June 13, 2025.

The Monforte native Mónica Vázquez has just received in Miami the Cross of the Order of Civil Merit, a prestigious recognition awarded by the Spanish government. This award, known as the Mónica Vázquez Civil Merit Cross in media reports, acknowledges individuals with outstanding contributions to Spanish society and its global representation.

Mónica Vázquez, who is currently the General Director of Abanca USA and also presides over the Spain-USA Chamber of Commerce in Florida, was born in Madrid and raised in Monforte. Her familial roots and professional journey create a unique bond between Spain and the United States.

The medal award ceremony was held this Wednesday at the residence of the Consul General of Spain in Miami. It was the Consul himself, Jaime Lacadena Higuera, who presented the medal and explained during the event that the government seeks to recognize her professional career and her commitment to the Spanish community in the United States.

After receiving the medal, Mónica Vázquez stated that she feels “deeply honored by this meaningful recognition” and added that receiving the Cross of the Order of Civil Merit fills her “with gratitude and emotion” and encourages her “to continue working with more commitment than ever for strengthening the ties between Spain and the United States, as well as for the growth of our business community.”

Mónica Vázquez, Director of Abanca in the U.S.: “Miami is just the beginning, the roadmap includes opening more offices in the U.S.”

Rubén Santamarta

The Monforte executive also said that she interprets this recognition in a more personal way, as “a tribute to my family and especially to women like my mother who gave much of their lives for my future and education, a tribute to constant effort, dedication, and the value of continuous learning as tools to advance, overcome challenges, and build a better future.”

In that vein, she recalled that as a professional in the financial sector she faced “important challenges along with the satisfaction of being the mother of four wonderful daughters. This recognition is also for them and for all the women who break barriers and build a future every day.”

Since 1926

The Order of Civil Merit is an official decoration instituted in 1926 and is granted in the name of the King, who acts as Grand Master of the Order. The award is proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after reviewing the merits and circumstances of the candidates.

Mónica Vázquez has led the launch of Abanca USA since 2019 from her position as General Director and Executive Vice President of the American division of the Galician bank.

Under her leadership, Abanca was recognized as Company of the Year in 2019 and received the Great Place to Work certification in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Additionally, since her appointment in 2023 as president of the Spain-USA Chamber of Commerce in Florida, she has worked to strengthen business and trade relations between Spain and the United States and has become a leading figure among new Hispanic leadership in that country.

Other roles

The General Director of Abanca USA is also President-Elect of the Florida International Bankers Association (FIBA), founding member of the Association of Hispanic Executive Women in the United States, member of the Council of Spanish Residents Abroad, and of the board of the Spanish Cultural Center of Miami.

In 2023 she was included in the list of the top 100 women leaders in Spain, and in 2024 she received an award from the World Trade Center Miami in its program recognizing the achievements of women worldwide, and she received a distinction in one of the annual women leaders in real estate business events organized by an online commercial transaction platform.