In a session that transcended the legislative to become a gathering of civic gratitude, the Concejo Deliberante de Concordia met on Thursday to honor the protagonists of our social growth. Under the framework of Ordinance No. 38,561, nine women from our city were distinguished for turning their vocation into a legacy for all.
The chamber did not only host a protocol act; it was the stage where life stories are made visible that, from silence or the front line of action, shape the present of Concordia. The legislative body held an emotional recess to bring to the forefront those who, with leadership and a spirit of service, are the engine of vital areas such as health, education, security, and animal protection.
A recognition with an institutional seal and human warmth
The ceremony was led by the councilwoman Eliana Lagraña, who, together with her peers, welcomed the honorees. The day was attended by Dr. Laura Sitzmann de Azcué and the Municipal Secretary of Health, Dr. Diego Sauré, along with family members and residents who came to celebrate these exemplary trajectories.
"This recognition is a bridge between the State and the heart of the community," was heard in the chamber, reflecting the spirit of a distinction that seeks not only to reward the past, but to inspire future generations of Concordia residents.
Voices that inspire
Upon being recognized as “Outstanding Women 2026”, each of the honorees took the floor to thank the deliberative body. Beyond the gratitude, the common denominator was the renewal of commitment: an implicit pact to continue working for a fairer, more solidary, and safer city.
Below, we share the profiles of these exceptional citizens who today received the applause of an entire community:
List of Outstanding Women 2026
The chamber did not only host a protocol act; it was the stage where life stories are made visible that, from silence or the front line of action, shape the present of Concordia. The legislative body held an emotional recess to bring to the forefront those who, with leadership and a spirit of service, are the engine of vital areas such as health, education, security, and animal protection.
A recognition with an institutional seal and human warmth
The ceremony was led by the councilwoman Eliana Lagraña, who, together with her peers, welcomed the honorees. The day was attended by Dr. Laura Sitzmann de Azcué and the Municipal Secretary of Health, Dr. Diego Sauré, along with family members and residents who came to celebrate these exemplary trajectories.
"This recognition is a bridge between the State and the heart of the community," was heard in the chamber, reflecting the spirit of a distinction that seeks not only to reward the past, but to inspire future generations of Concordia residents.
Voices that inspire
Upon being recognized as “Outstanding Women 2026”, each of the honorees took the floor to thank the deliberative body. Beyond the gratitude, the common denominator was the renewal of commitment: an implicit pact to continue working for a fairer, more solidary, and safer city.
Below, we share the profiles of these exceptional citizens who today received the applause of an entire community:
List of Outstanding Women 2026
1. Arrizabalaga, María Laura Undisputed leader in the field of adapted physical education and equine therapy in the Province of Entre Ríos. With a solid background as a Physical Education Teacher and therapeutic companion, she has dedicated more than two decades to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. She has led the Pucará Municipal Equine Therapy Center in Concordia, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of families. Recognized in 2025 with the “Women Who Transform” award, her career combines leadership, technical excellence, and a vocation for service.
2. Cardozo, Marianela Communicator and Group Coordinator for the 102 Line – Childhood and Adolescence since 2014. She is currently a Division Chief and creator of the “Responsible Use of Social Networks” project, providing talks on cyberbullying and digital education to children, teachers, and families. Her work has been widely recognized, receiving the support and gratitude of the community for her commitment, responsibility, and deep sense of belonging.
3. Casañas, Siomara Cristina Educator and community leader, whose vocation and social commitment transform lives. She holds a degree in Humanities and training in sign language, with extensive experience in the academic and social spheres; after her retirement in 2015, she has presided over a civil association in the Nebel neighborhood, accompanying residents, attending to emergencies, health problems, and working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the residents.
4. Garay, Mirta Teresa Leader in the defense of animal rights in Concordia. She is part of the Conciencia Animal organization, from where she manages rescues, promotes responsible ownership, and coordinates actions with local veterinarians. She is distinguished by her commitment, vocation for service, and capability, becoming a local reference in animal protection.
5. Guerrero, Graciela Professor of History and Latin. She developed her teaching career in secondary and tertiary levels, in institutions in San Salvador, Federación, and Concordia, and for almost 20 years she has been the secretary of the Sanmartiniana Cultural Association of Concordia, spreading historical and cultural values.
6. Mainez, Mónica María Early Childhood teacher born in Concordia, a profession she chose with a deep vocation for childhood and education. She has directed the NGO Por el Silencio for more than 20 years, providing support, learning, and comprehensive assistance to children and families in vulnerable situations. For her educational work, she received the Maestra Antequeda Award, a recognition granted for her work as a teacher at the Manitos Pintadas Kindergarten. Education has always been the central axis of her work.
7. Martínez, Florencia Specialist in the direction and management of non-profit organizations and co-founder of Volando Alto, an NGO that accompanies children and young people in vulnerable contexts, promoting education and opportunities. Since its inception in 2019 until its formalization as a civil association in 2023, Volando Alto has impacted more than 400 children and young people and currently educates 150 children between 4 and 18 years old, with expansion plans to support those finishing high school in their labor insertion or higher studies. Florencia's work has transformed education in vulnerable neighborhoods of Concordia, having a real impact on the community. Thanks to her work, hundreds of children have found a path of hope and growth in education.
8. Miño, Liliana, a native of Concordia, has 28 years in the Police of Entre Ríos, with active commitment, characterized by dedication, responsibility, a vocation for service, and an impeccable conduct. She was the first woman to lead the Operations and Security Division of the province and is currently the Deputy Chief of the Concordia Departmental Police. On a personal level, she is a mother of three children, one of them a police officer and the other two students, demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile a demanding career with family life, becoming an example for new generations.
9. Zacarías, Elisa She served for 36 years, with responsibility and commitment in administrative tasks as an employee. And since 1980, she has dedicated her life to the care and protection of animals, becoming a local reference for her sustained and selfless commitment. She was a member of the Society for the Protection of Animals; she is an independent protectionist, focused mainly on the rescue and care of cats and dogs in situations of overcrowding and abandonment. She has carried out tasks of great importance both for her neighborhood and for Concordia, consolidating herself as an example of solidarity, social commitment, and love for the community
2. Cardozo, Marianela Communicator and Group Coordinator for the 102 Line – Childhood and Adolescence since 2014. She is currently a Division Chief and creator of the “Responsible Use of Social Networks” project, providing talks on cyberbullying and digital education to children, teachers, and families. Her work has been widely recognized, receiving the support and gratitude of the community for her commitment, responsibility, and deep sense of belonging.
3. Casañas, Siomara Cristina Educator and community leader, whose vocation and social commitment transform lives. She holds a degree in Humanities and training in sign language, with extensive experience in the academic and social spheres; after her retirement in 2015, she has presided over a civil association in the Nebel neighborhood, accompanying residents, attending to emergencies, health problems, and working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the residents.
4. Garay, Mirta Teresa Leader in the defense of animal rights in Concordia. She is part of the Conciencia Animal organization, from where she manages rescues, promotes responsible ownership, and coordinates actions with local veterinarians. She is distinguished by her commitment, vocation for service, and capability, becoming a local reference in animal protection.
5. Guerrero, Graciela Professor of History and Latin. She developed her teaching career in secondary and tertiary levels, in institutions in San Salvador, Federación, and Concordia, and for almost 20 years she has been the secretary of the Sanmartiniana Cultural Association of Concordia, spreading historical and cultural values.
6. Mainez, Mónica María Early Childhood teacher born in Concordia, a profession she chose with a deep vocation for childhood and education. She has directed the NGO Por el Silencio for more than 20 years, providing support, learning, and comprehensive assistance to children and families in vulnerable situations. For her educational work, she received the Maestra Antequeda Award, a recognition granted for her work as a teacher at the Manitos Pintadas Kindergarten. Education has always been the central axis of her work.
7. Martínez, Florencia Specialist in the direction and management of non-profit organizations and co-founder of Volando Alto, an NGO that accompanies children and young people in vulnerable contexts, promoting education and opportunities. Since its inception in 2019 until its formalization as a civil association in 2023, Volando Alto has impacted more than 400 children and young people and currently educates 150 children between 4 and 18 years old, with expansion plans to support those finishing high school in their labor insertion or higher studies. Florencia's work has transformed education in vulnerable neighborhoods of Concordia, having a real impact on the community. Thanks to her work, hundreds of children have found a path of hope and growth in education.
8. Miño, Liliana, a native of Concordia, has 28 years in the Police of Entre Ríos, with active commitment, characterized by dedication, responsibility, a vocation for service, and an impeccable conduct. She was the first woman to lead the Operations and Security Division of the province and is currently the Deputy Chief of the Concordia Departmental Police. On a personal level, she is a mother of three children, one of them a police officer and the other two students, demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile a demanding career with family life, becoming an example for new generations.
9. Zacarías, Elisa She served for 36 years, with responsibility and commitment in administrative tasks as an employee. And since 1980, she has dedicated her life to the care and protection of animals, becoming a local reference for her sustained and selfless commitment. She was a member of the Society for the Protection of Animals; she is an independent protectionist, focused mainly on the rescue and care of cats and dogs in situations of overcrowding and abandonment. She has carried out tasks of great importance both for her neighborhood and for Concordia, consolidating herself as an example of solidarity, social commitment, and love for the community