Irina Karamanos Adrian

Why you should listen

At first reluctant to assume the traditional title of First Lady when her partner was elected president of Chile in 2021, Irina Karamanos Adrian ultimately decided to take office in order to transform it. She immediately began to overhaul the role, shedding many of its institutional powers, which she considers undemocratic.

Karamanos Adrian brings a contemporary feminist point of view to her work, highlighting gender stereotype issues. After closing the First Lady's office, she went back to work as a researcher in politics, communications and education. Active with young leaders, organizations and an international feminist network, she speaks at universities about the effects of far-right movements on democracy and the need for change in institutional politics.