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What is ELAS?

The Emerging Leaders of the Americas Summit (ELAS) is a regional gathering that brings together young changemakers, professionals, and community leaders from across the Americas — from Canada to Argentina.

Created by JCI America, ELAS is more than an event — it’s an immersive experience to connect, grow, and lead with purpose. Over several days of training, dialogue, and collaboration, participants explore personal leadership, collective action, and innovative strategies to create real impact in their communities.
DISCOVER THE 2025 ELAS PROGRAM
Regional Leadership Experience
Personal & Professional Growth
Networking with Emerging Leaders
Practical Tools for Real Impact

SPEAKERS

Abigail Quic
Co-Executive Director of SERES
SERES
Adriana GĂłmez
Executive Director, TeenSmart International
Teen Smart
Adriana Robles
Founder & Executive Director of HRIC Executive Search and HerStory Podcast
HRIC Executive Search
Alejandra Castillo
JCI President Candidate 2026
JCI (Junior Chamber International)
Andrea LĂłpez Aranda
Program Lead at Propel
Propel
Ángela Andrea Becerra Bernal
President, Junior Achievement Alumni Peru & Regional Champion, JA Worldwide of the Americas
JA Worldwide of America
Anne McKinney
Vice President, Americas – U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Anni Huovinen
Policy Analyst – Local Development, OECD
OECD
Argenis Angulo
2022 JCI President
JCI (Junior Chamber International)
Cristian Yoel Ferreyra
B2B Business Development Consultant
Cristian Yoel
Diego Ontaneda
Co-Founder & CEO, Latin American Leadership Academy (LALA)
Latin American Leadership Academy (LALA)
Elena MartĂ­n Rojo
Idealist Regional Director for Ibero-America
Idealist
Elvin Teo
JCI Secretary General
JCI (Junior Chamber International)
Gabriel Marmentini
Co-founder and Executive Director Politize!
Politize!
Gabriela Zabaleta Benavides
Public Relations Manager 2026 | AIESEC International
AIESEC
Jose Enrique Galindo Cortés
Americas Regional Director 2026
AIESEC
Leonardo Herrera
2025 JCI Vice President for America
JCI (Junior Chamber International)
Luigi Valdés
General Director of FUNDAIMPULSO
FUNDAIMPULSO
MarĂ­a Camila PĂĄez PĂĄez
Youthwise member | Senior Consultant at Steer
Youthwise (OECD)
MarĂ­a ItatĂ­ Cabral
Education & Impact Director
Junior Achievement Américas
MarĂ­a Paz Garrido Deuster
Youthwise member | International Program Researcher at IdeaPaĂ­s
Youthwise (OECD)
MatĂ­as Laurenz
Co-founder of Civic House
Fonselp.org
Natalia Bayona
Executive Director
UN Tourism
Rafael Achondo
Co-founder and CEO of matteria
matteria
Roberto Rabouin
Expert in Leadership and Managerial Skills – International Faculty, ADEN Business School
ADEN Business School
Sebastian Ferrari
ICC Network Lead for Agri-Food
ICC
Shenella Govia
2025 JCI Executive Vice President for America
JCI (Junior Chamber International)
Virginia GarcĂ­a AragĂłn
Country Manager for Mexico at DoGood People
DoGood People

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We, the emerging leaders of America, are coming together.

From Argentina to Canada, we’re building a new kind of leadership — collaborative, purpose-driven, and ready to act.
Discover what ELAS is all about

YOUR EVENT ORGANIZER

Junior Chamber International
(Business is registered, Business registration No. Junior Chamber International)
15645 Olive Blvd , Chesterfield, Armed Forces America 63017 US
ELAS | Emerging Leaders of the Americas Summit

Abigail Quic

Co-Executive Director of SERES
SERES

Abigail Quic is a Tz’utujil woman who draws strength from her cultural heritage to lead environmental preservation efforts and promote youth leadership as the Co-Executive Director of SERES. For more than a decade, she has served as an educator in programs that equip young people with the skills needed for the 21st century. These experiences not only strengthened her confidence but also positioned her as a powerful advocate for women’s leadership within Indigenous communities.

SERES has become a key reference in Guatemala for its commitment to training young leaders who build more just and regenerative communities. Since its foundation, the organization has collaborated closely with visionary Indigenous women, recognizing their essential role in environmental stewardship and social transformation. Through its work, SERES has created learning spaces and youth-led initiatives that foster active participation in conservation, cultural resilience, and community empowerment.

Inspirational quote: 

“I discovered my desire to create impact when I understood, as Humberto Ak’abal says, that ‘the path is ourselves.’ I chose to walk toward change.”

Adriana GĂłmez

Executive Director, TeenSmart International
Teen Smart

Adriana GĂłmez is the Executive Director of TeenSmart International, an NGO that uses online technologies to empower teenagers across the region to lead healthy lives. In 2022, she was recognized by the Inter-American Development Bank as a Digital Health Champion. She is an active member of communities such as MIT Solve, the Central American Health Care Initiative, Gratitude, and Propel. Adriana is also a wife and mother of two teenagers.

Inspirational quote: 

A phrase that reflects the moment she first felt the desire to create impact: “When I was at school, I wrote stories where my classmates were the main characters.”

Adriana Robles

Founder & Executive Director of HRIC Executive Search and HerStory Podcast
HRIC Executive Search

Adriana Robles is the founder and Executive Director of HRIC Executive Search, a boutique firm created in Canada and based in Guadalajara, connecting talent with purpose on a global scale. With over two decades of experience, she has led executive search processes for development banks, foundations, and corporations across Latin America, the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Rooted in Latin America with a global vision, her work is driven by a human-centered approach to leadership. She is the creator of the HerStory by HRIC Podcast, a platform that amplifies the voices of women leaders around the world. Named a Top Women Leader 2024, Adriana champions equality and talent as powerful drivers of transformation.

Inspirational quote: 

“Recruitment is more than connecting someone to a job; the right person changes everything. They don’t just transform their own life — they elevate the organization and the communities it serves.”

Alejandra Castillo

JCI President Candidate 2026
JCI (Junior Chamber International)

Alejandra is a 38-year-old Bolivian leader, Chemical Engineer specialized in Cosmetic Chemistry, and founder of her own veterinary product laboratory. She was a pioneer in Bolivia in developing a natural pet care line, bringing innovation and sustainability to the sector.

She holds postgraduate studies in leadership and management skills, and works as a university professor and trainer focused on developing both technical and soft skills. As a certified facilitator, she has led leadership academies and training programs in over 15 countries, inspiring people from diverse cultures to become transformational leaders.

Alejandra’s JCI journey began in 2006, and since then she has held multiple leadership roles at the local, national, and international levels. She currently serves as JCI World Treasurer and is a candidate for JCI World President 2026.

Inspirational quote: 

“My passion for leadership was born when I was 13, while camping as a scout. I saw a forest I loved being devastated by erosion, deforestation, and fire. That moment made me realize we must act with purpose and responsibility to protect what we love and create change for future generations.”

Andrea LĂłpez Aranda

Program Lead at Propel
Propel

Andrea LĂłpez Aranda is a Program Lead at Propel with over seven years of experience in development and philanthropy projects. She specializes in monitoring, evaluation, and social innovation, and has led high-impact initiatives across Latin America.

Ángela Andrea Becerra Bernal

President, Junior Achievement Alumni Peru & Regional Champion, JA Worldwide of the Americas
JA Worldwide of America

Ángela Andrea Becerra Bernal is a multidisciplinary leader passionate about inspiring and empowering others through a growth mindset, enthusiasm, and positive energy. She currently serves as President of JA Alumni Peru and Regional Champion of JA Worldwide of the Americas.

With over four years of experience in project management, team development, consumer experience, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability, she has mentored young people through entrepreneurship and leadership programs, fostering both personal and professional growth. She integrates sustainability, strategy, and leadership into every initiative—believing in leading by example and creating purposeful impact.

Inspirational quote: 

“Life is not meant to be merely existed but truly lived. Listen closely to your heart and paint it with the colors you choose; grow, explore, learn, and share—because the key lies in your mindset, attitude, and the passion you bring to everything you do.”

Anne McKinney

Vice President, Americas – U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Anne McKinney is the Vice President for the Americas at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Executive Vice President of AACCLA. She leads business advocacy and efforts to strengthen trade and investment between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Before joining the Chamber in 2018, she directed Investment Services at SelectUSA, promoting foreign direct investment into the United States. Previously, she advanced U.S. trade, investment, and infrastructure partnerships across Latin America and the Caribbean through roles at AmCham Colombia, Cisco Systems, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

She holds an M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS and a B.A. in International Studies from American University.

Inspirational quote: 

“Be guided by the power of your convictions, speak up and take action.”

Anni Huovinen

Policy Analyst – Local Development, OECD
OECD

Anni Huovinen is a Policy Analyst at the OECD’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Cities and Regions, where she works at the intersection of policy, place, and community. Her work focuses on local development with an emphasis on volunteering, private sector engagement, and inclusive strategies to support disadvantaged neighborhoods.

She holds a Master’s degree in World Politics from the University of Helsinki, specializing in global governance and development. Her professional experience spans foundations, the UN development system, and national governments — always with a focus on social equity and community impact. Originally from Finland, Anni brings a global mindset and a deep passion for empowering communities, from Mexico to California and beyond.

Inspirational quote: 

“Guided by the belief that the country or zip code one is born into should not determine what life will look like.”

Argenis Angulo

2022 JCI President
JCI (Junior Chamber International)

Argenis Angulo is a High-Value Speaker Mentor with more than two decades of experience transforming voices into powerful messages that inspire action. He has taken the stage in 65 countries, guiding over 165,000 leaders and professionals to turn their stories into conferences that are not only heard—but remembered.

He served as the 2022 World President of Junior Chamber International (JCI), generating global impact across more than 120 countries. Argenis is also an Executive Coach with a Master of Science in Communication and elite certifications such as Global Business Leadership from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

As an international columnist for outlets such as the Sarawak Tribune in Malaysia, he brings a global perspective to leadership and public influence. He is also the author of the Universal Declaration of Human Duties, presented before the United Nations.

Inspirational quote: 

Argenis’ mission is to guide high-impact leaders to expand their influence through the power of their voice—scaling their message and amplifying the legacy they leave in the world.

Cristian Yoel Ferreyra

B2B Business Development Consultant
Cristian Yoel

Cristian Ferreyra is a specialist in business development, expansion, and internationalization. He has worked as a consultant for a company with operations in more than 23 countries and has led marketing teams in both B2B and B2C environments.

In 2022, he was recognized in Japan as one of the Top 5 Outstanding Young Persons of the World by JCI Osaka. He also served as National President of JCI Argentina, leading over 350 members, and was previously awarded as the Most Outstanding Local President in the country.

With more than nine years as a speaker at local, national, and international events, he focuses on business strategy and soft skills. His academic background includes Business Administration and Workplace Coaching, complemented by various self-taught specializations.

Inspirational quote: 

“To make an impact, intention is the starting point and motivation is what will get you to take the next step, but what will really get you moving is finding the space to do it.”

Diego Ontaneda

Co-Founder & CEO, Latin American Leadership Academy (LALA)
Latin American Leadership Academy (LALA)

Diego Ontaneda is the Co-Founder and President of the Latin American Leadership Academy (LALA), an organization that promotes sustainable development and strengthens democratic governance in Latin America by empowering a new generation of purpose-driven leaders.

Inspired by his experience at the African Leadership Academy, where he witnessed the transformative power of investing in talented youth, Diego co-founded LALA in 2018. Since then, the organization has trained thousands of young leaders from 20 countries—many from historically underrepresented backgrounds—who are now leading over 500 social impact initiatives across the region.

Inspirational quote: 

“Luck and privilege still determine who gains access to educational, professional, and leadership opportunities in Latin America. Realizing this gave me a sense of moral responsibility: if we want to transform our region, we must proactively create new pathways for more people and develop them into world-class leaders.”

Elena MartĂ­n Rojo

Idealist Regional Director for Ibero-America
Idealist

Elena has over ten years of experience in the social impact sector. She is a journalist, certified coach, and holds a Master’s degree in Social Innovation. Currently, she leads Idealist.org en Español, where she applies a vision of collaborative leadership to connect people with opportunities to create positive change in society and the planet.

Her work blends strategy, communication, and guidance to build from a place of personal responsibility and collective action.

Inspirational quote: 

“Ever since I was little, I remember my father saying: ‘If someone asks for a hand and you can help, don’t ask why — just do it.’ That’s when I learned that in this world, giving is just as important as receiving. And over time, I also realized — ironically and magically — that the more we give, the more we receive.”

Elvin Teo

JCI Secretary General
JCI (Junior Chamber International)

Elvin Teo serves as the Secretary General of Junior Chamber International (JCI), one of the world’s most influential organizations dedicated to empowering young people to create positive change.

Since joining JCI in 2014, Elvin has held key leadership roles—including National President of JCI Singapore and Vice President of JCI—demonstrating a consistent commitment to strengthening youth leadership globally. His work is grounded in the belief that young people, when empowered with purpose, skills, and opportunity, have the capacity to transform their communities and the world.

Beyond JCI, Elvin brings deep professional experience from Singapore’s dynamic startup and fintech ecosystem. His leadership in customer experience, organizational development, and systems transformation reflects his ability to connect innovation with human-centered impact.

As a global advocate for youth empowerment, Elvin champions collaboration, resilience, and the power of emerging leaders to build a more just, sustainable, and united future.

Gabriel Marmentini

Co-founder and Executive Director Politize!
Politize!

Gabriel Marmentini is a social entrepreneur from Brazil, with a Bachelor’s in Public Management and a PhD in Management from Udesc Esag. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of ACBG Brasil and Politize! – Civic Education Institute.

Named in Forbes Under 30 and winner of the Folha de S. Paulo Social Entrepreneur Award (2022), Gabriel was also featured in the MIT Innovators Under 35 Brazil (2023) and became a TED Speaker in New York. He is a member of global networks such as the Lemann Foundation Leaders Network, MIT Solve, One Young World, YLAI, and Warriors Without Weapons.

Inspirational quote: 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”– Margaret Mead.

Gabriela Zabaleta Benavides

Public Relations Manager 2026 | AIESEC International
AIESEC

Gabriela Zabaleta Benavides is a Colombian professional in Graphic Design and the Public Relations Manager for the 2026 term at AIESEC International. With 8 years of experience within the organization, Gabriela specializes in crafting compelling visual and narrative strategies, primarily in Marketing and Public Relations. 

She is driven by the conviction that social impact can be dramatically amplified through strategic marketing and strong global connections. Gabriela’s ultimate professional focus is advancing a more equal world for everyone, actively leveraging her expertise to support and advance this crucial societal goal.

Inspirational quote: 

“The first time I understood my duty to stand up for people, I was a kid who broke an arm protecting someone that needed it. It was a lesson that people need people. Going all-out for one another is, and always will be, the necessary solution to create a better world.”

Jose Enrique Galindo Cortés

Americas Regional Director 2026
AIESEC

José is a young Colombian leader, professional in Communication and Journalism, who is interested in helping social causes across the Americas while developing leadership and bringing opportunities to young people through the purpose of AIESEC, an organization he has been part of for five and a half years.

He considers social justice one of the main priorities we currently need to work for in society and has worked in the digital marketing sector to showcase how companies contribute to change while executing their own operations.

Leonardo Herrera

2025 JCI Vice President for America
JCI (Junior Chamber International)

Leonardo is a Systems Engineer and Scrum Master specializing in the implementation of agile frameworks for software development projects that enhance organizational processes. His professional work focuses on driving efficiency, collaboration, and continuous improvement within multidisciplinary teams.

In 2024, he served as National President of JCI Colombia, supporting initiatives that strengthen youth leadership across the country. He currently serves as a JCI World Vice President assigned to the Americas, working with the national organizations of the United States, Honduras, Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, and the Dutch Caribbean (Curaçao, Bonaire, and Sint Maarten). Throughout his official visits, he has trained young leaders, engaged with government and private-sector partners, and represented the organization in various media interviews.

As an international speaker, he focuses on personal leadership and life skills that empower individuals to expand their impact. His work integrates technical expertise, youth development, and a strong commitment to creating positive change in communities around the world.

Inspirational quote: 

“My desire to create impact emerged when I recognized that my voice could elevate the leadership of others, and that strengthening myself was the foundation for amplifying that impact in the world.”

Luigi Valdés

General Director of FUNDAIMPULSO
FUNDAIMPULSO

Luigi ValdĂ©s is one of Latin America’s most renowned authorities on strategic innovation and business trends. He is the author of 13 books with over 400,000 copies sold and has delivered more than 3,000 keynotes across 32 countries.

Known for his deep, dynamic, thought-provoking, and entertaining style, he is considered one of the most impactful speakers in the region. He has been featured at global stages such as WOBI, TED, Innovaland, and El Futuro en Español. ExpansiĂłn Magazine included him in the “Red Circle” of business thinkers shaping Latin America’s entrepreneurial landscape, and AmĂ©rica EconomĂ­a ranked him among the top 5 most impactful Spanish-speaking speakers.

His “Seven-Sided Die” theory was named Mexico’s National Innovation Model in 2018. His latest book, INNOVACIÓN 5.0 (2023), presents major advances for successfully implementing strategic innovation processes.

Inspirational quote: 

“At 25, I had a degree and two master’s, but no clear direction. Attending a conference where 10 powerful speakers transformed the audience with their ideas changed everything. That’s when I knew I wanted to do the same. Years later, after 3,000+ talks and 13 books, I’m honored to share insights on innovation and leadership at the world’s top business forums.”

MarĂ­a Camila PĂĄez PĂĄez

Youthwise member | Senior Consultant at Steer
Youthwise (OECD)

Civil engineer with an MSc in Transport and a diploma in Public Policy, and a proud Chevening alumni. I bring over six years of experience designing and implementing sustainable mobility and infrastructure policies and projects, with a strong focus on advancing just, equitable, and low-emission transport systems. My background combines technical expertise with in-depth knowledge of governance, urban planning, and policy research. As a member of the OECD’s Youthwise advisory board, I advocate for inclusive, youth-centered approaches to mobility and development. I’m committed to leveraging transport to build fairer, more accessible, and livable cities for all, currently applying those knowledge as a Senior Consultant in Steer. 

Inspirational quote: 

“Being one of the 10 women out of 100 civil engineers in my class, empowered me to recognize the value that young woman have to transform our environment, by applying technical knowledge to improve the conditions of a country like Colombia in need of ideas for change to overcome the pressing inequality gaps.”

MarĂ­a ItatĂ­ Cabral

Education & Impact Director
Junior Achievement Américas

With over 15 years of experience in the social sector, María Itatí Cabral is passionate about driving social transformation through strategic management and innovation. She has led teams, designed impactful initiatives, and developed social development programs. Her expertise includes institutional communication, stakeholder engagement, resource development, and the management of nonprofit organizations, government programs, and multilateral initiatives.

Currently, she serves as Education & Impact Director at JA Americas, where she oversees regional projects, ensuring their alignment with high-quality educational standards and innovation across 26 countries. Previously, she was Director of Operations at Junior Achievement Argentina, leading the design and implementation of programs that prepare young people for the future of work. She also worked at the National Ministry of Education, managing citizen participation initiatives, and at organizations such as Vivienda Digna and Fundación La Nación, where she strengthened institutional communication and resource development.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Buenos Aires and a Postgraduate Specialization in Nonprofit Management from the University of San AndrĂ©s. Additionally, she has completed executive training in leadership and team management at IAE Business School. Fluent in English and Italian, she has authored publications on social impact and education.

Itatí is a truth seeker. She is married to Andrés and the proud mother of two extraordinary daughters. She finds joy in traveling the world, especially to places where she can reconnect with friends, and treasures the moments of sharing life with them. A natural risk-taker, she firmly believes that challenges are opportunities, and the best is yet to come.

Inspirational quote: 

“When I was 15, I dreamed of becoming a doctor in the mountains. Later, I started studying social work—and still wished I could study engineering. Along the way, I discovered what it truly means to change the world.”

MarĂ­a Paz Garrido Deuster

Youthwise member | International Program Researcher at IdeaPaĂ­s
Youthwise (OECD)

Maria Paz is a Chilean political scientist with a Master’s in International Studies and works as a researcher at a think tank dedicated to strengthening responsible public policies and empowering youth leadership. As a member of the 2025–2027 OECD Youthwise cohort, she advocates for amplifying Latin American youth voices in global policy discussions and promotes skill development as a pathway to social cohesion and democratic renewal.

Inspirational quote: 

“I first felt the desire to make an impact during a Model United Nations conference during my senior year of High School. There I realized that international processes require not only knowledge, but also vision, strategy, and leadership. It was then that I understood that I wanted to contribute to building solutions that connect interests and cultures.”

MatĂ­as Laurenz

Co-founder of Civic House
Fonselp.org

MatĂ­as Laurenz is the founder of Fonsep.org and the co-founder of Civic House. Over the course of his career, he has developed numerous initiatives that connect companies with social and environmental causes, combining technology, sustainability, and strategic alliances in Latin America. He holds an MBA from the IAE Business School and has received awards for his innovative approach to volunteering and social impact.

Inspirational quote: 

“When I realized that there were thousands of organizations solving social problems without access to the digital tools of the business world, I understood that my goal was to build the missing bridges.”

Natalia Bayona

Executive Director
UN Tourism

Natalia Bayona is the Executive Director of UN Tourism — the first person under 40 to ever lead the organization. Recognized globally for her visionary leadership, she has been named among the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Colombia, 75 Most Influential Latin American Women in Spain, and one of Forbes’ 50 Latin American Leaders to Follow (2024–2025). She also features in Bloomberg’s list of the 500 Most Influential Latin Americans and is part of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders (2024).

With a strong background in innovation and sustainable development, Natalia built UN Tourism’s Innovation, Education and Investments Department from the ground up. Under her leadership, the organization has launched over 20 global startup competitions, national challenges, and innovation forums — transforming tourism into a driver of economic growth and opportunity.

She holds an Executive MBA from IE Business School and a Bachelor’s in Government and International Relations from Universidad Externado de Colombia. She is also a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Leadership Program and an Eisenhower Fellow, recognized for her commitment to building a fairer and more prosperous world through tourism.

Rafael Achondo

Co-founder and CEO of matteria
matteria

Co-Founder and CEO of matteria, a talent consulting firm focused on connecting purpose-driven leadership with impactful organizations. He is also the Co-Founder and former CEO of TECHO U.S., the United States branch of the Latin American social organization TECHO. Rafael currently serves on the Board of TECHO Colombia and is a member of the BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network.

Inspirational quote: 

“People I met along the way showed me that anyone — with the right attitude and conviction — can create meaningful, positive change in their environment, and from there, in their community, their city, their country, and the world.”

Roberto Rabouin

Expert in Leadership and Managerial Skills – International Faculty, ADEN Business School
ADEN Business School

Roberto Rabouin is an international leadership expert and executive coach from Argentina. He currently serves as Faculty at ADEN Business School and has over two decades of experience working with leaders and organizations across Latin America and Europe.

He holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Jaén, Spain, and has served as General Manager of Banco de Mendoza and CEO of Infonova Consulting. He is the author of several books on leadership and management and is a certified coach with the Association for Coaching (UK).

Inspirational quote: 

“My professional approach changed the day I realized that a person’s work is not about what they do, but about the impact they create in the lives of others through what they do.”

Sebastian Ferrari

ICC Network Lead for Agri-Food
ICC

Sebastian Ferrari is the Global Network Lead for the Agri-Food Initiative at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), based in Paris. He coordinates a global network of national committees and private sector partners promoting sustainable trade, food systems transformation, and innovation across more than 30 active countries. He also supports ICC Americas,  ICC Argentina, and the Argentine Chamber of Commerce (CAC) in strengthening their international agenda. As an economist, he is a part time university professor and researcher at the National Research Council of Italy.

Inspirational quote: 

“I noticed in my first work experience that real impact is achieved through consistency, by setting the example, nurturing trust, and keeping high standards while constantly improving and adapting in a world that never stops changing.”

Shenella Govia

2025 JCI Executive Vice President for America
JCI (Junior Chamber International)

Shenella Govia is the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries and serves as Leader of Government Business in the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda. She is a passionate advocate for youth development and public service.

Her JCI journey began in 2015 as Local President of JCI Antigua, later becoming President of JCI West Indies, and serving in various international roles including JCI Vice President, Chair of Strategic Planning, and currently, the first female Executive Vice President from the West Indies. She is a JCI Senator, graduate of the American Leadership Academy and the JCI Academy, and has been recognized as JCI’s Most Outstanding Member.

A skilled trainer, speaker, and lifelong leader, Shenella believes in service as a path to meaningful impact.

Inspirational quote: 

“My professional approach changed the day I realized that a person’s work is not about what they do, but about the impact they create in the lives of others through what they do.”

Virginia GarcĂ­a AragĂłn

Country Manager for Mexico at DoGood People
DoGood People

Virginia GarcĂ­a AragĂłn is a sustainability specialist and social entrepreneur currently serving as Country Manager for Mexico at DoGood People.

Born in Madrid in 1999, she holds a degree in Business Administration and International Relations from IE University. She began her career as a Credit Trader in Investment Banking at Banco Santander, where she built a strong strategic mindset and a global network in the financial sector.

Driven by her passion for impact and sustainability, Virginia joined DoGood People, an ESG acceleration platform, and later founded DoGood Mexico in 2023. Her mission is to help Latin American companies integrate sustainable practices and align with international standards.

Combining expertise in finance and international business with a deep commitment to social change, Virginia is dedicated to promoting a business model that delivers economic, social, and environmental value.

Inspirational quote: 

“I became obsessed with the importance of creating impact when I realized there’s no profit without people and planet.”

English

English