manager, Solaz Resort
As the General Manager of Solaz Resort, Giuliana Torres leads one of the region's most luxurious properties with grace and determination. Her commitment to excellence ensures that Solaz remains a beacon of sophistication and top-tier service. She has particularly distinguished herself by implementing sustainable practices across resort operations and creating innovative staff development programs that have become a model for the industry.
Chef Anaisa Guevara – Executive Chef, LaFrida
At the helm of LaFrida, Chef Anaisa Guevara infuses her culinary creations with innovation and tradition. Her dishes pay tribute to Mexico's rich flavors while showcasing her mastery in modern gastronomy. Drawing from her extensive training in both Mexico and Europe, she has transformed LaFrida into a culinary destination that celebrates local ingredients through contemporary interpretations of traditional recipes.
Belem & Mireya – Captains, Cabo Nature
Navigating the waters of Los Cabos, Captains Belem and Mireya break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. As leaders of Cabo Nature both on the water and off, they provide eco-friendly whale watching and marine life tours, inspiring women to pursue careers in adventure tourism. Their dedication to marine conservation has led to the development of groundbreaking whale research programs that contribute to global understanding of marine mammal behavior.
Karla Reyes – Director of Rooms, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol
A Mexico City native with an impressive Four Seasons career spanning from Dallas to Hawaii, Karla Reyes brings extensive luxury hospitality expertise to her role as Director of Rooms. As a key member of the pre-opening team, she helped establish the exceptional service standards at the resort's May 2024 debut, demonstrating her commitment to delivering personalized hospitality that honors both local culture and international excellence.
Vanessa Fukunaga – Owner, Ocean Blue & Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate
As a powerhouse in luxury real estate, Vanessa Fukunaga has redefined high-end property investments in Los Cabos. Her leadership at Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate and Ocean Blue magazine positions her as a visionary in both business and media. Through her innovative marketing strategies and deep understanding of the luxury market, she has facilitated over $1 billion in real estate transactions while promoting Los Cabos as a premier lifestyle destination.
Patricia Mendoza – Owner, Patricia Mendoza Gallery
A champion of the arts, Patricia Mendoza curates a stunning collection of contemporary Mexican artwork at her namesake gallery. Through her dedication, she has positioned Los Cabos as a cultural hub for artists and collectors alike. Her gallery has become an incubator for emerging Mexican artists, and her annual art fair has put Los Cabos on the map as a significant destination in the international art world.
Chef Eliana Godínez – Head Chef, YAYA
Bringing Mediterranean flavors to life, Chef Eliana Godínez has crafted a menu at YAYA that beautifully fuses fresh, local ingredients with global inspirations. Her culinary artistry is a testament to the vibrant and evolving food scene in Los Cabos. Through her innovative farm-to-table program, she has built strong relationships with local producers and created a sustainable supply chain that supports the community.
Gabriela Barrón – CEO, Mexico Giveaways
A leader in corporate gifting and experiences, Gabriela Barrón's company, Mexico Giveaways, creates bespoke, high-end gifts that celebrate the country's craftsmanship. Her entrepreneurial spirit has made her a key player in the event and hospitality industry. By partnering with artisans across Mexico, she has created a platform that showcases traditional craftsmanship to an international audience while providing sustainable income for local communities.
Carmen Paredes – Co-Founder, Vivo Luxury
A visionary force in luxury hospitality, Carmen Paredes brings her creative expertise and strategic mindset to Vivo Luxury as its co-founder. Drawing from her impressive tenure as Director of Communications at Twin Dolphin and Marketing Manager at Montage Los Cabos, she has mastered the art of elevated guest experiences. Her deep understanding of Los Cabos, combined with exceptional attention to detail, enables her to craft transformative journeys while revolutionizing destination management through meaningful partnerships with global luxury travel advisors.
Karla Gabriela Casillas Lopez – Founder and Director, Karla Casillas and Co.
A pioneer in luxury event planning, Karla Casillas Lopez has transformed Los Cabos' wedding and events industry since founding her company in 2006. Her vision led to the creation of The Main Event Cabo, setting new standards for destination celebrations and fostering international partnerships that have positioned Los Cabos as a premier wedding destination.
Rocío Montaño – Owner & Director, Ronival™️ Real Estate & Property Management
A pioneering force in Baja California Sur's property management landscape, Rocío Montaño has transformed Ronival™️ into the region's premier real estate firm since co-founding it in 2010. Her journey from hospitality excellence at Hacienda del Mar Hotel to real estate innovation spans two decades, marked by unwavering commitment to service excellence. Under her visionary leadership, Rocío has created an empowering corporate culture where 80% of strategic positions are held by women, while establishing new standards for property management across Los Cabos.
Anastacia Mena – Director of Human Resources, One&Only Palmilla
From her beginnings in education to her current role leading human resources at One&Only Palmilla, Anastacia Mena has revolutionized talent development in luxury hospitality. Her innovative approach to organizational culture and employee development has created new standards for excellence in guest service while fostering an environment of professional growth and innovation.
These women exemplify the spirit of Los Cabos and their leadership continues to elevate the region, ensuring that it remains an inclusive destination for travelers from around the world. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their achievements and the countless contributions of women shaping the future of Los Cabos.