In a significant move for Latin American representation in global automotive journalism, Ana Gabriela Oquendo, a respected voice from Ecuador’s En Curva magazine, has been appointed to the international jury of the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY)—the only car award judged exclusively by women motoring journalists from around the globe.
With members spanning 55 countries, WWCOTY stands as a powerful platform for female perspectives in the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry. Oquendo joins fellow Ecuadorian journalist Judith Hernandez of Autoin magazine, strengthening the presence of Ecuador—and by extension, Latin America—within this influential organization.
A Lifelong Passion Driven by Family and Curiosity
For Oquendo, the road to automotive journalism wasn’t just a professional journey; it was a deeply personal one. Growing up in a family where cars were more than just transportation, her curiosity was first piqued by her father’s meticulous care for his vehicle and later fuelled by her brothers’ hands-on experiments in car maintenance and mechanical repair. What started as a spark turned into a lifelong pursuit of automotive knowledge and storytelling.
Today, at En Curva, Oquendo is a cornerstone of the publication’s editorial team, delivering rigorous, insightful, and accessible content across a range of formats. From vehicle reviews and comparative test drives to broader explorations of mobility and innovation, her work resonates with both local and international audiences.
A Moment of Recognition and Representation
“I’m truly honored to be part of WWCOTY,” Oquendo shared. “It’s a pleasure to share this space with other women and be part of an expert network in the automotive world. Additionally, I feel pride in the achievements I’ve accomplished through hard work. It’s definitely an exciting moment for me!”
Her inclusion in the WWCOTY jury is more than a personal accolade—it’s a statement about the importance of diverse voices in automotive media. Oquendo’s presence amplifies perspectives from the Global South, and more specifically, from a region that continues to grow in its automotive influence, both in consumer markets and industry innovation.
Beyond Borders, Breaking Barriers
The appointment also reflects WWCOTY’s commitment to inclusivity and international reach. As the automotive world becomes increasingly interconnected, the need for a jury that reflects varied driving experiences, vehicle needs, and cultural contexts becomes all the more essential. With Oquendo on board, WWCOTY further solidifies its status as a truly global and diverse award.
Ana Gabriela Oquendo’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and professional excellence. Her voice—shaped by personal history, cultural insight, and technical know-how—will no doubt enrich the WWCOTY jury, just as it continues to inform and inspire readers of En Curva.
As Oquendo joins this esteemed network of women shaping the narrative of the global automotive sector, she drives home a powerful message: the road ahead is not only open to women—it’s being rewritten by them.
