Unbreakable Conference 2026

Pilar Toboso Cárdenas

IE Student

Pilar Toboso Cárdenas is a Business Data Analytics and Business Administration student at IE University and Vice President of 180 Degrees Consulting Madrid. She has worked ain McKinsey & Company (summer business analyist), KPMG (Internship), and Deloitte (Consulting shadowing) in strategic and financial advisory roles. At IE, she has led AI and innovation initiatives across the Technology & Innovation and Robotics Clubs, engaging over 800 students. Ranked first in her cohort (GPA 9.8/10), Pilar has received multiple Vice Dean honors and the IE High Potential Award. Her work bridges data, strategy, and social impact to drive meaningful change.

Irene Sánchez Andrea

Professor & Research Group Leader in Environmental Microbiology, IE University

IE University

Dr. Irene Sánchez‑Andrea is a microbial ecologist and sustainability researcher specializing in green mining and microbial biotechnology. She leads a research group at IE University (Spain) that explores how acid-loving microbes from extreme environments like the Tinto River can help recover valuable metals, reduce pollution, and inspire nature-based solutions. Her work has led to the discovery of new microbial species and a novel CO₂ fixation pathway, the reductive glycine pathway, which changed scientific understanding of how microbes capture carbon. Her research connects microbial physiology, environmental sustainability, and biogeochemical innovation, aiming to develop real-world applications from nature’s own strategies. Irene has collaborated with NASA, worked across top labs in Germany, the Netherlans and the US, and published over 70 scientific papers, funded via international competitive grants. Besides, she is passionate about engaging students and the public in understanding the hidden powers of microbes.

Elena Garrigues

C-suite Executive

IE University

C-suite executive specialized in international business development and business transformation, with a macro level perspective and affinity for constant innovation. A global managing director and multifaceted profesional, Elena started her career as a journalist (foreign correspondent for the largest Spanish media group) but later moved on to financial services and wealth management (Chase Manhattan Bank, JPMorgan Chase). She has also worked in corporate reputation, CSR and innovation (Garrigues law firm). Her current job is in the legal field, as an international consultant. She serves on three non-profits boards: inclusive entrepreneurship (Nantik Lum) human rights (RFK Human Rights Spain) and children and adolescents’ rights (ANAR). Elena is also an award-winning photographer. She speaks fluent Spanish, English and French, conversational in German and Italian. Worked in New York (12 years); London (3 years); Brussels (2 years).