Interview with María Cruz Díaz de Terán Velasco

At Tara for Women, we know that having the right mentor can make all the difference. That’s why our mentorship program is at the heart of what we do—connecting experienced professionals with women ready to make an impact.

Today, we’re excited to introduce María Cruz Díaz de Terán Velasco, a law professor and advocate for women’s empowerment. Her passion for mentoring has helped entrepreneurs grow, thrive, and turn their ideas into reality.

Curious to hear her story? Let’s dive in!

Could you share a little about yourself and your professional background? What aspects of your career have brought you the most satisfaction?

My name is María Cruz Díaz de Terán Velasco. I am a Law professor at the University of Navarra and have been coordinating an international research team in the field of Women’s Studies for over ten years. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to participate in various academic projects aimed at highlighting and strengthening the role of women in multiple social, political, and cultural contexts. What has given me the greatest satisfaction is being able to contribute to the recognition of women as agents of change in different sectors, promoting both research and education that raise awareness about the importance of equality and female talent.

What inspired you to join the Tara for Women’s Mentorship Program? What did you hope to achieve by becoming a mentor?

My participation in the Tara for Women’s Mentorship Program was driven by my commitment to fostering women's talent and supporting initiatives led by them. I hoped to share my knowledge and experiences with an entrepreneur who had the potential to generate significant social impact, while also contributing to her professional growth. The main goal was to provide guidance and support throughout her development process, helping her project reach a broader audience and gain greater visibility.

How would you describe your experience as a mentor in the program? What moments have made you feel most proud?

My experience as a mentor has been incredibly rewarding. Through close guidance, I have witnessed the personal and professional growth of my mentee, which has been deeply enriching. One of the moments that made me most proud was when Enea Lebrun, the photographic artist I mentored, gained international recognition for her project Jenené. Seeing how her work on the relationship with water and the culture of the Drua community took shape and came to life was a true achievement for both of us.

Could you share a success story or a memorable moment you’ve had as a mentor? What impact did it have on you and the entrepreneur?

A particularly memorable moment was the development of Jenené, Enea Lebrun’s project. Throughout the mentorship process, Enea was able to integrate her personal vision into her artistic work, exploring the deep connection between human beings and nature. This culminated in a powerful photographic and cultural testimony. This success had a significant impact on me as a mentor, as it allowed me to see how a profound and meaningful project could positively influence both the community and the career of an entrepreneur using art as a tool for social change.

What challenges have you overcome during the mentorship process, and how have they helped you grow as a mentor?

One of the main challenges I faced was finding the right approach to providing constructive feedback, especially in a field like art, which is highly subjective. Overcoming this difficulty helped me develop greater empathy and a deeper understanding of how different cultural and personal contexts influence the creative process. This learning has been essential for my growth as a mentor and as a person.

What positive changes have you observed in the entrepreneurs you have mentored? How do you think your support has contributed to their success?

I have noticed a significant increase in Enea’s confidence, as well as a refinement of her strategic and communication skills. My support has helped her clarify her objectives and articulate her ideas more coherently, which in turn has enhanced her project’s visibility and access to new collaboration opportunities. The ongoing guidance, especially during key moments, has been crucial to her success.

How has this experience influenced your personal and professional development? What skills or knowledge have you gained?

This experience has enriched my professional development by giving me a broader perspective on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs working on innovative projects. On a personal level, it has helped me become a better communicator and develop stronger listening and guidance skills, which in turn enhance my academic and professional work.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a mentor? What aspects of mentorship do you find most rewarding?

My main advice is that, as a mentor, you must be open to listening and learning as much as you teach. Mentorship is not a one-way process but rather a mutual exchange that benefits both the mentor and the mentee. The most rewarding aspects are witnessing their growth and achievements and seeing the positive impact their work has on their community or professional field.

Do you have any suggestions for improving the mentorship program and making it even more effective?

One suggestion would be to include more training and preparation sessions for mentors at the start of the program to ensure that all participants have a solid understanding of the objectives and most effective mentorship methods. It would also be beneficial to create spaces for mentors to share experiences and strategies with each other, strengthening the network of mutual support.

Could you share a short phrase or review about your experience as a mentor that we could use on our social media? What would you highlight as the most valuable part of this experience?

My experience as a mentor in the Tara for Women’s Mentorship Program has been deeply enriching. The most valuable aspect has been supporting an entrepreneur in her growth, witnessing her achievements, and, at the same time, learning and reflecting on the impact that art and women-led initiatives have on society.