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Bridging Talents and Opportunities event serves as an outreach initiative...
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Bridging Talents and Opportunities
Bridging Talents and Opportunities
Bridging Talents and Opportunities event serves as an outreach initiative...
Read MoreEnrique Carrillo Enrique Carrillo is a seasoned senior executive with international experience in global business development, sales, marketing, and manufacturing for multibillion-dollar firms. He excels at driving organizational transformation, developing innovative solutions, and leading new product deliveries. Currently, Enrique is the Director of Midwest Customer Growth and Strategy at Accenture Song, where he guides the Midwest portfolio and advances Customer Experience offerings. Accenture Song combines industry expertise with creativity to drive growth through various capabilities, including product design, technology, and marketing strategy. From 2021 to 2024, Enrique was Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth at WNS Global Services, overseeing business development and transformation with a focus on AI, IoT, and analytics. He expanded business into Canada and Latin America and developed profitable ventures in data science. Before WNS, Enrique was Vice President of Sales and Customer Success at Grid Dynamics, where he improved reporting, introduced a loyalty program, and exceeded revenue goals. At Infosys, as Associate Vice President, he increased business efficiency and captured new accounts through enterprise transformation. Enrique’s earlier roles include Vice President of Global Relations at Genpact, where he doubled revenue and led complex projects, and Director at Wipro, where he managed exceptional growth. His career also includes senior roles at Azurian and IBM. He is a Board Director with The Rejuvi Venture and High Logistics Group, a Partner with Social Venture Partners Chicago, and a Board Member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Latino Alliance. Enrique holds an Executive MBA from Vanderbilt University, a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, and certifications in Financial Management, Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, Agile, and more. He has received several awards, including the 2023 Chicago United Business Leaders of Color Award and the 2024 Marketing 2.0 Conference Outstanding Leadership Award.
Joaquín is the founder and CEO of DIO STUDIO, a leading digital agency specializing in the design and development of a wide range of web projects. With over 14 years of experience, he is a seasoned professional in graphic design, user experience, and digital marketing, which has established him as a leader in his field. He has led projects across various industries, with a particular focus on the education sector, where he has directed brand strategy and visual communication for universities.
In this sector, his work has been instrumental in solving technological challenges and enhancing platform usability, improving user experience, and creating stronger connections between educational institutions and their audiences. Through his leadership and creative approach, Joaquín has designed innovative solutions that not only transform brand identity but also streamline user interactions with these brands on an international scale.
Jannerys Ortiz, is an outstanding professional with a solid background in systems engineering and a specialization in management and innovation. Holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Innovation and is an expert in administrative processes, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and co-author of significant books on digital marketing, artificial intelligence, and female empowerment. Currently, she is an an entrepreneur, consultant, and software manager, leading technological development projects. You are the General Manager of DIOESTUDIO, a digital agency in Colombia.
Jannerys is aboard member of CHN Business Network, where she manages technological and innovation projects, driving business automation and strengthening competitive advantage. Jannerys has been a speaker at different events on software, marketing, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. In 2022, you received the CAPITOLIO award for excellence and international leadership and is an honorary member of the WEF Venezuela. Additionally, she participated as a speaker at the Third World Congress of Women Leaders at HARVARD in October 2023.
Ritzi Helen Calderon García is a highly qualified professional in international business with a specialization in strategic business management and is currently pursuing an MBA at the prestigious EUDE Business School in Madrid, Spain. Throughout her career, she has accumulated more than three years of international experience managing operations in key markets such as the United States, Spain, and Canada. Her expertise spans logistics and strategic management, having led projects focused on process optimization and improving business competitiveness in renowned hubs such as Boston, Stanford, and Miami, as well as Barranquilla, Colombia.
Her global vision, combined with her ability to design and implement innovative commercial strategies, has positioned her as a key figure in business development in both Latin America and the United States. She currently holds a leadership position as a board member of CHN Business Network, where she is in charge of the administrative and logistics area. From this position, she drives the expansion of business opportunities through strategies that strengthen competitiveness and sustainable growth for companies in international markets.
Additionally, she is a polyglot fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, with advanced communication skills—oral, written, and reading proficiency in all three languages, enabling her to operate efficiently in multicultural and multinational environments.
Claudia is a highly accomplished Director of Global Corporate Transaction Banking at BMO Capital Markets, with over 21 years of experience delivering strategic financial solutions to leading corporations. Equally impressive is her commitment to philanthropy. As Chair of the Polio Committee for Rotary District 4271 in Colombia, she leads impactful fundraising and advocacy efforts for global polio eradication, working with international partners to support vaccination campaigns. In addition, Claudia is a strong advocate for education and economic development initiatives across Latin America, empowering underserved communities. Her leadership in both business and service reflects her passion for creating lasting, positive global change.
Vanessa is part of Mercer’s Multinational Advisory team, based in Chicago. She brings a truly international mindset and lived experience working in five countries. Over the past 15+ years she’s been delivering best-in-class employee benefits and wellbeing tools for multinational companies, ensuring their company values and ESG standards are upheld, elevating their employee value proposition, and optimizing cost to enable efficiency and growth. She has hands-on experience in Consulting, Brokerage, Insurance, and Human Resources. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and International Affairs (Double Major) from Externado University in Bogota, Colombia. She thrives through constant interaction with people, she’s a team player, and builds meaningful and productive relationships that last a lifetime. She adds great value to any team through integrity, charisma, joy, empathy, generosity, determination, commitment, reliability, and candor. She believes in work-life integration, authentic leadership, and purpose. Vanessa’s life’s purpose is to empower equity, improve lives “one person at a time”, and inspire people to “pay it forward”
Adriana is a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry with over a decade of executive management experience in both hospitality and IT sectors. With a unique blend of creative insight from her studies in the arts and a strong background in business and technology, Adriana excels at delivering innovative and seamless guest experiences. She oversees luxury properties and tech-driven hospitality ventures, merging aesthetic sensibility with operational and technological excellence. Adriana works with prominent organizations such as the Chicago Latino Film Festival, Plan Life Pantry at Temple Shalom, T Code, and Incontact Group, among others. Known for her ability to lead high-performing teams, Adriana consistently integrates personalized service, cultural immersion, and cutting-edge technology to elevate every aspect of the guest experience.
Isabel grew up in Medellín, Colombia, where she earned a degree in Civil Engineering. She later moved to Atlanta to pursue an MBA from Georgia Tech, establishing her career in the U.S. Isabel is a seasoned Sales and Marketing VP and General Manager, with expertise in revenue growth strategy, go-to-market leadership, P&L management, and performance analytics. She has worked with global financial services and B2B SaaS technology companies, including Citibank, Wells Fargo, Discover, and TransUnion. Isabel is skilled in identifying growth opportunities on a global scale, developing strategic go-to-market plans, and executing cross-functional projects. An innate PR professional, she also volunteers as a board member of the International Rotary Club in Chicago.
Daniel Tapia Takaki is an experimental high-energy nuclear physicist and a professor of physics at the University of Kansas. As a member of the ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) collaboration at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, he studies strong gluon fluctuations in protons and lead nuclei to deepen our understanding of quantum chromodynamics and the initial state of ultra-relativistic protons and ions at high energies.
Beyond his work with ALICE, Tapia Takaki is actively engaged in the Electron-Proton/Ion Collider collaboration, contributing to the development of the future Electron-Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He leads the University of Kansas teams for both the ALICE and ePIC projects, contributing to the research and development of next-generation particle detectors and electronics. Collaborating with theorists, he has developed several models and innovative ideas, including the use of quantum tomography in colliders to measure quantum entanglement in experimental data. His research is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Nuclear Physics, and the DOE EPSCoR program.
Tapia Takaki also spearheads the Inter-American Network of Networks of QCD Challenges, supported by the NSF, promoting research and strategic partnerships in QCD across the Americas. He serves as the chair of the ALICE-USA Council and is a member of the DOE/NSF Nuclear Science Advisory Committee.
At KU, he is also affiliated with the Spencer Museum of Art and the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, serving on the Spencer’s Friends of the Art Museum. His interdisciplinary research with artists has been featured in art exhibitions and galleries in the US and Switzerland.
Originally from Mexico, he earned his physics degree from the University of Sonora and obtained his PhD from the University of Birmingham in the UK. He was a CNRS researcher at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Orsay at Paris-Sud University in France. He joined the KU faculty in 2013.
Carla Garcia is a fifth-year PhD Candidate in the Department of Political Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on the impact of social movements on political behavior and public opinion, with an empirical focus on university student movements across Latin America. Her work seeks to understand the impact that young people can have on politics through activism. Her research has been supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and the APSA Diversity Fellowship Program. Prior to MIT, Carla graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BA in Political Science and a BS in Economics. She is an alumna of UCF’s McNair Scholars Program. Carla is originally from Florida, with Guatemalan and Venezuelan heritage.
Carla is passionate about advancing equity and access in higher education. Outside of her research, she is involved in numerous mentorship and outreach initiatives across MIT. She serves as an MIT Graduate Diversity Ambassador, and has mentored undergraduate students as the Pod Leader Liaison for the MIT Summer Research Program. She also helps foster a sense of community and belonging on campus as a Social & Cultural Chair of the Latinx Graduate Student Association (LGSA) at MIT. She joined the Bridging Talents & Opportunities (BTO) forum in 2024 as the Press Director.
Arian is a postdoctoral fellow working on laser cooling radioactive molecules in the RaX Collaboration between the Garcia Ruiz Group at MIT and the Doyle Group at Harvard. Arian completed his PhD at Caltech in the group of Nick Hutzler, where he built up experiments to search for fundamental symmetry violation with polyatomic molecules. Arian did his undergrad at Washington University in St. Louis, where he worked with Kater Murch on weak measurements of superconducting circuits. After undergrad, he spent a year as a SULI intern working on neutrino detection at Brookhaven National Lab and CMB polarization detection at Lawerence Berkeley National Lab. Arian is passionate about science outreach and blowing kids’ minds. He likes science fiction, soccer/football, weird molecular structure, and the intersection of art and physics.
Vanderlei S. Bagnato is a distinguished Brazilian physicist and professor at the University of São Paulo (USP). Born in São Carlos, Brazil, Bagnato has made significant contributions to the fields of atomic and molecular physics, particularly in the manipulation of cold atoms and Bose-Einstein condensation. He received his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has since been a leading figure in the application of laser cooling and trapping techniques. Bagnato’s research extends to biomedical optics, where he has pioneered advancements in photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including membership in the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). At USP, Bagnato continues to drive innovative research and mentor the next generation of scientists, solidifying his reputation as a key influencer in both fundamental and applied physics.
Professor Nergis Mavalvala received a B.A. from Wellesley College and a Ph.D. from MIT. She was a postdoctoral fellow and research scientist at the California Institute of Technology before joining the Physics faculty at MIT in 2002. She was appointed Associate Department Head of Physics in February 2015, overseeing the department’s academic programming and student well-being for the next five years. She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2017. In 2020, Nergis was named Dean of MIT’s School of Science.
Is a passionate musician and evangelist in her third year at Berklee College of Music, pursuing a double major in Contemporary Writing & Production and Arranging & Performance, with a minor in Business in Live Music. Originally from Colombia, Diana immigrated to the U.S. in 2007 after the loss of her father, showing resilience as she worked multiple jobs to fund her education. Combining her love for music with her faith, she has created a powerful ministry blending Latin pop with jazz to inspire and uplift audiences. Through performances, outreach programs, and digital platforms, she spreads messages of hope and love, collaborating with renowned artists like Latin Grammy winners Alfareros. Her mission is to bring people closer to God through music.
Is an R&D Associate in the Physics Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. With a background in experimental high-energy physics, her work focuses on analyzing big data from large-scale particle physics experiments. She earned her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and has been involved in key collaborations at both Fermilab and CERN.
At ORNL, Dr. Delgado’s research bridges quantum computing and particle physics, with a focus on quantum sensing experiments for dark matter detection and quantum machine learning applications. She is also deeply committed to promoting diversity in STEM, serving as the chair of the Women in Physical Sciences group and leading a DOE-funded traineeship program to diversify the next generation of physicists.
Is a President’s Professor in the Department of Physics at Arizona State University. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Chile and a Ph.D. from Ohio University. He completed postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and held visiting professor appointments at MIT from 1995-1997 and 1999-2001. During this time, he was also the project manager and scientific spokesperson for the BLAST project at MIT-Bates from 1999 to 2002. He was a member of the DOE/NSF Nuclear Science Advisory Committee from 2001 to 2005 and was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 2003. His research centers on the design, construction, and execution of experiments in basic nuclear science. He has authored over 120 research papers, edited five conference proceedings, and contributed to four National Research Council science reports. His current work includes a neutron beta decay experiment, a search for the neutron electric dipole moment, and nuclear physics applications in proton therapy and proton computed tomography.
Is professor of physics at Michigan State University (MSU) and at the University of Caen Normandy, France. He earned his PhD degree in experimental nuclear physics at the Catholic University of Louvain, in Belgium, and held later a postdoc followed by a staff position at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. His research articulates around precision measurements at low energies searching for new physics beyond the standard model. He performed experiments studying the weak decays of atomic nuclei, neutrons, pions and muons to test different aspects of discrete symmetries such as the maximal violation of parity or the invariance under time reversal. He is currently based at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at MSU. His research focuses on precision measurements in nuclear beta decay and in the decay of positronium.
Student in nuclear physics at the Garcia Ruiz lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He specializes in laser spectroscopy for nuclear structure, where he studies nuclear matter at the limits of stability and develops new techniques that shed light on the understanding of nuclear phenomena. Born and raised in Los Llanos Orientales, Colombia, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, funded by the Ser Pilo Paga scholarship. During his undergraduate studies, he joined the nuclear physics research group (GFNUN), where he worked on the use of nuclear radiation for humanitarian and industrial applications. In 2021, he joined the Garcia Ruiz laboratory as a Santo Domingo fellow pursuing a Ph.D. He is also part of LGSA.
member of the Latin Graduate Student Association (LGSA). He explores the fundamental laws of the universe, combining experimental and theoretical physics with advanced machine learning techniques. He has worked at CERN, collaborated with tech startups in Colombia, and co-founded Qualia, an organization dedicated to making technology accessible to all. His interests span quantum mechanics, nuclear physics, and the use of AI to tackle complex scientific challenges. He is passionate about science outreach and its societal impact.
Prof. Ronald Fernando Garcia Ruiz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at MIT, specializing in laser spectroscopy techniques to study subatomic particles using atoms and molecules with short-lived radioactive nuclei. His research sheds light on fundamental forces, nuclear matter at extreme conditions, and potential new physics beyond the Standard Model. Born in Fresno, Colombia, Ronald earned his bachelor’s degree from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, a Master’s from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and a PhD from KU Leuven, with significant research conducted at CERN. He has held positions at The University of Manchester and CERN, where he led notable experimental programs. Ronald’s work has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2023 Popular Science “Brilliant 10,” the 2023 Sloan Research Fellowship, the APS Stuart Jay Freedman Award, the 2022 IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in Nuclear Physics, the 2021 Alejandro Angel Escobar Prize, and the 2020 DOE Early Career Award, among others.
Diana Grass is a neuroscientist and current PhD student in Medical Engineering and Medical Physics within the prestigious Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program. Born and raised in Colombia, Diana is an alumna of the National University of Colombia and Rutgers University in the USA. Her cutting-edge research bridges the fields of neuroscience, immunology, and neurotechnology, where she is advancing innovative technologies to decode the complex communication pathways between the brain and the immune system, paving the way for transformative advancements in medicine. Diana’s academic achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including her distinction as a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar, a McNair Scholar, and a National Science Foundation (NSF) LSAMP Scholar. She is currently a fellow of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and has been honored with the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Exemplary Mentoring from MIT’s School of Engineering. Additionally, she has been selected as a trainee in the Therapeutics Graduate Program at Harvard Medical School.
Beyond her research, Diana is a passionate advocate and leader. She co-founded and serves as co-president of the Graduate First-generation Low-Income student group at MIT (GFLI@MIT). As the 2023-2024 president of the Harvard Colombian Student Society (HCSS), she spearheads efforts to connect and empower the Colombian community across the United States. In 2023, she also helped launch the “Bridging Talents and Opportunities Program (BTO)” and currently serves as the director of diversity initiatives and admissions.
Diana is dedicated to empowering and advocating for global health, equity in education, and leveraging innovation to catalyze social and economic development in resource-limited areas.
Sebastián Ruiz-Lopera is a PhD student in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science program at MIT. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics and Master’s degree in Applied Physics from EAFIT University in Colombia, where he lived until he moved to the Boston Area. His research focuses on technical advances in the field of oculomics by combining optical imaging systems with physics-based post-processing techniques to produce high-resolution and high-contrast structural and functional images of the eye’s retina.
Sebastián is committed to build and support the Latinx community at MIT as an executive board member serving as Social and Cultural Chair of the Latinx Graduate Student Association (LGSA). Sebastián joined the Bridging Talents and Opportunities (BTO) forum in 2024 in representation of LGSA.
Pablo Jarillo-Herrero is currently Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Physics at MIT. He received his “Licenciatura” in physics from the University of Valencia, Spain, in 1999. Then he spent two years at the University of California in San Diego, where he received a M.Sc. degree before going to the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands, where he earned his Ph.D. in 2005. After a one-year postdoc in Delft, he moved to Columbia University, where he worked as a NanoResearch Initiative Fellow. He joined MIT as an assistant professor of physics in January 2008 and received tenure in 2015. He was promoted to Full Professor of Physics in 2018. His awards include the Spanish Royal Society Young Investigator Award (2006), an NSF Career Award (2008), an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2009), a David and Lucile Packard Fellowship (2009), the IUPAP Young Scientist Prize in Semiconductor Physics (2010), a DOE Early Career Award (2011), a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE, 2012), an ONR Young Investigator Award (2013), and a Moore Foundation Experimental Physics in Quantum Systems Investigator Award (2014). Prof. Jarillo-Herrero has been selected as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics-Web of Science (2017-present), and was elected APS Fellow (2018), Fellow of the Quantum Materials Program of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR, 2019), and Member at Large of the APS Division of Condensed Matter Physics (2019). Prof. Jarillo-Herrero is the recipient of the APS 2020 Oliver E. Buckley Condensed Matter Physics Prize, the 2020 Wolf Prize in Physics, the 2020 Medal of the Spanish Royal Physics Society, the 2021 Lise Meitner Distinguished Lecture and Medal, the 2021 Max Planck Humboldt Research Award, and the 2021 US National Academy of Sciences Award for Scientific Discovery. He became elected to the US National Academy of Sciences in 2022.
Prof. Edwin Pedrozo Peñafiel is an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida (UF). He specializes in Atomic and Quantum Physics. His research focuses on creating exotic quantum-entangled states to enhance the precision of measurements of fundamental quantities beyond the classical limit to search for new physics beyond the Standard Model. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, he received his bachelor’s degree from Universidad del Atlantico (Barranquilla), master degree and Ph.D. from the University of Sao Paulo, Brasil. During his Ph.D., his pursuit of understanding fundamental processes in nature led him to the coldest matter known, the enigmatic Bose-Einstein condensate – a mind-boggling fifth state of matter that only exists at temperatures close to absolute zero. In 2016, a new chapter unfolded as Edwin transitioned to MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He embarked on a joint postdoctoral venture across the Physics Department, the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE-MIT), and the MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms (CUA). Here, he unveiled a pioneering feat – the creation of an optical atomic clock propelled by quantum entanglement. This breakthrough paved the way for a nascent realm of quantum-enhanced sensors, challenging the very fabric of conventional measurement. By 2020, Dr. Pedrozo Peñafiel was appointed as a Research Scientist at MIT. During his time at MIT, he co-founded Bridging Talents & Opportunities. In 2024, he was appointed as faculty at UF. Edwin’s passions extend to the popularization of science, particularly among youth and underrepresented groups. His commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusivity in the domains of science and education is an intrinsic part of his journey. Dr. Pedrozo Peñafiel’s narrative weaves a tale of relentless curiosity, groundbreaking exploration, and an unwavering commitment to making science a force that transcends boundaries. In 2022, Prof. Pedrozo was awarded the Alejandro Angel Escobar Prize.
Maria Elilia Aristizábal, a passionate educator from Cali, Colombia, earned her degree in Pedagogical Encouragement at the age of 47. As the legal representative and administrative coordinator of the Jeison Aristizábal Foundation, she has played a pivotal role in its growth and mission. A mother from a very young age, Maria Elilia comes from humble beginnings and has faced significant challenges, including becoming a widow early in life.
Despite these obstacles, she has persevered, balancing her responsibilities as a single mother while working various jobs, from household tasks to entrepreneurship. Her determination not only helped her raise her family but also supported her son Jeison through his rehabilitation and education. Together, they have fought tirelessly against the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, turning their personal struggles into a powerful mission to help others.
Rigoberta Menchú was born on January 9, 1959 to a poor Indian peasant family and raised in the Quiche branch of the Maya culture. In her early years she helped with the family farm work, either in the northern highlands where her family lived, or on the Pacific coast, where both adults and children went to pick coffee on the big plantations.
Rigoberta Menchú soon became involved in social reform activities through the Catholic Church, and became prominent in the women’s rights movement when still only a teenager. Such reform work aroused considerable opposition in influential circles, especially after a guerilla organization established itself in the area. The Menchú family was accused of taking part in guerrilla activities and Rigoberta’s father, Vicente, was imprisoned and tortured for allegedly having participated in the execution of a local plantation owner. After his release, he joined the recently founded Committee of the Peasant Union (CUC).
In 1979, Rigoberta, too, joined the CUC. That year her brother was arrested, tortured and killed by the army. The following year, her father was killed when security forces in the capital stormed the Spanish Embassy where he and some other peasants were staying. Shortly afterwards, her mother also died after having been arrested, tortured and raped. Rigoberta became increasingly active in the CUC, and taught herself Spanish as well as other Mayan languages than her native Quiche. In 1980, she figured prominently in a strike the CUC organized for better conditions for farm workers on the Pacific coast, and on May 1, 1981, she was active in large demonstrations in the capital. She joined the radical 31st of January Popular Front, in which her contribution chiefly consisted of educating the Indian peasant population in resistance to massive military oppression.
In 1981, Rigoberta Menchú had to go into hiding in Guatemala, and then flee to Mexico. That marked the beginning of a new phase in her life: as the organizer abroad of resistance to oppression in Guatemala and the struggle for Indian peasant peoples’ rights. In 1982, she took part in the founding of the joint opposition body, The United Representation of the Guatemalan Opposition (RUOG). In 1983, she told her life story to Elisabeth Burgos Debray. The resulting book, called in English, I, Rigoberta Menchú, is a gripping human document which attracted considerable international attention. In 1986, Rigoberta Menchú became a member of the National Coordinating Committee of the CUC, and the following year she performed as the narrator in a powerful film called When the Mountains Tremble, about the struggles and sufferings of the Maya people. On at least three occasions, Rigoberta Menchú has returned to Guatemala to plead the cause of the Indian peasants, but death threats have forced her to return into exile.
Over the years, Rigoberta Menchú has become widely known as a leading advocate of Indian rights and ethno-cultural reconciliation, not only in Guatemala but in the Western Hemisphere generally, and her work has earned her several international awards.
Founder and CEO of the She Is Foundation, dedicated to empowering vulnerable girls and women through entrepreneurship and education in science and technology. She has worked with organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the Organization of American States. Nadia has been recognized as one of the 60 most important leaders in the world by the World Woman Foundation and is the creator of impactful programs like “Ella es Astronauta”, in collaboration with NASA
Entrepreneur, international speaker, consultant, and expert in gender equity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Nadia Sánchez is a multifaceted leader in project management with international organizations and the private sector. She is a professor at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, where she teaches in the fields of social innovation and entrepreneurship. Her influence extends to her role as a member of the Women Leaders of the Americas committee of the OAS and the Fundación Centro Documental de España.
With a distinguished career in international development institutions such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C., Nadia returned to Colombia in 2016 to pursue her longheld dream and project, She Is. In this role, she works closely with women affected by armed conflict, offering them opportunities to transform their lives by creating sustainable economic models.
Over the course of seven years, through the She Is Foundation, Nadia has impacted the lives of more than 17,202 women in Latin America, leaving a profound mark on their journey. Her remarkable work has been recognized and awarded in over 10 countries, and her expertise has led her to speak in more than 15 countries worldwide. She has been recognized as one of the most influential and impactful entrepreneurs, receiving awards from institutions such as the World Bank in 2017 and the White House in Washington in 2015, among other prestigious honors.
Physician and Epidemiologist with extensive experience as Senior Pharma R&D Executive, Board Member, Investor & Entrepreneur on health care digital technologies, vast experience in drug development, Real World Evidence, and digital health care in biopharma and global public health.
Dr. Lievano is a physician from Colombia and also received epidemiology training at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prestigious Epidemiology Intelligence Service http://www.cdc.gov/eis/. Team Leader at the Global Immunization Division of the CDC supervising teams in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Pan American Regional Offices. Dr. Lievano has extensive experience in clinical safety, risk management, epidemiology, and pharmacovigilance at several pharmaceutical companies. In addition, public health expert at the World Health Organization (WHO) European Regional Office and research/ regulatory experience at US Federal Health Agencies.
In the pharmaceutical industry first as senior contributor and then as Vice-president in clinical safety and benefit risk management (phase I to post-marketing) for products in development leading and supervising increasingly larger teams in several therapeutic areas. Dr. Lievano’s pharmaceutical experience includes; Immunology, Oncology, Neurology, Vaccines, diabetes, antibiotics, medical devices, Hepatitis B, C, and HIV (antiretrovirals) among other areas. Dr. Lievano successfully presented at several FDA ACM (Advisory Committee Meetings), CDC (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) and EMA/CHMP oral explanations for different products.
In his current job as Vice-president of Safety Sciences, he manages several teams of scientists including physicians in several therapeutic areas, PhDs, statisticians, among others. Finally, Dr. Lievano has authored several papers and abstracts in major medical journals and scientific meetings worldwide. In connection with the CDC work he received several scientific awards.
Carlos Ponce Renowned as a multi award-winning actor, singer, songwriter, composer, TV personality, and philanthropist, the multifaceted Carlos Ponce hails from Santurce, Puerto Rico, where he made his acting debut at the tender age of six. Carlos rose to global fame in 1998 with the release of his self-titled debut album, which achieved Double Platinum status and dominated the Latin Billboards. Throughout his illustrious career, he has released six albums, earning worldwide accolades such as Best Pop Album in 1999 and landing three chart-topping hits on the Latin Billboards, as well as the award for Best New Artist. Notably, he contributed “Bella Notte,” the end title song for the film Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure.
In addition to his musical success, Carlos has showcased his acting prowess in a myriad of small and big screen productions around the globe. Whether portraying intense dramatic roles in telenovelas broadcasted by Univision, Telemundo, and Televisa or delivering captivating as well as hilariously funny performances in popular English-language projects like Murder Mystery 2 alongside Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, Julie & The Phantoms, and Couples Retreat, Carlos Ponce has proven his versatility time and time again. His acting credits also extend to iconic series such as 7th Heaven and Beverly Hills 90210. Furthermore, Carlos has made a mark as a record-breaking voice actor, lending his voice to beloved films such as Rio and Ice Age: Collision Course. Notably, he holds the distinction of voicing every character in the Spanish-language Harry Potter Audible saga on Amazon Prime, a feat that earned him a place in the Guinness World Records.
Emilio Estefan is one of Latin music‘s greatest architects. As a producer, he can single-handedly be credited with defining Latin crossover; as a musician and songwriter, he’smade the world dance to his beat and has penned some of the most recognizable hits.
A multi -Grammy & Latin Grammy award winning producer, musician songwriter, record producer, Emmy winning TV Producer, Best selling Author, Film maker & Cultural Ambassador. As a man, he’s as solid as they come—a loyal family man, an influential community leader, a business maven, a dedicated humanitarian—a veritable living legend.
Born in Cuba on March 4 1953, Estefan fled to Spain in 1967 and a year later made Miami his permanent home. In true immigrant fashion, he knew how to both change with the times and mold the times to fit him. As a teenager he helped feed his family by playing the accordion for tips. Following that innate passion for music, he formed a band called the Miami Latin Boys, and after a chance encounter at a wedding, he met Gloria Fajardo and was so struck with her talent that he invited her to join it permanently. This decision gave birth to Miami Sound Machine, the legendary band that jump started the Latin crossover. Estefan went on to marry Gloria in 1978, and together they became a global phenomenon.
The success of his productions on iconic songs such as “Conga” and “Get on Your Feet”, gave way to their internationalization and led to an exclusivity contract with CBS and a domination of the musical landscape. Through the years, he has accrued 19 Grammys and has shaped and developed the careers of countless superstars. He masterminded the Latin Boom of the 90’s and 2000’s laying the blueprint for Shakira with the albums Donde Están los Ladrones? and Laundry Service, Ricky Martin’s Sound Loaded, Jennifer Lopez’s On The 6, as well as those of Jon Secada, Marc Anthony, Carlos Santana, Madonna, Carlos Vives, Thalia, and other music icons.
In 2010, he co-wrote and produced Somos El Mundo, a Spanish remake of We Are The World, gathering a Latin supergroup of artists that included his co-writer and wife Gloria, Juanes, Ricky Martin, Romeo Santos, Shakira, Jenni Rivera and over 20 other talents to benefit the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
His production range extends to television in both the general and the Hispanic markets, where his exemplary vision helped create dozens of hours for music shows such as Latin Grammys, the Hispanic Heritage Awards, Nuestra Navidad, high-profile productions for HBO and Showtime as well as various events at the White House, most recently for the Summit of the Americas hosted by President Joe Biden, where Estefan was tasked with producing the opening where he choreographed a Caribbean influenced dance show.
The numerous awards and accolades accrued by Estefan include an American Music Award, Grammy Producer of the Year, BMI Songwriter of the Year, five Hispanic Heritage Awards, CableACE Awards, SunCoast Regional Emmy Award, A Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award and the Premio Lo Nuestro Excellence Award. The icon also counts with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame; the US Congress National Artistic Achievement Award; the Medal of Excellence for Community Service from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute; the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame; and the Award for Business & Philanthropic Accomplishments from Harvard Business School. Emilio Estefan, the inaugural recipient of the esteemed Latin Recording Person of the Year award in 2000, played a pivotalr ole in the launch and creation of the Latin Grammys.
Estefan has served as Vice President of the Commission for the National Museum of the American Latino and on the Boards of Directors of the Kennedy Center, Berklee College of Music, and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. President George W. Bush summoned him to the Arts and Humanities committee. In addition, he was the first ambassador of trade and culture. In 2015, President Barack Obama recognized Estefan with the nation’s highest civilian honor: the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and most recently, the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize.
Estefan’s impact in the entertainment industry has been transcendental, as has been the impact he’s had in South Florida. For generations, any mention of Miami promptly evokes the Estefans in people’s minds. In 2014, the Miami-Dade County Commission unanimously approved his appointment as Miami-Dade special Ambassador representing the community at an international level to encourage and promote the diversity of business and trade. In 2021 he became investor and Brand Ambassador for Cano Health, promoting general business development with the intent of reaching underserved communities and improving patient care in the region.
Estefan has not only made Florida his home, but alongside Gloria, has built a plethora of businesses all over the state including Estefan Enterprises Inc, a multimedia entertainment company that consists of songwriting, record production, talent management and television and motion picture productions, Crescent Moon Studios, the Cuban-themed restaurants Bongos Cuban Café, Larios on the Beach, Costa d’Este, Estefan Kitchen Orlando, Estefan Kitchen Express and the Cardozo Hotel. In June 2009, they became the first Hispanics to buy a minor ownership stake in an NFL team, the Miami Dolphins.
His entrepreneurial spirit is as keen as his musical discernment. Estefan is part of the L’ATTITUDE board, a conference that serves as a conduit for fostering advancement for Latino people in the business world, connecting entrepreneurs with sources of capital, new artists with producers and directors, brands with influencers, executives with sources of talent. Estefan plays an active role in leveraging his significant business and industry connections, recruiting emerging entertainment talent, supporting a strong business agenda, advising on event production and producing event-related materials.
He also launched EE Global Media Marketing, reflecting his visionary creativity and providing multi-ethnic, multilingual advertising and marketing services on an international scale.
Not one to be limited by medium, the multi-hyphenated and multi-faceted supernova, has taken substantial steps in the literary world of publishing with the books The Estefans Kitchen, a recipe book of the delicious dishes of 1950’s authentic Cuban cuisine served at Bongos Cuban Cafe. In 2010 he published the Rhythm of Success- How an Immigrant Produced his own American Dream, and followed it the next year with The Exile Experience: A Journey to Freedom. That book was published in three separate parts—those that arrived to America through Operation Pedro Pan, those that came through the Freedom Flights, and those that came on the Mariel boatlift.
Estefan also made a successful foray into theater, partnering with the Nederlander Group in 2013, to produce On Your Feet!, a Broadway musical extravaganza based on the musical legacy of the Estefans and his wife’s family, the Fajardos. Emilio’s passion for creation extends also to the world of film. In 2008, he debuted the critically acclaimed full-length documentary 90 Millas, showcasing the history and pioneers of Cuban music. The documentary was accompanied by an album of the same name that became number one in Billboard’s Top Latin Album charts.
In 2014, he went on to direct and produce the documentary Unbreakable Bond about the real-life story of father and son Marc and Nick Buoniconti and their search for a curefor paralysis.
His multicultural background has opened doors for him to partner with corporations like AT&T, Visa, Target, AARP, where he served as Life Reimagined ambassador, and Monster with whom he designed his own set of headphones, the aptly named Sound Machine.
As successful as he is in all varying creative endeavors, it’s his humanitarian side that most exemplifies the man. In 1997, Estefan and his wife established the Gloria Estefan Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports a variety of causes, including education, spinal cord and vocal cord injury research, animal rescue and cultural development. And just recently in collaboration with the UM Frost School of music an innovative voice studio has been dedicated within the Department of Otolaryngology at UM’s Miller School of Medicine. The Estefan Voice Studio will be a space for leading-edge vocal research, as it gives physicians-scientists a new diagnostic tool to gather the fullest understanding of the human voice. His philanthropic work has been recognized by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research, among other entities.
First Latina woman to lead three successful NASA missions, Sr. Astronautical Engineer, AQN CEO, International Exhibitor.
Dr. Irma Aracely Quispe Neira is a prominent Peruvian American STEM Engineer, who has 7 academic degrees focused on Science, Astronautical Engineering, and Systems Engineering which have currently helped her become a leader in space operations at the NASA Aerospace agency. Her most recent academic degree, obtained with honors as a Doctor of Science, is focused on research into securing communications on GPS satellites from malicious attacks.
Dr. Aracely Quispe-Neira has served as Senior Space Flight Operations and Certified Systems Engineer on the James Webb Telescope Project, a NASA Mission. She was part of the team that made possible, on December 25, 2021, the launch and place in the orbit of the James Webb Space Telescope.
During her career, Aracely has become the first Latino woman to command three successful NASA missions: The Tropical Rain Measuring Mission (TRMM), the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), and currently the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to be launched shortly in space in 2021. Aracely is currently an official Speaker for the NASA Space Agency and the US Department of State. She has also conducted significant research on the deglaciation of Peru’s Andean snow-capped mountains using high-resolution satellite images. Her study has helped to raise awareness on the issue of deglaciation and its impacts on Global Warming. As a professor at the Capitol Technology University in the USA, Aracely Quispe uses her revious experience toe ducate future engineers in the field of Astronautical Engineering. Aracely has received numerous awards and recognitions for her active work promoting scientific careers among young people: by the Congress of the Republic (Peru), and more recently from the NASA Aerospace Agency, by the US Senate, among other prestigious institutions. The NASA Administration has recognized. Aracely as a “Professional who does an incredible job of inspiring young people to pursue STEM careers”, and in North America, the media is calling her “A
role model’s journey from Peru to NASA”.
Through her own brand, Aracely Quispe Neira (AQN), Aracely also works on personal projects focused on inspiring, motivating, and empowering young people and professionals in various areas of study, because she feels like a woman who has something to contribute to others and dreams of leaving a mark in future generations.
In 2011, Quispe was part of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as a systems engineer, and in 2014 she was promoted to team leader and flight Operations.
After six years at LRO, in 2016, she joined the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) program, in which 17 countries and more than 3,000 scientists have collaborated. Since 2010 Aracely has led the following missions: the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM), the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which launched into space in 2021 to replace the Hubble Telescope.
Quispe is a senior astronautical engineer, space flight and operations lead at NASA, flight and space operations engineer on the James Webb Telescope project and collaborated on the launch and orbiting in 2021 to study galaxy formation.
Aracely is currently an official lecturer for the NASA Space Agency and the United States Department of State. As a researcher, Quispe has studied the deglaciation of the Andean snow-capped mountains, in the Cusco area of Peru, through highresolution satellite images. Her study has contributed to raising awareness about deglaciation and its effects on global warming.
STEM Programs Ambassador In 2014, Quispe started an Aracely Quispe Neira (AQN) project, promoting science, technology and engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs among women and youth in Latin America.
In 2019, he launched and financed a project in his native Peru (Lambayeque). He visited 20 national schools and brought together nearly 3,500 high school students to motivate them to undertake scientific research projects. She participated in the Hay Festival Arequipa, bringing together almost 1,000 young people in his presentations.
Director at CHN Business Network. She has been the founder of successful companies in the countries where she has resided in recent years, such as Spain, Canada and the United States, marketing and collaborating with the export of more than thirty products. Master in Leadership from the University of Barcelona and the National Institute of Education of Catalonia. He has a Master in Training and a Master in People Selection from the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and the Autonomous University of Madrid. He has a Master’s degree in Business Management from the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and the Autonomous University of Madrid. She has a degree in Psychology from the Ministry of Education of Spain and is accredited to practice in all member countries of the European Union.
He has received more than thirty awards for his work and contribution to the economic development of Latin America. She is an Honorary Doctor and a cause for social contribution and leadership in Latin America awarded by the Orageu University. She has an honorary Doctorate in culture of peace and corporate social responsibility awarded by the Aquino University of Bolivia and the Peruvian University of Sciences and Informatics. He received the Gold Collar for World Peace from the Chancellor of Peru in 2020. CHN Red de Negocios was recognized by the United States Congress for its contribution and value to the Hispanic community.
Co-Chair and Founder of Incontact Group, an esteemed Chilean-American architect, and a pianist. In addition to his architectural and musical achievements, Trebilcock is a member of the Latino Alliance Advisory Board at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His diverse expertise spans innovative design, classical music, and cultural advocacy, reflecting his commitment to enriching both the architectural and artistic communities in the US and Chile.
Jeison Aristizabal was born in one of the most impoverished areas of Cali, Colombia, and diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth. Despite the challenges of his early years, he has become a beacon of hope and resilience. Today, he runs ASODISVALLE (Association of Disabled People of the Valley), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational and medical support to children living in similar conditions to those he grew up in. In 2016, Aristizábal was honored with CNN’s Hero of the Year award for his exceptional work with ASODISVALLE. His organization offers a range of services including free schooling, medical care, physical and occupational therapy, food, and career preparation to children and families navigating disabilities in Colombia. Aristizábal’s journey to making a difference began with his win on the television reality show Tengo una Ilusión in 2006, where he was recognized for his impactful story and social work. That same year, he was awarded by JCI as the most outstanding young person in social work. Six years later, he received the Knight’s Cross from the Congress of the Republic and a special award from a magazine for his contributions.
One of his most notable achievements is the CNN Hero award in 2016, acknowledging his contributions to improving the world, his personal life story, and his aid to those in need. Additionally, he was awarded the Order of Vallecaucano Merit in the Grand Cross grade by the Governor’s Office of Valle and the Civic Merit Medal by the Mayor’s Office of Cali.
As a speaker, Jeison Aristizabal shares his life story to inspire others to pursue their dreams and overcome life’s adversities. His lectures offer emotionally impactful and unforgettable experiences, raising awareness and mobilizing interdisciplinary teams from various companies toward positive action. A social communicator by profession, Aristizábal graduated from the ICC (Colombian Institute of Communications) and co-founded the radio network Aguablanca Stereo. He has worked with the newspaper El Tiempo and the radio station Todelar Stereo, and was the founder and producer of the television program Logros on the university channel of Valle. In 2023, he expanded his impact by opening the first university in Latin America for people with disabilities.
During his childhood, Ernesto Kruger washed cars and sold seafood to study and support his family. Now, he develops sustainable business models based on infinite digital technology and innovation. Growing up in the south of Quito in a divided home with many needs, he learned to work from the age of 4 to support his family, cleaning cars, selling shrimp, tutoring classmates, and selling assignments and alarms. These experiences taught him to negotiate, overcome the fear of selling and failure, persist, and appreciate the little things. Motivated by his mother, he studied electronic engineering at the National Polytechnic School, which helped him develop an analytical mindset. In 1993, with a suitcase as his office and a beeper as his secretary, he began to dream big, co-founding Kruger Corporation, a multinational with operations in Spain, Peru, the USA, Chile, Panama, and Ecuador. With 27 years of experience, he is an expert in Blockchain, cybersecurity, strategy, processes, project methodologies, IT service management, and e-government, and promotes engineering projects in energy, transport, and the environment. Additionally, Ernesto has held significant positions such as Founder and Director of Innobis Business Incubator, Former Vice President of ANDE, and has been recognized as Ecuador Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 by Revista Líderes, and awarded the Social Responsibility Award 2014 by the Government of Pichincha. He represented Ecuador for the WSA World Summit Awards, was a TedEx Speaker and Keynote Speaker at KAIST University, and a case study at Wharton School, London Business School, and Kellogg. He has served on boards including the Total Quality Corporation, Quito Technology Park, Productive Bets, Merchantbansa, and CERES. Ernesto founded and directed KRUGERLABS, a startup accelerator, and is a serial investor in startups like Yaesta.com, Cuestionarix.com, Yambuu.com, Conectapp.com.mx, Multimedios, and Numbers. He has consulted for the World Bank, Microsoft, UNDP, and IDB, received multiple business awards in the USA, Argentina, and Ecuador, and lectured on entrepreneurship at over 22 universities in Ecuador. Ernesto was also the former President of the Ecuadorian Software Association and represented members at the Mutualista Pichincha Assembly and Club Jacarandá.
Roberto Rigobon is the Society of Sloan Fellows Professor of Applied Economics at the Sloan School of Management, MIT, a research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research, and a visiting professor at IESA. Roberto is a macro-economist who concentrates on measurement issues: economic, social and ethical. He studies financial contagion, and the propagation of shocks through economic networks. He is one of the two founding members of the Billion Prices Project that produce alternative measures of inflation in many countries; And he is a co-founder and director of the Aggregate Confusion Project which studies how to improve ESG measures.Roberto joined the business school in 1997. He has won 5 times the teacher of the year award, and three times the excellence in teaching award at the Sloan School. He got his Ph.D. in economics from MIT in 1997, an MBA from IESA (Venezuela) in 1991, and his BS in Electrical Engineer from Universidad Simon Bolivar (Venezuela) in 1984. He is married with three kids.
Karina Banda is a Mexican presenter and journalist who has won 6 Emmy Awards. With a 20-year career in the media, she has established herself as one of the leading figures in Hispanic television in the United States. She is currently one of the hosts of the show Desiguales on Univisión. Among her most notable projects are her appearances on the entertainment show El Gordo y La Flaca, Enamorándonos, Enamorándonos “La Isla”, and Hotel VIP with Univisión, as well as Juntos en Acción for Warner Bros. Discovery.
David Velasquez’s parents emigrated from Nicaragua to the United States, they were dropped off at a gas station in California. With no English, no family or friends, and no money for essentials, his father, who had only a third-grade education, worked as a day laborer to support the family. Despite their financial struggles, David excelled in school from a young age, with his preschool teacher recognizing his extraordinary potential. This year, David will make history as the first person to graduate from Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School, and Harvard Medical School simultaneously. Growing up in Southern California as the son of asylum seekers, David faced significant challenges, including losing his home and living in a motel. His father worked tirelessly as a day laborer, while his mother cleaned homes to make ends meet. David’s determination led him to earn a degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and an MBA from Harvard Business School, extending his medical career into policy and business to reform healthcare access. He is set to begin his internal medicine residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Throughout his journey, David was supported by family, friends, and mentors who helped him navigate challenges and seize opportunities. His involvement in efforts like GOTVax during the pandemic highlighted his commitment to community health. Velasquez’s story reflects his drive to address larger systemic issues, inspired by the hardships his family endured.
Co-founder and current CEO of Nuestra Escuela. Committed to the education of girls, boys, and young people, she has focused her energies and expertise on developing a model of educational services that enhances the talents of youth who, for various reasons, have drifted away from traditional schooling.
She specializes in the biopsychosocial academic approach and has extensive experience working on educational projects that not only address the educational needs of children and young people but also provide tools for personal development, leadership, healing, strengthening of emotional dimensions, and the creation of entrepreneurial skills.
Ana Yris’s dedication to education is guided by her commitment to impact socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, contributing to their development to create an equitable, fair, and democratic society.
Eduardo Sáenz de Cabezón is a Spanish mathematician and a leading science communicator. He is professor of computer languages and systems at the University of La Rioja. He is a recognized specialist in scientific monologues. Cabezón is also known for disseminating mathematics through conferences, shows and talks for people of all ages around the world. He was the winner of competition for scientific monologues at Famelab Spain (2013) and at the Aquae Foundation (2014), also becoming a finalist at the Cheltenham Science Festival (United Kingdom).
Alejandra Raimondi is the Vice President and Head of Biology at NextRNA, a Boston-based company at the forefront of harnessing the therapeutic potential of long non-coding RNAs. Alejandra earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Buenos Aires and began her career with foundational research at the Luis Federico Leloir Institute in Argentina. In 1994, she relocated to the United States to join the Center for Cancer Research at MIT as a visiting scientist.
Alejandra’s career reflects her deep passion for innovation and dedication to patient care. With over 25 years of experience in small molecule drug discovery, her expertise spans cancer biology, epigenetics, and infectious diseases. She has held prominent roles at Millennium Pharmaceuticals (now Takeda Pharmaceuticals), The Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, and Epizyme (now Ipsen). Renowned for her exceptional collaborative skills and ability to build multidisciplinary teams, Alejandra has effectively led the implementation of diverse platforms and advanced numerous drug discovery programs.
Carolina is a senior biotech executive with more than 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in Massachusetts. She is the Founder and Principal at Bio Strategy Advisors, a strategic business consulting firm specializing in start-up formation, corporate strategy, investor-readiness, strategic partnerships and geographical expansion. She is an Advisory Board Member for Cell and Gene Therapy at Informa Connect Life Sciences. Carolina is also a Strategic Consultant at Interlink Markets, a boutique Investment Bank which specializes in early-round fund-raising. Previously, Carolina was a Vice-President at Genzyme Corporation where she spent 15 years in progressive P&L leadership roles until the acquisition by Sanofi in 2011. After that, she was a President at Aegerion Pharmaceuticals and then a President at Novelion Therapeutics, until their respective exits. Both were commercial-stage, publicly-traded Biotech companies.
Carolina is an Investor/Member of Walnut Ventures, TBD Angels, The Longevity Investors Network and AccelHUB Ventures.
Carolina serves on the Board of 3 private biotech companies: Syte.bio, NED Biosystems and Dione Antibiotics, as well as, on the Board of Advisors of Eastern Bank, a publicly traded bank in Boston. Carolina also serves in several non-profit Boards: Latinos in Bio, of which she is co-Founder and Chair; the Mass General Hospital Board of Trustees (MGPO); the Latino Council at Boston Children’s Hospital; and the Massachusetts STEM Advisory Council. Carolina has been recently appointed to the Board of MassBio, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 which serves as the premier global life sciences and healthcare hub, representing over 1,600 members dedicated to preventing, treating, and curing diseases through transformative science and technology. Their mission is to advance Massachusetts’ leadership in the life sciences, contributing to industry growth, adding value to the healthcare system, and ultimately improving patient lives.
Carolina has been recently featured in the Boston Business Journal’s Women Who Lead in the Life Sciences (October 2023), in The Boston Globe as one of Amplify LatinX 100 change-making leaders from across the commonwealth of Massachusetts (September 2023), in Boston Magazine as one of the one 150 Most Influential Bostonians (April 2023); in The Boston Globe as one of the leading faces of Biotech in Boston (March 2021); and in the Boston Business Journal as one of the Power 50 “Movement Makers” (November 2021).
Carolina holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Lima and a Graduate Degree in Business and Management from Harvard University.
Juliana García-Mejía is dedicated to developing novel astronomical instrumentation to study exoplanets, their atmospheres, and their low mass stellar hosts. As the principal investigator of The Tierras Observatory, a 1.3-meter ultra-precise fully automated photometer on Mt. Hopkins, Arizona, she spent her Ph.D. building this facility and is now focused on discovering temperate terrestrial planets, searching for moons around exoplanets, and examining their low mass stellar hosts. Additionally, she is working on designing a high-throughput, extremely-high resolution spectrograph to study exoplanet atmospheres and star properties, potentially enabling the detection of molecular oxygen in a terrestrial exoplanet atmosphere.
Juliana’s journey began in Medellín, Colombia, where she grew up surrounded by a family passionate about coffee growing and fitness. At 15, she moved back to the US alone to finish high school and pursue aerospace engineering. During her time at Harvard, she discovered a passion for building astronomical instruments, leading her to numerous projects in sub-mm and optical wavelengths under the mentorship of notable professors and researchers. For her Ph.D. thesis supervised by Prof. David Charbonneau at Harvard, she spearheaded the design, construction, commissioning, and initial science operations of the Tierras Observatory.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Juliana maintains a diverse range of interests reflecting her eclectic upbringing. She manages a growing coffee business selling her family’s products and enjoys indoor activities like reading sci-fi and outdoor activities such as triathlons, hiking, and snowboarding. Recognized for her contributions to astronomy, she was welcomed as a 2023 Heising-Simons Foundation 51 Pegasi b Fellow at MIT.
Gabby Baptista is a businesswoman, Director of Production / Film and Television, Director of Research and Interviews, television public figure, presenter, and a graduate in Social Communication with a mention in Corporate Communication from the Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. She received training in Executive Production at the National Film School in Bogotá, Colombia, and is a specialist in Communication Skills and a Practitioner in Neurolinguistics. Since 2019, she has been the CEO and Founder of the production company Vibra Latina, LLC in Houston, Texas.
From 2015 to 2024, Gabby Baptista has produced over 190 reports and interviews, 2 documentaries, and 5 short films in the United States and Ibero-America. In 2022, she independently researched, wrote, and produced the documentary “Closer to the Stars,” which premiered in 2024 at the main theater of NASA’s Space Center Houston. Also in 2022, she researched, wrote, and produced the documentary “Victims” for Goya Foods, which premiered at the prestigious “IPIC Theaters” in Houston, TX. “n 2023,”she researched, wrote, and produced the short films “Wings of Joy,” “In Front of the Mirror,” “Two Brothers,” “Under Threat,” and “Captive of Silence.” In 2024, she researched, wrote, and produced the television series “Our Family,” broadcast by Telemundo Houston in Texas and El Tiempo Televisión throughout Colombia.
Gabby is a philanthropist who supports, encourages, and promotes STEAM education. She is an advocate for the rights of children and adolescents and has conducted awareness and prevention projects on human trafficking.
In 2024, she was recognized as the Latina Woman of the Year in the United States by the Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce.
Was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. In 2013, he received his PhD in Physics from the University of Washington. After obtaining his PhD, he worked as a research fellow at Jefferson Lab. From 2017 to 2022, he was a faculty at Old Dominion University. In 2023, he became faculty at UC Berkeley with a joint appoint at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. His research largely focuses on aspects of theoretical nuclear and particle physics. He works in various outreach efforts aimed at making physics and science in general more accessible, including the Remote Experience for Young Engineers and Scientists (REYES) and Python4Physics.
Hugo F. Posada-Quintero (Senior Member, IEEE) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. Prof. Posada-Quintero was born in Fresno (Tolima, Colombia) and received his BS in Electronics Engineering from the Universidad Distrital and his MS in Electronics and Computer Engineering from the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia. He received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. Prof. Posada-Quintero has received several research grants from the National Institute of Health and the Office of Naval Research, among others. His research interests include biomedical signal processing, wearable sensors, and the interpretation of physiological signals using machine learning for the detection and prediction of stress, fatigue, pain, emotion, cognitive performance, oxygen toxicity, and heart failure, among others.
Luz Maria Doria is a prominent figure in the media industry, serving as the Vice President and Executive Producer at Televisa. With a career spanning over three decades, she is renowned for her innovative approach to television production and her ability to create content that resonates with diverse audiences. Doria has played a pivotal role in the development and success of numerous hit shows and has been instrumental in fostering new talent within the industry. Her expertise and leadership have earned her numerous accolades and recognition as a trailblazer in Spanish-language media. With a deep commitment to storytelling and cultural representation, Luz Maria Doria continues to shape the landscape of television at Televisa, inspiring viewers and colleagues alike.
Including Univision, UNIMÁS, Galavisión, and TUDN. He brings the best and most diverse talent, executives, and teams to help create and develop the most watched and awarded Spanish language shows in the U.S. and ensures continuous engagement with the Hispanic to inform, entertain and empower the Hispanic audience. Previously, Meyer was the Executive Vice President of Music and Non-scripted Entertainment for Univision’s Entertainment and Music division in the U.S., driving the entertainment and music groups’ global strategy, managing Univision’s unscripted programming, and developing business opportunities with and for entertainment and music partners. Meyer led the day-to-day operations, creative development and strategy of unscripted programming, including primetime Music Award Tentpoles (Premio Lo Nuestro, Premios Juventud, Latin GRAMMY®), reality shows (Mira Quién Baila, Reina de la Canción, Nuestra Belleza Latina), primetime specials (El Grito, Christmas, New Year’s Eve Special), and “El Gordo y La Flaca,” Emmy® award-winning show and one of the iconic and longest running franchises for Univision Studios, as well as being responsible for acquired, co-produced specials with and from third parties. In addition, Meyer also oversaw the Talent Commercialization and Licensing business units, as well as the Music and Sound Design team for the Networks and Studio.
Before joining the Entertainment and Music division, Meyer was part of the Music and Special Events team, which focused on consolidating a bi-national music strategy alongside Grupo Televisa while contributing to the evolution and reformatting of Univision’s Award shows, including “Premio Lo Nuestro,” “Premios Juventud” and the Latin GRAMMY® Awards. Also, Meyer led the development and operation of Univision’s cross-platform content, live events, and non-traditional business unit, Univision Live, strategic alliances, new direct-to-consumer businesses, and expanded experiential marketing across Univision programming brands. Meyer joined TelevisaUnivision with extensive experience in the media and entertainment industry, with a proven track record in starting and operating strategic growth initiatives and driving innovation and business development. Prior to joining Univision, Meyer served as CEO at Wireless Latin Entertainment and was also a managing partner at KONEXXION Enterprises, a boutique agency dedicated to bridging the gap between entertainment assets and media companies. He also served as the director of Business Development at the Latin Recording Academy. In 2023, Meyer has been featured in Billboard’s 2023 Latin Power Players list and as Executive of the Month on Billboard en Español, and in 2022, he was included in the 2022 Billboard’s Latin Power List. Meyer is based in Miami, Florida, and graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science.
Including Univision, UNIMÁS, Galavisión, and TUDN. He brings the best and most diverse talent, executives, and teams to help create and develop the most watched and awarded Spanish language shows in the U.S. and ensures continuous engagement with the Hispanic to inform, entertain and empower the Hispanic audience. Previously, Meyer was the Executive Vice President of Music and Non-scripted Entertainment for Univision’s Entertainment and Music division in the U.S., driving the entertainment and music groups’ global strategy, managing Univision’s unscripted programming, and developing business opportunities with and for entertainment and music partners. Meyer led the day-to-day operations, creative development and strategy of unscripted programming, including primetime Music Award Tentpoles (Premio Lo Nuestro, Premios Juventud, Latin GRAMMY®), reality shows (Mira Quién Baila, Reina de la Canción, Nuestra Belleza Latina), primetime specials (El Grito, Christmas, New Year’s Eve Special), and “El Gordo y La Flaca,” Emmy® award-winning show and one of the iconic and longest running franchises for Univision Studios, as well as being responsible for acquired, co-produced specials with and from third parties. In addition, Meyer also oversaw the Talent Commercialization and Licensing business units, as well as the Music and Sound Design team for the Networks and Studio.
Before joining the Entertainment and Music division, Meyer was part of the Music and Special Events team, which focused on consolidating a bi-national music strategy alongside Grupo Televisa while contributing to the evolution and reformatting of Univision’s Award shows, including “Premio Lo Nuestro,” “Premios Juventud” and the Latin GRAMMY® Awards. Also, Meyer led the development and operation of Univision’s cross-platform content, live events, and non-traditional business unit, Univision Live, strategic alliances, new direct-to-consumer businesses, and expanded experiential marketing across Univision programming brands. Meyer joined TelevisaUnivision with extensive experience in the media and entertainment industry, with a proven track record in starting and operating strategic growth initiatives and driving innovation and business development. Prior to joining Univision, Meyer served as CEO at Wireless Latin Entertainment and was also a managing partner at KONEXXION Enterprises, a boutique agency dedicated to bridging the gap between entertainment assets and media companies. He also served as the director of Business Development at the Latin Recording Academy. In 2023, Meyer has been featured in Billboard’s 2023 Latin Power Players list and as Executive of the Month on Billboard en Español, and in 2022, he was included in the 2022 Billboard’s Latin Power List. Meyer is based in Miami, Florida, and graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Science.
Juan Gabriel Moreno, Juan Gabriel Moreno, AIA, is an award-winningarchitect and the President/Founder of JGMA (Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects). Mr. Moreno was born in Bogota, Colombia, and studied architecture at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
He holds an honorary doctorate degree of humane letters from Northeastern Illinois University. Additionally, he lived in Florence, Italy, where he studied under the founders of Superstudio, Christiano Toraldo di Francia and Gianni Pettena. Mr. Moreno has been creating provocative works for over 30 years. His portfolio includes projects both in the United States and internationally, encompassing a diverse range of public and private works, from community-based projects to complex transportation/aviation projects. In 2010, he launched JGMA with the singular aim of transforming Chicago’s diverse communities through his architecture. Since then, JGMA has gained recognition as one of the most highly acclaimed design firms in Chicago. JGMA boasts an impressive list of awards and recognition, garnering acclaim from notable organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Architizer, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and The Architect’s Newspaper, bothlocally and on a national and international scale.
Juan Moreno’s personal commitment to community and social justice has earned him recognition at both the local and international levels. He was honored by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos as one of the “100 COLOMBIANOS” and received the “PIECE” Award for International Excellence, which recognizes Colombians making a difference in the lives of children and communities while working outside the country. Moreover, Mr. Moreno actively engages in civic involvement and demonstrates a dedicated commitment to the city of Chicago. He has served as a former commissioner on the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, played a pivotal role in the development of Design Excellence Standards in Chicago, and was among the inaugural members appointed to the Chicago Committee on Design. Additionally, Mr. Moreno serves as a board member of the Chicago Architecture Center, the Chicago Architecture Biennial, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
After studying Physics at the University of Warsaw, Professor Boleslaw (Bolek) Wyslouch began his association with MIT in 1983, first as a doctoral student, where he earned a Ph.D. in Physics in 1987. In 1988, he became a postdoctoral associate with MIT’s Laboratory for Nuclear Science (LNS) stationed at CERN, followed by a fellowship at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland in 1988 and 1989. In 1990 he returned to MIT as a postdoctoral associate, before being named an Assistant Professor in 1991. Professor Wyslouch was promoted to Associate Professor without tenure in 1997 and Associate Professor with tenure in July 1998. In July 2002, he was promoted to full Professor. He is currently serving as Director of the Laboratory for Nuclear Science as of 2015 and Director of the Bates Research and Engineering Center since 2018.
Renowned German physicist and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he serves as the John D. MacArthur Professor of Physics. Born on October 21, 1957, in Heidelberg, Germany, he is best known for his pioneering research in the field of quantum physics. Ketterle’s groundbreaking work on Bose-Einstein condensation, a state of matter formed by atoms cooled to near absolute zero, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2001, which he shared with Eric Cornell and Carl Wieman. His experiments have significantly advanced the understanding of quantum phenomena and have potential applications in fields ranging from precision measurement to quantum computing. At MIT, Ketterle continues to lead innovative research, inspiring the next generation of physicists with his contributions to the study of ultracold atoms and quantum gases.
Maria Angelica is a visionary in Business Development, renowned for her relentless drive for growth, social impact, and entrepreneurial mindset. As the co-founder and CEO of Incontact Group LLC, she helps companies refine and maximize their core value proposition. Maria has an exceptional ability to secure funding and unlock hidden opportunities, empowering organizations to expand their reach and create lasting positive change by strategically steering projects and philanthropy. Her global executive network serves as a liaison for corporations, foundations, and investors in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors across the US and Latin America. Throughout her career, she has held various significant roles, including Senior Director at SPR Group Strategic Public Relations Company, Director of Business Development and Fundraising at Fundación Confianza Colombia, General Director of the Think Tank “Centro Latinoamericano de Energía,” Executive Director of the Colombian Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Founder of Why Chicago Summit, Project Manager at Grammy-awarded Marc Anthony’s Foundation, Director of Corporación Colombia Creativa, Managing Director of Personitas de Colección, and adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at her alma mater, CESA Business School. Maria has an educational background from prestigious institutions, including CESA Business School, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Kyung Hee University in Seoul, South Korea, and the MIT Sloan School of Management, focusing on business administration, strategy, and innovation. Currently, Maria serves on various boards, including MIT Bridging Talents and Opportunities, Voike (VP of Business Development), Street Soccer USA, and the CSO-Chicago Symphony Orchestra Latino Alliance. She has also won multiple awards in the field of business leadership, including recognition as a Young Exporter Entrepreneur by the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism.
Sally Kornbluth, became MIT’s 18th president on January 1, 2023. She is a cell biologist whose eight-year tenure as Duke University’s provost earned her a reputation as a brilliant administrator, a creative problem-solver, and a leading advocate of faculty excellence and student wellbeing.
In her first year at MIT, in addition to conducting a campus-wide listening tour and launching a new podcast series to showcase the work of recently tenured faculty, she has championed the Institute’s commitment to freedom of expression, intensified MIT’s efforts to help make sure that AI is broadly beneficial for society, and, most recently, galvanized the community to help solve the interlocking crises of global warming with the Climate Project at MIT. A native of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Kornbluth graduated from Williams College in 1982 with a BA in political science. Making a sharp pivot toward biology, she received a scholarship to attend Cambridge University, where she earned a BA in genetics in 1984. In 1989, Kornbluth received her PhD in molecular oncology from Rockefeller University, and then completed postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego. In 1994, she joined Duke as an assistant professor of pharmacology and cancer biology, and by 2005 had risen to full professor. She stepped into administration the following year as vice dean for basic science at the Duke School of Medicine, a post she held until she became provost in 2014.
As Duke’s provost, Kornbluth served as the university’s chief academic officer, with broad responsibility for carrying out its teaching and research missions, developing its intellectual priorities, and partnering with others to achieve wide-ranging gains for faculty and students. She led efforts to develop a pipeline of faculty from underrepresented groups and created an Office for Faculty Advancement that led a 30% increase in the number of Black faculty from 2018 to 2022. In her research, Kornbluth has focused on the biological signals that tell a cell to start dividing or to self-destruct — processes that are key to understanding cancer as well as various degenerative disorders. She has published extensively on cell proliferation and programmed cell death, studying both phenomena in a variety of organisms. Her research has helped to show how cancer cells evade this programmed death, or apoptosis, and how metabolism regulates the cell death process; her work has also clarified the role of apoptosis in regulating the duration of female fertility in vertebrates.
Among other honors, in 2012, Kornbluth received the Basic Science Research Mentoring Award from the Duke School of Medicine and in 2013, the Distinguished Faculty Award from the Duke Medical Alumni Association. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Inventors, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Eugenio Derbez is a trailblazing actor, writer, director, and producer, and philanthropist, hailed as one of the most influential creative forces in Latin America. He holds degrees in Film Directing from the Mexican Institute of Cinematography and Theater and in Acting from Televisa’s Acting School. Derbez’s training spans dance, music, and singing, with ongoing preparation in Los Angeles and New York City. His film “Instructions Not Included” became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film in the US and worldwide, earning over $100M. Variety recently recognized him as the “#1 most influential Hispanic male in the world.”
Derbez launched his career with top-rated comedy shows on Televisa and Univision, including “Al Derecho y al Derbez,” “XHDRBZ,” and “La Familia P.Luche,” making him a household name. He successfully transitioned to English-speaking audiences with roles on the CBS sitcom “¡ROB!” and Broadway’s “Latinologues.” His film credits include “Sangre de mi Sangre,” “Under the Same Moon,” “Jack and Jill,” and “Girl in Progress.” Derbez starred in “How to Be a Latin Lover,” breaking box office records, and “Miracles From Heaven” with Jennifer Garner. He also appeared in “Geostorm” and voices “Rico” in “Underdogs.”
In 2018, Derbez starred in “Overboard,” a reimagining of the classic 1980s romantic comedy, and Disney’s “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.” He is set to appear in “El Complot Mongol” and “Rock n’ Cola.” Derbez resides in Los Angeles, where he runs his production company 3Pas Studios, with first-look deals with Lionsgate, Pantelion Films, and NBC Universal. Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016, Derbez continues to shape the entertainment industry and remains a significant social media influencer.
Matías Muchnick holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the School of Economics and Business of the Universidad de Chile. His experience in the financial industry, and his sports-minded spirit from years of playing rugby, led him on the path to co-found NotCo, a Chile-based startup that uses AI to create plant-based versions of animal products. With knowledge and skills in new business creation, business innovation, and finance and marketing, Muchnick was poised to take on the business venture and lead the company as CEO. NotCo is different in the current agricultural-industrial food system. It changed the way food is made, without changing texture, aroma, and taste, making all the products with 100 percent natural ingredients. The current agro-industrial system functions under inefficient and often abusive standards: it is based on contaminating practices and high usage of water, land, and energy. These practices are a significant cause of deforestation, greenhouse gases, and other environmental damage known to humans.Current animal farming and production methods use up to one-third of the land suitable for housing and produce more carbon dioxide than all means of transportation combined. This is killing our planet. Additionally, obesity, excessively high cholesterol levels, and many other consequences of the Western world diet are generated by the simple fact that healthy food is not widely accessible. Muchnick affirms that if we continue on this trajectory, by the year 2030 we will have only a 15 percent chance to feed the world´s population. This is why, in 2015, Muchnick thought of the idea that brought to life this food revolution and is one of the three partners who built what we know today as NotCo. Now with 65 employees and a recent closing funding round of 30 million USD, including a substantial investment from Jeff Bezos’ family, NotCo has quickly risen from its humble beginnings. Muchnick and his partners started the company with their own capital, putting in an initial investment of 250,000 USD. In less than two years, Muchnick and his partners raised 3 million USD, mainly from Kaszek Ventures, the founders of Mercado Libre, and IndieBio, a biotechnology accelerator in Silicon Valley.
Muchnick regularly participates as a guest in various and prestigious forums, congresses, and TEDx talks, among others, where he inspires others and exposes how technology and artificial intelligence enhance science and sustainable production to manufacture 100 percent natural foods. Muchnick has participated in Demand Solutions Chile 2018, a large, global innovation forum focused on creative solutions to the development challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean. NotCo and its business strategy have been treated as a case in important conferences such as ICARE Marketing and in business magazines worldwide.
Paloma Noyola Bueno was born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, and grew up in a community known as “El Basural” because it is located very close to the city’s landfill. It was here that she attended elementary school and met teacher Sergio Juárez Correa. Thanks to her teacher, Paloma found the motivation to study and pursue her dreams. Due to her performance, she achieved first place nationally in the Enlace test, despite the low expectations at her school.
According to a national census, José Urbina López Elementary was considered the school with the worst academic performance in Mexico. Paloma Noyola Named the “Next Steve Jobs” In 2013, 12-year-old Paloma Noyola appeared on the cover of Wired magazine, a publication specializing in technology. The magazine dubbed her the “next Steve Jobs,” referring to the founder of Apple.
The article highlighted not only her story but also her math skills, as she had the highest average in the subject on the Enlace test. The report was done by journalist Joshua Davis, who later contacted Eugenio Derbez to bring Paloma and her teacher’s story to the big screen.The actor fell in love with the story and began working to produce the movie “Radical,” which will be released in Mexican theaters on October 19.
Currently, Paloma has shifted her interest from mathematics and joining NASA to studying law, and she is now in the final semesters of her law degree.
Diana Trujillo, an aerospace engineer, is currently Technical Group Supervisor for Sequence Planning and Execution and a Tactical Mission Lead for the Mars Perseverance rover. Born and raised in Colombia, Trujillo immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 17 to pursue her dream of working for NASA. While enrolled in English-as-a-second-language courses, she also worked full time to support her studies in community college and later the University of Florida and University of Maryland. She has held several roles for NASA and JPL, including Mars Curiosity rover mission lead, deputy project system engineer, and Deputy Team Chief of Engineering Operations on Curiosity. Trujillo has also been active in sharing the excitement and opportunities of STEM with the public. She co-created and hosted #JuntosPerseveramos, NASA’s first-ever Spanish-language live broadcast of a planetary landing, for Perseverance’s arrival on Mars, which attracted millions of viewers worldwide.
On Oct. 8, 2021, Trujillo and two other Latina engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will be honored as the 2021 recipients of STEM Awards from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation for their significant roles in the agency’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover mission during the 34th Hispanic Heritage Awards broadcast on PBS.
Patricia Sierra serves as Executive Director at Fundación Pies Descalzos. She is a psychologist, university professor and a specialist in social psychology and child development. She is an expert in design, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of social development with emphasis on education. Patricia worked with the Christian Children’s Fund one of the oldest world NGOs for 11 years, working in the area of Child Development, directing programs aimed at children and young people in vulnerable sectors of Colombia. She also designed children’s programs to improve the quality of education in Latin America. She began in 2004 as Program Director of the Pies Descalzos Foundation, coordinated by the hand of academia and the public and private sectors the scheme of evaluation and monitoring of the programs implemented.
Le Meriden (10 min walk)
20 Sidney Street Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel: 617-577-0200
20% off best available rate
Hyatt Regency-Cambridge (20 min walk)
575 Memorial Drive Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel: 617-492-1234
25% off best available rate. Ask to book under “MIT negotiated rate, using rate code 33395”
Royal Sonesta Hotel (25 min walk)
40 Edwin H. Land Blvd. Cambridge, MA 02142
Tel: 617-806-4200
Rate: $379.00 – $409.00 per night/plus tax
Hotel Marlowe (25 min walk)
25 Edwin H. Land Blvd. Cambridge, MA 02141
Tel: 617-868-8000
30% off best available rate
The Fairfield Inn (25 min walk)
215 Monsignor O’Brien Highway Cambridge, MA 02141
Tel: 617-621-1999
Rate: $239.00 per night/plus tax
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (25 min walk)
250 Monsignor O’Brien Highway Cambridge, MA 02141
Tel: 617-577-7600
Rate: $225.00 per night/plus tax [rate can vary with time based on availability]
Courtyard by Marriott (30 min walk)
777 Memorial Drive Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel: 617-492-7777
Rate: $329.00 per night/plus tax
Porter Square Hotel (on the red line train station, 3 stops from MIT)
Address: 1924 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: (617) 499-3399
15% off by referencing MIT when calling to make a reservation, or on https://www.theportersquarehotel.com by typing “MIT” under the rate code dropdown menu.
Hotel 1868 (on the red line train station, 3 stops from MIT)
Address: 1868 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: (617) 499-2998
15% off by referencing MIT when calling to make a reservation, or on https://www.hotel1868.com by typing “MIT” under the rate code dropdown menu.
