Juliana Awada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juliana Awada
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Awada in 2018
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| First Lady of Argentina | |
| In role 10 December 2015 – 10 December 2019 |
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| President | Mauricio Macri |
| Preceded by | Néstor Kirchner (As First Gentleman, 2010) |
| Succeeded by | Fabiola Yáñez |
| First Lady of Buenos Aires | |
| In role 16 November 2010 – 10 December 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Eva Píccolo |
| Succeeded by | Bárbara Díez de Tejada |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
María Juliana Awada
3 April 1974 Villa Ballester, Argentina |
| Political party | Republican Proposal |
| Other political affiliations |
Cambiemos |
| Spouses |
Gustavo Capello
(m. 1997; div. 1998) |
| Domestic partner | Bruno Laurent Barbier (1998–1999) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Alejandro Awada (brother) |
| Occupation | Businesswoman |
María Juliana Awada (born on April 3, 1974) is an Argentine businesswoman. She was the First Lady of Argentina from 2015 to 2019. She was the first First Lady in 70 years to receive a special honor called the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. The only other First Lady to receive it was Eva Perón in 1947. In 2016, ¡Hola! magazine named her the most elegant First Lady in the world.
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Who is Juliana Awada?
Juliana Awada was born in Villa Ballester, Argentina, on April 3, 1974. Her father, Ibrahim Awada, was an immigrant from Lebanon. Her mother, Elsa Esther Baker, had Syrian and Lebanese roots. Juliana has four siblings: Zoraida, Daniel, Leila, and the actor Alejandro Awada.
Early Life and Education
As a child and teenager, Juliana often traveled to Europe and the United States with her mother. They visited cities like Paris, London, and New York City to look at fashion collections. She finished her high school education at Chester College, an English-language school in Belgrano. After that, she continued her studies in Oxford, England.
Family and Business Life
When she returned to Argentina, Juliana started working in her family's business. Her father had started a textile company in the 1960s. In 1997, she married Gustavo Capello, but they divorced a year later. She then had a long-term relationship with Belgian businessman Bruno Laurent Barbier. They had a daughter named Valentina.
Becoming First Lady of Buenos Aires
Juliana Awada and Mauricio Macri started their relationship in 2009. They got married on November 16, 2010. Their daughter, Antonia, was born in 2011. When Mauricio Macri was the Mayor of Buenos Aires, Juliana served as the First Lady of Buenos Aires.
Juliana Awada's Role in the 2015 Election
Juliana Awada played an important part in her husband Mauricio Macri's campaign for president in 2015. At first, she kept a very low profile. This was different from other candidates' wives, who were more visible. However, campaign advisors decided to make her more public.
She joined Maria Eugenia Vidal's campaign in the Province of Buenos Aires. They visited a hospital and talked with people in José C. Paz. Juliana was concerned about the hospital's condition.
She was also present during the presidential debate between her husband and candidate Daniel Scioli. After the debate, Juliana and Mauricio shared a kiss that was widely shown in the news.
Juliana Awada as First Lady of Argentina
In the 2015 presidential elections, Mauricio Macri won. He was the candidate for the "Cambiemos" (Let's Change) alliance. This made Juliana Awada the First Lady of Argentina.
On December 10, 2015, Juliana was with her husband during his inauguration as President. They went from their home to the National Congress of Argentina. Later, they went to the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. After the ceremony, they hosted a reception for leaders from other countries. Juliana and her daughters, Antonia and Valentina, lived in the Presidential Residence of Quinta de Olivos.
On March 23, 2016, Juliana gave her first speech at the Metropolitan Design Center in Barracas. She introduced Michelle Obama, the First Lady of the United States. Both First Ladies spoke to teenagers about how important education is. This happened during the Obama family's visit to Argentina.
In June 2016, Juliana welcomed Jill Biden, the Second Lady of the United States. She talked about her commitment to education and women's rights. They visited a center for young children in San Martin, Buenos Aires. Juliana also showed Jill Biden the organic garden she grows at the presidential residence.
In November 2016, Juliana met Akie Abe, the wife of the Prime Minister of Japan. They visited the Buenos Aires Japanese Gardens in Palermo. They watched a Japanese drum show and took part in a tea ceremony. This visit celebrated the long history between the Japanese community and Argentina.
International Visits and Meetings
Juliana Awada made her first international trip as First Lady to Davos, Switzerland. She went with her husband to the 2016 World Economic Forum. There, they met with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
On February 27, 2016, she met Pope Francis at the Vatican City. It was her second time meeting the Pope. The next day, she attended a meeting between her husband and the Italian President in Rome.
In July 2016, Juliana and President Macri went on a European tour. They visited France, Belgium, and Germany. They met with leaders like French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They also met with King Philip and Queen Mathilde in Brussels.
In September 2016, Juliana accompanied her husband to the G-20 Summit in Hangzhou, China. She visited a Buddhist temple and a street for handicrafts. She also visited Zhejiang University and the China Academy of Art.
In February 2017, President Macri and Juliana visited Spain. Juliana and Queen Letizia talked about the strong ties between their countries. They also discussed the importance of helping children and women. Juliana gave the Queen a special bracelet inspired by Argentina.
In March 2017, they visited the Netherlands. They were welcomed by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in Amsterdam. They also visited the Anne Frank House. Juliana wrote in the guest book that Anne Frank's story is an inspiration for human rights.
Promoting Argentine Art
Juliana Awada is a big supporter of Argentine art around the world. Even when she was First Lady of Buenos Aires, she was involved in art exhibitions. As First Lady of Argentina, she helped promote Argentine art in Latin America and Europe.
In March 2017, she and President Macri opened the new Güemes Museum in Salta. This museum honors Martín Miguel de Güemes, a national hero. The museum uses modern technology to tell his story.
Juliana also opened the ARCO Fair in Madrid in 2017 with Queen Letizia. Argentina was the special guest country at this international art fair. Juliana helped choose the Argentine artists who would be featured. She said it was a huge honor for Argentina's culture.
She also completely redecorated the Quinta de Olivos, the Presidential Residence. She chose artworks by different artists from all over Argentina for the decoration.
Social Work and Community Support
In November 2016, Juliana Awada and the Minister of Social Development, Carolina Stanley, visited an Early Childhood Space in Córdoba. They also visited a community dining room and a family business. Juliana said it was important to be close to and help those who need it most. She admired the people who work hard to give children and families better opportunities.
In March 2017, Juliana and Carolina Stanley visited the Civil Walking Association. This organization helps people with disabilities. Juliana said that children there learn new skills and discover what they enjoy doing. She highlighted the important work of such organizations in helping people with Down syndrome be a part of society. The Ministry of Social Development supports this organization with food programs, equipment, and microcredits.
Honors and Awards
Juliana Awada has received several important honors from different countries:
Italy: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (May 2, 2017)
Netherlands: Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown (March 27, 2017)
Norway: Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (March 6, 2018)
Spain: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (February 20, 2017)
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See also
In Spanish: Juliana Awada para niños
