Authenticity, intuition and resilience were among the central themes of the “Women’s Panel: Global Rising,” which brought together Ana Mena, Lali, Greeicy, Lola Índigo, RaiNao and Aria Vega on Tuesday (Oct. 20) during Billboard Latin Music Week 2026. Moderated by Sigal Ratner-Arias, deputy editor of Billboard Español, the conversation took place at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach, Fla.
The six artists represent different scenes, countries and sounds, but agreed that finding your own voice is essential to building a career that goes beyond a viral hit. Here are the best quotes from each artist.
Lali: ‘An Artist’s Identity Takes a Lifetime to Build’
Lali, who began her career as an actress before establishing herself as a singer, said music allows her to express herself from a more personal place. While acting requires her to interpret a story written by someone else, music — even when a song isn’t completely autobiographical — gives her greater control over what she wants to communicate.
She also spoke about the pressure from the industry and social media, which can make artists lose sight of who they really are. “It’s very easy to get confused about which one is the real me,” she said. “An artist’s identity takes a lifetime to build. It’s not one moment, it’s not just one album, it’s not just one hit.”
The Argentine artist encouraged younger generations not to measure their worth solely by how quickly something goes viral.
Greeicy: ‘This Isn’t About Speed — It’s About Endurance’
Greeicy, who has also built a career as an actress, spoke about balancing music, acting and motherhood. For her, one of the hardest sacrifices of touring is missing once-in-a-lifetime moments with her son.
Still, she said motherhood has also given her new energy to continue pursuing her career. “This isn’t about speed — it’s about endurance,” she said. “The person who keeps working will keep walking, will keep moving forward.”
The Colombian artist also reflected on the importance of embracing every stage of a career, even when the pace of growth changes.
Lola Índigo: ‘What Matters Are the Songs’
Lola Índigo recalled being the first contestant eliminated from Operación Triunfo, an experience that could have sent her career in a very different direction. Instead of giving up, she followed advice from one of her teachers, Manu Guix, who told her that, in the end, what mattered were the songs.
“I had never written a song in my life, but I decided to learn how to do it,” she said.
For Lola, success depends not only on luck or industry support, but also on discipline and a willingness to develop the necessary tools. “If you have a good song, you have many tools and many ways” to get it to an audience, she said. “Start writing. If you don’t know how, you’ll learn.”
RaiNao: ‘You Have to Stay True to Your Roots’
Representing Puerto Rico, RaiNao spoke about the strength of local scenes and the importance of artists supporting one another. She described the island as a small territory with enormous cultural potential. “Puerto Rican artists have understood the power we have within us — the power we have among all of us to lift each other up,” she said.
She also encouraged artists to stay connected to their roots while developing new creative directions: “To grow and reach higher, you have to stay very, very true to your roots, to what represents you.”
Ana Mena: ‘Stay True to Your Intuition’
Ana Mena, who recently expanded her team with a more international vision, spoke about the importance of trusting her instincts — especially when other people try to dictate how a female artist should dress, sound or present herself.
“I’ve enjoyed my career the most when I’ve stayed very true to my intuition,” she said.
Aria Vega: ‘You’re Successful When You’re Happy’
Aria Vega described her breakout year as a “perfect chaos”: a period of constant work, travel, performances and new opportunities. For the Colombian artist, freedom and happiness are essential parts of success.
“You’re successful when you’re happy, and you’re happy when you’re free,” she said. “As women especially, we have to be our true, bold, unapologetic selves.”