Executive Committee
Dr Erin Watson
Co Founder & Chair
Erin is Chair and Co-Founder of the Australia Latam Emerging Leaders Dialogue, which she established with Borja Martel Seward in 2018, after travelling to G20 and APEC meetings in Argentina and Chile. Erin is a public affairs consultant who provides strategic counsel in public policy and international relations to clients from local government to the New York Stock Exchange. She is a Sky News Contributor in Australia and writes regularly on emerging economic and foreign policy developments in the Indo-Pacific. In 2021, Erin was appointed by Australia’s Foreign Minister to Council on Australia and Latin America Relations board of directors at DFAT. Erin holds a PhD from Monash University and has qualifications in social science and business.
Sam Bissett
Chief Executive Officer
Sam is an Advisor at Austrade, where he facilitates offtake and investment for Australian critical minerals companies. With a background in agribusiness, international education, and European investment, Sam brings a wealth of diverse experience to his role. Motivated by a passion for strengthening Australia’s ties with Latin America, Sam embarked on his volunteering journey with ALELD in 2021. Starting as a Latam Link Contributor, he took over as Director of Publications in 2022, and eventually assumed the helm as CEO in 2023, driving impactful initiatives and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. Sam holds a Bachelor of Global Studies and Diploma of Languages from Monash University, where he served as the Vice President of Oxfam at Monash and was the recipient of several scholarships including the Walter Mangold Trust. Outside of 9-5 work, Sam juggles a passion for singing, with continuing his German and Spanish studies, and sharing his love of Melbourne leading walking tours of the city.
Carmen Holman
Director of Communications
Carmen is a Melbourne-based communications professional with experience across the non-profit and humanitarian sector. Carmen's love for Latin America was ignited for the first time in 2014 when she travelled to Central America on a backpacking trip. Two years later, she found herself relocating to Guatemala to volunteer and work with non-profit organisations and learn Spanish. After returning to Melbourne in 2021, she continues to refine her Spanish skills in her spare time (mostly by watching Bob Esponja) and is committed to helping build relations between her home country and Latin America. Carmen holds a Bachelor of Communication (Media) from RMIT University and a Masters of Documentary from Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.
Jonathan Corbett
Director of Operations
Jon brings a decade of commercial banking and portfolio management at ANZ and two years’ Commonwealth Government experience to the role, having lived in Canberra, Sydney and now back in Melbourne over that time. He’s currently working in the private finance space with Aquamore. During a career break, he had set up his own business focused on event management, public speaking and podcast production; he also has NFP experience having lead the Monash Marketing Students Society whilst at university. Fluent in French already, Jon has commenced learning Spanish and is generally fascinated by Latin American culture; he also spent time working in hospitality with a number of South American expatriates as colleagues and friends, and has seen their passion first-hand. He believes the region has a huge opportunity to develop over the next 25 years and wants to help Australia contribute to – and share in – that growth.
Matilda Gall
Director of Events
Matilda is a dynamic professional with a passion for travel, learning new concepts, and engaging in lively debates and discussions with her peers. She holds a Bachelor of International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in international relations, both from Deakin University. Her first-class honours project delved into the development narratives of three South American nations, offering insights into the intricate interplay of social, economic, and political factors shaping their relationships with the IMF. During her university years, Matilda developed a deep fascination with Latin America, prompting her to pursue a Diploma of Spanish. Keen on honing her language skills, she spent five months in 2022 living and working as an English Teacher's Assistant in southern Spain. Matilda looks forwards to combining her interests in Latin America and international relations as the Director of Events. She hopes to connect with likeminded individuals, educate others and strengthen Australia-LATAM relations.
Mariana Marcano Director of Diplomacy
Mariana is passionate about empowering individuals and organisations to unlock their full potential and achieve greater fulfilment and productivity in the workplace. Her approach centres around active listening and transformational coaching, guiding professionals through their journeys. She equips them with effective strategies and tools to navigate challenges, foster team cohesion, and embrace change. As a dedicated advisor and mentor, Mariana offers invaluable insights into people and change management, leadership development, and strategic planning. Her energetic and vibrant style inspires others to become better leaders, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Whether coaching individuals, facilitating business strategy workshops, or delivering sessions on effective communication, Mariana is committed to helping people and teams thrive in today’s dynamic work environment.
Dominic de Moura McCarthy
Director of Partnerships
Dominic has a passion for international business, diplomacy and cross-cultural collaboration. He has previously completed a policy fellowship with Global Voices, and has studied, worked and volunteered in Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America, including living in Brazil. Through his role at ALELD since 2020, Dominic has represented the organisation in Canberra, Paris and Brasília at various meetings. This includes as a Master of Ceremonies for the OECD's Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) 'Youth side of productivity' webinar, as well as attending the OECD LAC's 4th Ministerial Summit in Brazil as a youth representative. He currently works in partnerships and student mobility within the international education sector, whilst volunteering as the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of the Pacific-Australia Youth Association Inc. Dominic holds a Bachelor of Business (Management) with Distinction, a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management and a Certificate II in Tourism. He speaks English, French and Portuguese.