Naval engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta became the first woman to lead the Panama Canal administration on September 7, 2026. She assumes leadership during a challenging period for the vital waterway.
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First female administrator in the Panama Canal’s history takes the helm AP News
Naval engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta takes the helm on Monday as the first woman to lead the Panama Canal administration, stepping into the role at a challenging time for the vital maritime route.