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. During her time in this role, she received a special honor called the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. She was also recognized as one of the most elegant First Ladies in the world by ¡Hola! magazine in 2016.
Contents
About Juliana Awada
Early Life and Education
Juliana Awada was born in Villa Ballester, Argentina. Her father, Ibrahim Awada, was an immigrant from Lebanon. Her mother, Elsa Esther Baker, had Syrian and Lebanese roots. Juliana has several siblings, including entrepreneurs Zoraida and Daniel, artist Leila, and actor Alejandro Awada.
As a child and teenager, Juliana often traveled with her mother. They visited cities like Paris, London, and New York. They looked for new fashion collections during these trips. She finished her high school education at Chester College, an English-speaking school in Belgrano. After that, she continued her studies in Oxford, England.
Starting Her Business Career
When Juliana returned to Argentina, she joined her family's business. Her father had started this textile company in the 1960s. She became very involved in the company.
Later, she had a relationship with Belgian businessman Bruno Laurent Barbier. They lived together for about ten years and 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. In 2011, they welcomed their daughter, Antonia.
When Mauricio Macri was the Mayor of Buenos Aires, Juliana became the First Lady of Buenos Aires. She supported him in his role.
Juliana Awada's Role in Politics
Supporting the Presidential Campaign
Juliana Awada played an important part in her husband Mauricio Macri's campaign. He was running for president in the 2015 presidential elections. At first, she kept a low profile. However, campaign advisors encouraged her to be more visible.
She joined other politicians on visits to different areas. For example, she visited a hospital in José C. Paz. She also talked with people in the local plaza. She showed concern for the hospital's condition.
Juliana was also present during the presidential debate. This debate was between her husband and another candidate, Daniel Scioli. After the debate, she joined her husband on stage. Their moment together was widely shown by the media.
Becoming First Lady of Argentina
In the 2015 presidential elections, Mauricio Macri won. He became the new President of Argentina. As a result, Juliana Awada became the First Lady of Argentina. This was a historic moment for the country.
On December 10, 2015, Juliana accompanied her husband during his inauguration. They traveled from their home to the National Congress of Argentina. There, President Macri gave a speech. Afterward, they went to the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. They also hosted a reception for leaders from other countries.
Juliana and her daughters, Antonia and Valentina, lived in the Presidential Residence of Quinta de Olivos.
Meeting Other World Leaders
As First Lady, Juliana Awada met many important people from around the world.
- In March 2016, she 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 the importance of education.
- In June 2016, she welcomed Jill Biden, the Second Lady of the United States. They discussed education and equal rights for women. Juliana showed Jill Biden the organic garden she grew at the presidential residence.
- In November 2016, she met Akie Abe, the spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan. They visited the Buenos Aires Japanese Gardens. They watched a musical show and took part in a traditional tea ceremony. This visit celebrated the long history between Japan and Argentina.
International Visits and Diplomacy
Juliana Awada traveled to many countries with her husband. These trips helped strengthen Argentina's relationships with other nations.
- Her first international trip as First Lady was to Davos, Switzerland, in 2016. She and her husband met with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
- In February 2016, she met Pope Francis at the Vatican City. She had met him before when she was First Lady of Buenos Aires.
- In July 2016, they 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 were also welcomed by King Philip and Queen Mathilde.
- In September 2016, she joined her husband at the G-20 Summit in Hangzhou, China. She visited a Buddhist temple and an art academy.
- In February 2017, they visited Spain. Juliana met Queen Letizia. They talked about the strong ties between their countries. They also discussed helping children and empowering women.
- In March 2017, they visited the Netherlands. They were welcomed by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. They visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Juliana wrote in the guest book about Anne Frank's inspiring story.
Promoting Argentine Culture and Art
Juliana Awada is a strong supporter of Argentine art. She has been involved in art exhibitions since her time as First Lady of Buenos Aires. She helped promote Argentine art in Latin America and Europe.
In March 2017, she attended the opening of 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 helped open the ARCO Fair in Madrid in 2017. This is a big contemporary art fair. Argentina was the special guest country that year. Juliana helped choose the Argentine artists who would be featured. She said it was a great honor for Argentina's culture.
She also helped redesign the Quinta de Olivos, the Presidential Residence. She chose artworks by different artists from all over Argentina for the decoration.
Community Work and Support
Juliana Awada was also involved in social work. She focused on helping people in need.
- In November 2016, she visited an Early Childhood Space in Córdoba. She also saw a social dining room and a family business. She emphasized the importance of supporting those who need it most.
- In March 2017, she visited the Civil Walking Association. This organization helps people with disabilities. They offer workshops and activities to improve their lives. Juliana highlighted how important it is to give children with disabilities an inclusive education. She believes in helping them be a full part of society.
Honors and Awards
Juliana Awada has received several honors from different countries:
Italy: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2 May 2017)
Netherlands: Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown (27 March 2017)
Norway: Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (6 March 2018)
Spain: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (20 February 2017)
See also
In Spanish: Juliana Awada para niños
