Maricel Cohen de Mulino
Maricel Cohen de Mulino
Full Name: Maricel Cohen de Mulino
Native Name: Maricel Cohen de Mulino
Role: First Lady of Panama
Spouse: José Raúl Mulino
Children: Four — José Raúl Jr., Monique Alexandra, Alexandra Victoria, and Verónica Isabel
Nationality: Panamanian
Years Active as First Lady: 1 July 2024–present �
despachoprimeradama.gob.pa +1
Introduction
As the wife of President José Raúl Mulino, Maricel Cohen de Mulino serves as the First Lady of the Republic of Panama. Since entering the role in 2024, she has developed a public profile centered on social service, children’s welfare, healthcare, education, inclusion, and support for vulnerable communities. �
despachoprimeradama.gob.pa +1
Born and raised in Panama City, Cohen de Mulino has combined a background in banking administration and business with a longstanding commitment to family and community. Her approach to the First Ladyship is notably hands-on, with frequent visits to social institutions and projects designed to improve the lives of children, older adults, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Her public work has made her an increasingly visible figure in Panama’s social landscape, while her warm and approachable style has helped give the modern Panamanian First Ladyship a distinctly humanitarian character.
Official Title: First Lady of the Republic of Panama
As the spouse of the President of the Republic of Panama, Maricel Cohen de Mulino serves as the nation’s First Lady.
The First Lady’s office has no independent constitutional authority, but it provides an important platform for humanitarian, social, and diplomatic engagement. Cohen de Mulino’s agenda focuses particularly on childhood, preventive health, education, animal welfare, inclusion, and strengthening communities. �
despachoprimeradama.gob.pa
She also accompanies President Mulino during official ceremonies and diplomatic occasions, including meetings with visiting heads of state and their spouses. �
despachoprimeradama.gob.pa
Early Life
Maricel Cohen was born on 13 January 1963 in Panama City.
She attended the María Inmaculada School and later graduated in Banking Administration from Universidad Santa María la Antigua. Before becoming First Lady, she combined family life with professional and business activities, giving her experience in both the private sector and community affairs. �
despachoprimeradama.gob.pa
Her professional background helped shape the practical and organized approach she later brought to her public responsibilities.
Family Life
Maricel Cohen married José Raúl Mulino in 1985.
The couple have four children: José Raúl Jr., Monique Alexandra, Alexandra Victoria, and Verónica Isabel. They are also grandparents, with the presidential couple’s family becoming an important part of Cohen de Mulino’s public identity. �
despachoprimeradama.gob.pa
Her long marriage to Mulino spans decades of political and professional change in Panama, including his years in government and his eventual election to the presidency.
Becoming First Lady
On 1 July 2024, José Raúl Mulino was inaugurated as President of Panama, and Maricel Cohen de Mulino became First Lady. �
Consulat Général du Panama – Marseille +1
She entered the role with an established professional background and a strong interest in social issues. Rather than limiting her activities to ceremonial appearances, she quickly developed a program of direct community engagement.
Public Role
As First Lady, Cohen de Mulino has made children and vulnerable communities central to her work.
Her initiatives have included improving facilities for children in vulnerable circumstances, supporting healthcare projects, promoting education and cultural activities, and developing partnerships aimed at strengthening social services. �
despachoprimeradama.gob.pa +1
She has also supported initiatives involving older adults, people deprived of liberty, animal welfare, and community development. Her office describes her approach as one based on concrete action and partnerships designed to create opportunities for people most in need. �
despachoprimeradama.gob.pa
A Symbol of Compassion and Community
Maricel Cohen de Mulino represents a First Ladyship built around personal connection and practical service.
Rather than concentrating solely on high-profile diplomatic appearances, she has frequently taken her work directly into communities, visiting institutions and meeting people affected by social and economic challenges. Her emphasis on children, healthcare, inclusion, and family welfare gives her public role a distinctly humanitarian character.
Her work also provides a softer dimension to the presidency, creating opportunities for Panama to highlight compassion, social responsibility, and community solidarity.
Legacy in Progress
Since becoming First Lady in 2024, Maricel Cohen de Mulino has established a public identity centered on service, empathy, and social development.
Her efforts to improve the lives of children, support vulnerable populations, and strengthen healthcare and community initiatives continue to define her tenure. As Panama moves forward under President Mulino, she remains a prominent advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Her legacy is still being written, but her First Ladyship is already characterized by a simple principle: **turning public visibility into practical service for the people of Panama.**
- 13 January 1963
- Panama
- José Raúl Mulino
- 1 July 2024–present
