DONAR AQUÍ

Nos enorgullece presentar a la Clase 17,

los nuevos líderes de la Central
America Leadership Initiative

Conoce a nuestros nuevos Fellows

Carolina Hidalgo

CAROLINA HIDALGO HERRERA

Abogada

ConversABLE

San José, Costa Rica

BÍO
Raquel Moya

RAQUEL MOYA

Socia y Fundadora

Legal she

San José, Costa Rica

BÍO

MAURICIO ARTIÑANO GUZMAN

Coordinador Nacional, Pacto Ético para las Elecciones Municipales 2024

Costa Rica Íntegra

San José, Costa Rica

BÍO

CRISTIÁN ROBERTS CASTRO

Fundador y Socio Director

PRIME / CREO Capital

San José, Costa Rica

BÍO

KARLA SEGOVIA

Directora Ejecutiva

Fundación Salvadoreña para La Salud y el Desarrollo Humano

San Salvador, El Salvador

BÍO

KATHARINA JASPERSEN

CEO

Grupo ADEBIEN

San Salvador, El Salvador

BÍO

SANTIAGO IMBERTON

Vicepresidente Ejecutivo

C.Imberton

San Salvador, El Salvador

BÍO

GABRIEL GUTIÉRREZ GALLARDO

CEO y Fundador

Cubo

San Salvador, El Salvador

BÍO

GUILLERMO MEDINA

CFO y CIO

Pantaleón

Guatemala, Guatemala

BÍO

RUTILA AJANEL IXTABALÁN

International Labor Ambassador

USAID-GSS.

Guatemala, Guatemala

BÍO

EDUARDO SOLARES

Presidente

Agroindustrias Successo / Novigo Natura

Guatemala, Guatemala

BÍO

MARIA JOSÉ MORALES

CEO y Co-Fundadora

Querido Arte, Centro para las Artes, Talento

Guatemala, Guatemala

BÍO

MARIANA LUNA PRATS

Gerente General

Tecnología y Desarrollo Ambiental

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

BÍO

CARLOS GEOVANY CALIX GOMEZ

Socio

Macrodato

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

BÍO

MARCO ANTONIO MIDENCE MILLA

Diputado

Congreso Nacional

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

BÍO

JUAN PABLO HANDAL GONZALEZ

Fundador

Fundación Santa Lucia

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

BÍO

GINNETTE GOTTI

Co-Fundadora

Dos G Arquitectos

Panamá, Panamá

BÍO

GABRIEL SILVA

Diputado

Asamblea Nacional de Panamá

Panamá, Panamá

BÍO

WILFORD LAMASTUS

Presidente

Lamastus Family Estates – Sisu Coffee Studio

Panamá, Panamá

BÍO

JOSE RAMÓN ICAZA CLÉMENT

Gerente General

Proyectos Mar Azul

Panamá, Panamá

BÍO
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Carolina Hidalgo

Carolina Hidalgo

Carolina Hidalgo is former President of the National Congress of Costa Rica, governance and solutions building expert with more than 12 years of experience in leadership positions at an institutional and political level, both nationally and internationally, being the third woman and the youngest to preside over the Costa Rican National Congress; focused on social conflict studies and alternative resolution from the culture of peace and human rights perspective. Carolina has a broad understanding of social-political contexts, and a proven ability to visualize opportunities from a global perspective and build alliances with strategic actors to develop innovative solutions and advocacy strategies on issues such as State reforms for agility and transparency, human rights, feminist objectives, mobility, and sustainable development. Carolina is a Fellow of the 17th class of the Central America Fellowship Program and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Raquel Moya

Raquel Moya

Raquel Moya is a Costa Rican lawyer and the founding partner of Legal She, a law firm that actively promotes female leadership and inclusion in the national and international legal market. With over 15 years of experience, Raquel previously worked as an attorney at one of Costa Rica’s top real estate law firms, where she advanced to a partnership role, advising high-profile clients both local and international. In 2020, after embracing motherhood, Raquel’s heightened awareness of the challenges and shortcomings in high-performance cultures led her to establish a new company committed to gender equality and guided by female leadership principles. This career shift also rekindled her passion for philanthropy, leading her to join the Board of Directors at Amigos of Costa Rica, a non-profit organization focused on empowering Costa Rican communities by connecting them with global resources. Raquel’s dedication to making a positive impact through her work, along with her belief in the transformative power of education is deeply ingrained in her character. Raquel is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

MAURICIO ARTIÑANO GUZMAN

Mauricio Artiñano is a foreign affairs and diplomacy expert currently focused on issues related to strengthening democracy, civic dialogue and global governance. Working with Costa Rica Integra –the local chapter of Transparency International  – Mauricio recently coordinated a youth-led initiative to draft an ethical pact signed by 53 Costa Rican political parties. He is also Senior Advisor at Project Starling, a think and do tank that fosters collective action to improve global governance institutions. Mauricio had a distinguished career with United Nations peace operations in South Sudan, Somalia and Colombia, where he spent over six years supporting the verification of the Final Peace Agreement between the Colombian State and the former FARC-EP guerrilla group, including as senior advisor to two Special Representatives of the UN Secretary-General. From 2008-2009, Mauricio was Minister Counsellor for Costa Rica on the UN Security Council and was appointed the youngest Political Coordinator in Security Council history. Mauricio also has an ample background in corporate social responsibility and public-private partnerships through his work with the Alliance of Businesses for Development (AED) in Costa Rica. Mauricio has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Tufts University and a master’s in public affairs from the Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs. He is also an HIV/AIDS activist since being diagnosed with the virus in 2015, co-founding HIV awareness campaigns in Colombia and Costa Rica. Mauricio is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central American Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Cristian Roberts

Cristian Roberts is the founder and president of Prime and the managing partner at CREO Capital, two prominent real estate advisory and real estate private equity firms in northern Latin America. Prior to founding Prime and CREO Capital, Cristian worked for Mesoamerica (a leading Latin American fund management and advisory firm) and Pacheco Coto (now EY Law). Cristian is a focused real estate player with a deep passion for the industry, the Latin American region, and its people. He is driven by a strong belief that a more sophisticated and profound real estate capital market, net positive real estate, and the strategic monetization of natural capital can create a more evenly distributed economy and bring significant growth to its people. Cristian serves as an external board member (director) at Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnologia (ULACIT), Grupo America, and Interbus. He also contributes to and is a member of the Latin American Business Council (CEAL), where he was president of the Costa Rica chapter from 2015 through 2021, the Urban Land Institute, and Jovenes por Costa Rica. Cristian earned a Bachelor of Arts in Law from the University of La Salle, where he was also president of the law school’s student council. He lives in San Jose, Costa Rica, is married, and has three young children. Cristian is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Karla Segovia

Karla Segovia is a development professional with 20 years of experience in social project design and nonprofit management. Since 2019, Karla has been the executive director of FUSAL, a leading Salvadoran nonprofit under the social division of Grupo Poma, founded in 1986 to support El Salvador’s most vulnerable communities. Under her leadership, FUSAL became the private foundation with the highest economic contribution during the pandemic, provides crucial support to rural communities, and reaches annually over 130,000 Salvadorans. Karla has a deep understanding of the country’s needs, collaborating effectively with development and private sector organizations to implement high-impact projects in education, early childhood, humanitarian aid, and sustainable community development. Her aim is to lead FUSAL to be a regional benchmark on innovative and scalable solutions to benefit the most vulnerable communities. Committed to social impact, in 2012 Karla was profiled as a founding member of the Global Shapers San Salvador hub, and in 2015 was invited to join the Women’s Forum Rising Talent Network. Prior to working in FUSAL, Karla worked with USAID in El Salvador and USAID funded projects. She also has experience working in the government and multilateral organizations. Karla earned her bachelor’s degree in business and economics from the Escuela Superior de Economia y Negocios (ESEN) in El Salvador and holds an MBA and a Postgraduate in Public Policy. Karla is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Katharina Jaspersen

Katharina Jaspersen has been the CEO of her family’s multi-generational company, ADEBIEN, since 2017. The company primarily focuses on commercial and residential real estate development. She is leading a 204-hectare mixed-use real estate project in Antiguo Cuscatlan, El Salvador, which aims to transform urban living by prioritizing walkability and green spaces, including the creation of a 31-hectare ecological park in the middle of the city. Katharina joined her family’s Board of Directors in 2011, while the company maintained a longstanding presence in both the coffee and real estate industries. Before assuming her current role Katharina spent part of her career in the hospitality sector which took her across various countries, including El Salvador, Australia, China, Switzerland, Denmark, and Germany. She held positions in esteemed hotel groups such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, Nanhai Hotel Group, and ARP-Hansen Group. She also worked at Benecke Coffee GmbH & Co., a renowned coffee trading company in Hamburg, Germany.
She achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality and Human Resource Management with summa cum laude honors from Glion Institute of Higher Education in Montreux, Switzerland, in 2011 and completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology in 2017. Katharina is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Santiago Imberton

Santiago Imberton currently serves as the Executive VP of Grupo Imberton, a Salvadoran conglomerate involved in manufacturing and distribution for the healthcare and consumer goods sectors in Central America. Before this role, Santiago had different assignments within the group, starting in 2012 as brand manager for Pringles, transitioning to marketing manager for their consumer goods division, and finally as Executive Director of RODIM, a pharmaceutical company that manufactures more than 50 brands and exports to Central America. Prior to joining Grupo Imberton, Santiago worked for EY on their M&A team and for Millicom as a financial analyst. With a passion of building better businesses for society, Santiago currently serves on the board of directors of Banco Azul and the Bolsa de Valores de El Salvador. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political economy from Princeton University and is a graduate of the Executive Program in Leadership and Innovation from Stanford University. Santiago is married to Valeria, lives in San Salvador, and is a proud father of three: Santiago, Alejandro and Isabel. Santiago is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Gabriel Gutierrez Gallardo

Gabriel Gutierrez is the co-founder and CEO of Cubo, a Salvadoran startup dedicated to empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs to accept card payments and digitize their operations across Central America. Since its inception in 2021, Cubo has raised over $5 million in investments from venture capital funds and business groups in the region. It notably stands as the first fintech company in Central America to receive funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Prior to founding Cubo, Gabriel held several leadership positions at Uber in Latin America, including General Manager for Panama and the Caribbean. His professional journey also includes experience in consulting at Bain & Company in Paris. After living abroad for 14 years in France, the US, Mexico, and Panama, Gabriel returned to El Salvador with a mission to foster regional economic development through technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in finance from Sciences Po Paris in France. Gabriel is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Rutila Ajanel Ixtabalan

Rutila Ajanel, currently serving as the International Labor Ambassador for the United States Agency for International Development in Guatemala, has a distinguished career dedicated to social development and advocacy. Previously, as Vice Minister of Social Protection at the Ministry of Social Development of Guatemala, her leadership was instrumental in promoting the National System of Social Protection, fostering policies that significantly improved the quality of life for vulnerable communities. With extensive experience at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other institutions, she has advised on cooperation issues for social development across Central America and the Caribbean. Rutila’s managerial roles at Maya Kotz’ij, a leading Guatemalan rose producer and exporter, and Xanil, a social enterprise championing Mayan textile art, have not only generated employment opportunities but also showcased her commitment to community empowerment. Recognized for her leadership, she participated in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) by the U.S. State Department, following an internship at the Organization of American States sponsored by Vital Voices Guatemala. Her intellectual contributions, notably in the book «Repensar Guatemala» published by UNESCO and Universidad Rafael Landivar (URL), underscore her dedication to critical analysis, while her advocacy for gender and development issues is highlighted by her feature in Vogue Brazil. Proud of her Maya K’iche’ heritage from La Esperanza, Quetzaltenango, Rutila holds degrees in Political Science from URL, alongside a Master’s in Development and a postgraduate degree in Public Policy from the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala. Throughout her career, she remains steadfast in her commitment to advancing human and sustainable development, making a positive impact on the communities she serves. Rutila is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Eduardo Solares

Eduardo Solares, president of Agroindustrias Successo, S.A., a biotechnology company that produces, formulates, and commercializes agricultural microbiological products, currently serves on the board of directors of AGREQUIMA, the Association of the Agricultural Chemical Guild. In 2022, he founded Diversibananas, S.A., a social enterprise aimed at reintroducing an extinct variety of bananas to the global market, while simultaneously bolstering the income of Guatemalan coffee growers, reducing poverty, and stemming illegal immigration to the USA by providing job opportunities. Eduardo joined the National Commission of Organic Agriculture and AGEXPORT’s Committee of Agricultural Suppliers in 2021, assuming the presidency of both committees. In 2020, he established Novigo Natura, a group aimed at integrating all his companies under one umbrella. In 2019, he spearheaded the exportation of the first agricultural microbiologicals from Guatemala to the United States. Additionally, he founded Polartika, a cold storage facility, in 2014, and Nutrigreen, a company specializing in agricultural solutions for ethological control, in 2009. Eduardo is passionate about mentoring students and young entrepreneurs, regularly participating in programs like the Entrepreneurial Mentoring Service, a collaborative project between Universidad del Valle and MIT University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Universidad Francisco Marroquin. Currently, Eduardo is completing his aviation school training to become a pilot. He is also a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Maria Jose Morales

Maria Jose Morales is a Guatemalan opera singer, cultural entrepreneur, and producer. Her soprano roles include La Bohème, Rigoletto, Elixir of Love, and Mozart’s Requiem. Notably, she debuted at Carnegie Hall with Tamara Radjenovic and performed in Maestro Placido Domingo’s concert in Guatemala City in 2018. She has also performed internationally in Spain, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Argentina. Maria founded Querido Arte Opera de Guatemala, the country’s first private opera company, serving as CEO and general producer. She also founded the Centro de Perfeccionamiento para las Artes, which offers youth orchestral, chorus, and children’s training programs, and co-founded Talento, a non-profit supporting young emerging talents and accessible music education. Her accolades include being named one of the Top 100 Powerful Women in Central America by Forbes Centroamerica (2024) and one of the Top 100 Prominent Women in Guatemala by Summa’s MJ Magazine (2019). She received the ‘Mujer Artífice del Cambio’ award by CAMPI, TEAM AVON 2020, and has spoken at TEDx Zamorano and with a performance-speech in TEDxGuatemalaCity. Maria has been honored with the Emerging Artist and Artist of the Year Medals by Dante Alighieri and Artist of the Year Association. She is a Fellow of the OA’s Global Leaders Institute for Arts Innovation (2019), INCAE’s LEADS ACADEMY, and EMPRO PROGRAM (2024). She holds a BA in Graphic Design, magna cum laude, from Universidad del Istmo. Maria Jose is a Fellow of the seventeenthclass of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Mariana Luna Prats

Mariana Luna Prats is president and general manager of Tecnologia y Desarrollo Ambiental (TECDEA), an environmental, climate change and social consulting firm focused on advising financial institutions, and renewable energy and infrastructure projects in the Central American and Caribbean region. Her main area of expertise relates to the implementation of international environmental and social safeguards for banks, investment funds and multilateral development banks and other financial institutions for an appropriate environmental and social risk management. Additionally, TECDEA supervises and executes environmental and social management of hydroelectric, wind and solar energy and infrastructure projects and their relationships with governments, communities, the environment, and other key stakeholders under the International Finance Corporation’s Environmental and Social Performance Standard. Prior to establishing TECDEA, from 2003 to 2010 Mariana led the development of the environmental and social department in the region for the renewable energy division of Grupo Terra. She is currently a board member of PedraClau a regional infrastructure development group and has been board member at the Honduran Association of Electric Energy Producers, National Association of Industrialists regional chapter, Gender Committee, Honduran Council of Private Enterprise, and Human Rights Committee, National Association of Industrialists.Mariana earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from the Universidad Catolica de Honduras. She lives in Tegucigalpa, Honduras with her husband and two daughters. Mariana is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Carlos Geovany Calix Gomez

Carlos G. Calix, is founder and CEO of Macrodato S. de R. L., a firm specialized in market research, macroeconomic and geopolitical consulting. Carlos is also a partner of Grupo Lix S. de R. L., a company dedicated to quality editorial and educational development. Between 2008 and 2023 Carlos was a university professor in both Honduras and Argentina. In 2022, Carlos retired from the board and general management of Credisol OPDF, a microfinance company that supported more than 17 thousand low-income families for 10 years. Carlos’ professional practice has focused on business and government management.  He was awarded as an entrepreneur with growth potential by COHEP and as one of the ten most outstanding young people in Honduras through the TOYP Awards. He has published multiple specialized articles and 13 books. Previously, he specialized in integral human development at CELADIC, Panama, in fintech and digital banking at AFI, Spain, as well as in entrepreneurship and innovation at EAN, Colombia. After graduating with a PhD in administrative sciences summa cum laude from the Universidad Catolica de Honduras, he obtained a scholarship from the OAS to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at CONICET-Argentina. Carlos is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Marco Antonio Midence Milla

Marco Antonio Midence Milla is currently serving as congressman for the National Honduran Congress from 2022-2026 and has held numerous pivotal roles in Honduran public service. He was previously the minister of finance from 2020-2021, spearheading the nation’s fiscal policy and economic recovery strategy. Before this, Marco was the minister in charge of presidential priorities and public innovation, focusing on public policy coordination, communication strategies, and fostering a Digital Government ecosystem. From 2014 to 2017, he championed the National Digital Agenda as commissioner of the National Commission of Telecommunications of Honduras. In 2010, at age 25, he became Honduras’ youngest minister as the minister of youth, establishing the National Youth Policy, National Youth Employment Plan, and the first National Scholarship Program. Marco holds an MPA from Harvard, an MBA from INCAE, an LLM with honors from INIDEM, and a law degree with honors from the Catholic University of Honduras. Recognized by the Honduran Supreme Court of Justice, he is also an authorized notary public. Marco is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Juan Pablo Handal Gonzalez

Juan Pablo Handal has been the medical and surgical director of Hospital, Clinica y Optica Santa Lucia since 2020. Founded in 1983, Hospital Santa Lucia is the largest private ophthalmology practice in Honduras. Under Juan Pablo’s supervision, the hospital achieved ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care) certification in August 2023, becoming the third eye clinic in Latin America to do so. In 2021, he received the American Academy of Ophthalmology International Education Award, a recognition achieved by only eight other ophthalmologists outside the US. In July 2018, recognizing the lack of funding and support for public hospitals, Juan Pablo reactivated the Santa Lucia Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing eye care to the most vulnerable populations in Honduras. The foundation has served over 32,000 patients, performed more than 8,700 surgeries and procedures, and conducted over 6,000 diagnostic and imaging tests. Believing in equal access to specialized healthcare, Juan Pablo ensures the foundation offers the same quality care as his private practice at a quarter of the cost, making it a self-sustainable non-profit. Juan Pablo earned his medical degree at UNAH (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras) and completed his ophthalmology training at the world-renowned Barraquer Institute in Bogotá, Colombia. He also completed a fellowship in cornea, cataract, refractive surgery, and ocular surface at Eye Consultants of Atlanta, USA, and an advanced cataract surgery fellowship at COFCA, Clinica Oftalmologica del Caribe in Barranquilla, Colombia. He is a devoted husband of 15 years and father to a 13-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old daughter. Juan Pablo is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Ginnette Gotti

Ginnette Gotti is co-founder and director of the Panama-based architecture studio dos G arquitectos, established in 2010. She is a member of the development committee of Casa Santa Ana, a non-profit organization that connects people through contemporary art, seeking to understand current contexts and build a stronger and more inclusive community. She is a recurring visiting professor at Isthmus School of Architecture and Design of Latin America and the Caribbean, where she leads courses in Project Design, Ephemeral Architecture, and Design Management. In 2024, she co-directed the 15th International Congress of Architects of Panama by the Panamanian Society of Engineers and Architects (SPIA), marking the first time since 1977 that the Congress has been directed by women. For this edition, the congress was redesigned into a festival, Transversal, celebrating architecture and design through a series of experiences in different formats. Ginnette earned her bachelor’s degree in structural architecture, graduating summa cum laude, from the Catholic University Santa Maria la Antigua (USMA) in Panama. She completed postgraduate studies in architecture and design at ELISAVA – Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona and earned a master’s degree in architectural design from the Polytechnic University of Barcelona (UPC). Ginnette is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Gabriel Silva

Gabriel Silva is a Panamanian politician and lawyer currently serving as a Congressman of Panama. As one of the youngest, most voted, and most productive (based on approved laws) members of Congress, he has focused on fighting corruption, educational reform, economic development, and promoting science and technology. In Congress, Gabriel has served as leader of the Independent Caucus and president of several subcommittees. He is the author of Panama’s Sexual Education Law, Mental Health Law, Conflict of Interest Law, Creative Economy Law and several others. Gabriel is also one of the founders and leaders of VAMOS, a national movement that has trained hundreds of independent candidates in evidence-based public policy making and leadership and prepares and supports them in their political campaigns. He is also de co-founder of Teach for Panama (a branch of Teach for America), United Youth For Dialogue, and other organizations and NGOs that focus on education and youth empowerment. Gabriel has worked in the private, public, nonprofit and academic sector and regularly writes on public policy and science and technology for national and international newspapers and magazines. Gabriel is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Wilford Lamastus

Wilford Lamastus Jr. leads Lamastus Family Estates, a Panama-based company specializing in specialty coffee production, distribution, and sales. Alongside his wife, Simi Benzadon Sisu, he co-founded Sisu Coffee Studio in 2022, a venture aimed at providing a premium coffee experience with a focus on Panama’s finest blends, currently expanding to its third location. Actively engaged in business leadership, Wilford is a member of Renaissance Executive Forums and EO Panama Chapter, where he also serves on the board. Additionally, he holds a directorship at the Specialty Coffee Association, carrying forward his father’s legacy. Wilford’s journey into the industry began in 2012, initially assuming minor roles within Lamastus Family Estates, before gradually shouldering more responsibility during his father’s illness, thus contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and market presence. Prior to joining the family business, Wilford honed his skills in sales and marketing at Remax Grande while pursuing studies at Quality Leadership University. As a Fellow of the 17th class of the Central America Fellowship Program and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, Wilford exemplifies dedication to leadership and excellence in the coffee industry.

Jose Ramón Icaza Clément

Jose Ramón Icaza Clément has been appointed as the Minister of the Panama Canal and Secretary of Goals for the 2024-2029 period. Jose is the owner and general manager of Proyectos Mar Azul, S.A., a leading company in Project Management and Construction Inspection.  Previously, he served as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) during the 2021-2022 period. Jose is an active member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors of this business union. With over 20 years of experience in the administration of residential, hotel, beach resorts, commercial, and infrastructure construction projects, Jose has been an outstanding partner in real estate ventures. In addition to his work at the CCIAP, he has held various important positions: Business Council of the Alliance for Development in Democracy: Panama, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Ecuador, Gana Panamá, Panama Quality of Life Observatory. Jose graduated as a Civil Engineer from the Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua in Panama. He furthered his education with an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a master’s in business administration with an emphasis in Finance from ULACIT. This combination of technical knowledge and business and financial skills has allowed him to excel professionally. His strategic leadership and project management abilities have been crucial to the success of numerous initiatives. Jose is a seasoned professional in project management and a significant figure in the business and government sphere. Jose is a Fellow of the seventeenth class of the Central America Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.