Nayib Bukele’s Wife: The Story of Gabriela Rodríguez de Bukele

When you think of Nayib Bukele, the first thing that comes to mind is probably his bold approach to leadership, his tech-savvy reputation, or his massive following on social media. But behind the scenes, there’s someone who’s been by his side long before he became a political figure—Nayib Bukele’s wife, Gabriela Rodríguez de Bukele. And she’s far more than just a presidential spouse.

Gabriela is a woman of many talents: a trained psychologist, a former ballet dancer, a passionate advocate for maternal and child health, and a devoted mom. Her life story is rich, layered, and deeply connected to the initiatives she leads today as First Lady of El Salvador.

From Ballet Slippers to Brain Science

Gabriela Rodríguez de Bukele was born in San Salvador in 1985. With roots in both El Salvador and Nicaragua, and a Sephardic Jewish heritage, her upbringing was as diverse as it was grounded in tradition. As a young girl, she developed a love for the arts and trained as a ballet dancer, eventually performing with the Fundación Ballet de El Salvador.

But her interests didn’t stop at the stage. Gabriela went on to earn a doctorate in prenatal psychology—becoming the first person in El Salvador to specialize in this field. In 2010, she launched PrePare, the country’s first prenatal education center, focused on promoting healthy development for mothers and babies during pregnancy.

Meeting Nayib Bukele and Building a Life Together

Gabriela met Nayib Bukele in 2004, long before politics became part of their everyday lives. Their relationship grew quietly over the years, and after a decade of dating, they married in December 2014. It wasn’t a flashy ceremony, but rather a private celebration of their strong bond.

As Bukele’s political career gained momentum, Gabriela also stepped into public service. She worked as the Municipal Secretary for Women in San Salvador between 2015 and 2018. During that time, she launched programs focused on gender equality, arts, and community development—including founding the San Salvador Ballet Group.

Becoming First Lady with Purpose

When Nayib Bukele became President of El Salvador in June 2019, Gabriela stepped into the national spotlight—but on her own terms. She didn’t settle for being a figurehead. Instead, she channeled her background in psychology and passion for early childhood development into meaningful programs that have had real impact.

One of her biggest contributions is the “Crecer Juntos” initiative, a comprehensive early childhood policy that supports children from pregnancy to age eight. The program focuses on prenatal care, nutrition, mental and physical development, and parent education. It even includes legal reforms that guarantee breastfeeding support and respectful childbirth practices.

In 2023, she launched a network of baby libraries across the country—spaces where young children and parents can bond over books, play, and learning. It’s just one more example of how she’s using science and compassion to shape El Salvador’s future, starting with its youngest citizens.

A Family-Focused Life

While their public roles keep them busy, Gabriela and Nayib also have a home life centered around family. They have two daughters—Leyla, born in 2019, and Aminah, born in 2023. Gabriela often shares glimpses of motherhood, showing her commitment to raising children in a loving, conscious environment.

The couple’s family life balances the pressures of leadership with personal values. They appear together at public events, celebrate holidays as a family, and make time for parenting despite their demanding schedules.

More Than Just a First Lady

Gabriela’s role as First Lady has received international attention. She’s spoken at UN events, partnered with organizations like UNICEF, and helped position El Salvador as a country taking early childhood seriously. Her efforts even earned recognition through the World Childhood Award and praise from institutions like the World Bank and Earth Institute.

At the same time, she’s remained grounded. Her work is rooted in science and empathy—not political spotlight. She avoids drama and focuses on what really matters to her: children, families, and creating systems of support that last beyond any single administration.

Of course, as with many public figures, there have been some critiques. A few voices have questioned the extent of her involvement in government programs, raising concerns about influence and accountability. But overall, she’s widely respected for being hands-on, thoughtful, and genuinely dedicated to the causes she champions.

Featured Image Source: voanews.com