Our Volunteers

Diplomacy Officer

Carmela’s roles range from international visits support to social media and event management. With qualifications in Business, Marketing and Communication, Carmela brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to her work. Carmela excels in diverse environments, thriving on the opportunity to collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds. With a passion for meaningful discourse and societal issues, she fosters integrity, inclusivity, and open communication in her professional interactions. Beyond her formal roles, Carmela actively engages in volunteer work, lending her logistical and marketing expertise to support cultural events. Driven by her genuine commitment to building connections.

Diplomacy Officer

Andrea brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to her role as a Diplomacy Officer. Hailing from Venezuela, she made Australia her home 7 years ago to pursue a master's in Project Management, and has since accumulated over 5 years of hands-on experience as a Project Manager. Her expertise spans project planning, implementation, support, issue and risk management, stakeholder engagement, resource planning, monitoring, and research and analysis. Beyond her professional endeavours, Andrea is deeply passionate about connecting with people globally and is committed to fostering stronger ties between Australia and Latin America. Her dedication to the community extends to her volunteer work back in Venezuela, where she empowered children in disadvantaged communities through educational support and technology. With a strong foundation in project management and a heart for social impact, Andrea is poised to make meaningful contributions to diplomacy and international relations.

Partnerships Officer

Joey has a passion for international development and relations, especially in the public policy space. She recently graduated with her Master of International Development at the University of Western Australia in December 2023. She is currently the company secretary for the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP) which aims to build stronger ties between ASEAN and Australia through the engagement of youths in the field of ASEAN-Australia affairs. Having completed Western Australia's Parliamentary Program in 2023 and Co-founded Young Women Against Sexual Violence in 2021, her interests and skills align with the not-for-profit space by creating a safe space for communities locally and internationally - particularly those disadvantaged.

Partnerships Officer

Lena is a dedicated advocate with a strong commitment to fostering cross-cultural collaboration, youth empowerment, and social change. Currently, in her final year of high school, she combines her deep-rooted passion with extensive experience, making her an ideal fit for the role of Partnership Officer for the Australian Latin and Latin America Emerging Leaders Dialogue. As an international peace ambassador, Lena has represented her community on global platforms, advocating for peace, understanding, and cooperation among diverse cultures and nations. She has also recently been selected as U.S. Consulate and Embassy Youth Advisory Council. Her recent recognition as Youth Citizen of the Year for her contributions to regional communities in Queensland underscores her exceptional leadership and dedication to effecting positive change.

Partnerships Officer

Martina, a passionate woman with a Uruguayan background, serves as a Queensland public servant advisor, driving change within the Reform, Strategy, and Delivery Office at the Department of Resources. Her primary focus lies in the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy, where she navigates the geopolitical landscape to forge partnerships with other nations. Additionally, she works on streamlining mining application processes in Critical Minerals Zones to nurture the critical minerals industry's growth. Martina also plays a crucial role in advancing the department's commitment to healing and reconciliation through initiatives such as the Walk the Talk plan and preparations for the Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry, supporting Queensland's Path to Treaty. Martina's long-term goal is to forge relations between Australia and Latin American nations by fostering strong and honest relationships with key stakeholders.

Partnerships Officer

Marina is an enthusiastic international relations professional and a recent Master of International Relations graduate from the University of Melbourne. Her passion for fostering Latin America and Australian relationship was developed through a Latin America Fellowship with Young Australians in International Affairs, interning at the Peru-Australia Chamber of Commerce and Reporte Social, a Buenos Aires-based sustainability consultancy. Her interest in Latin America was driven by nine months of travel in the region, from Mexico to Colombia to Patagonia, which led to pursue a Diploma in Spanish, and ultimately leading to her living and studying in Madrid over the past two years. Marina looks forward to continuing her engagement with Latin America as Partnership Officer and developing enduring connections between Australia and Latin America.

Partnerships Officer

Grace has diverse background in law, economics, and international relations, currently based in South Australia. Pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and Economics (Advanced) from the University of Adelaide, she possesses both academic foundations coupled with practical experience. As one of the Partnerships Officers, Grace seeks to strengthen relationships and facilitate collaboration between Australia and Latin America. Grace's commitment to global peace is evident through her role as a Global Peace Ambassador, where she actively promotes peace-building endeavors, locally and abroad, demonstrating her dedication to fostering international dialogue and cooperation. Grace is eager to leverage her experiences and networks to work towards a more inclusive and interconnected future for Australia, Latin America, and beyond.

Co Editor in Chief

Jesse is the Co-Editor in Chief for Latam Link. Starting his journey with ALELD in 2021, he has contributed four published articles, conducted two Spanish-language interviews for El Emergente, and represented ALELD at the National Day of Peru 2023. Outside of ALELD, he promotes student mobility in the Indo-Pacific as the current New Colombo Plan Alumni Ambassador for Monash University. He has recently completed an internship at the Australian Institute of International Affairs focusing on delivering the 2024 Taiwan Study Tour. Previously, Jesse has been involved with other youth-led organisations including the Australia China Emerging Leaders Dialogue, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, and the Australia Indonesia Youth Association. Holding a Bachelor of Science and Global Studies, Jesse majored in Ecology and Conservation Biology, Spanish and Latin American Studies, and Indonesian Studies. Additionally, he speaks conversational Mandarin after studying in Kaohsiung, Taiwan for 6-months.

Website Manager - Communications Officer

Johan is the director and co-founder of JV Global Corporation, a company that connects businesses internally and externally through marketing, communications, human resources, and crisis management consultations. He is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. Johan completed his studies with a Master of Communication degree at the University of South Australia. With over seven years of experience promoting products and services across diverse industries, including government, services, and digital solutions, Johan is proficient in creating effective communication plans, ensuring brand consistency, and generating content for various channels. He has demonstrated expertise in media monitoring platforms, organizational and social media communication, and digital marketing using different tools. Johan is a versatile and entrepreneurial professional with a strong PR background, skilled in building positive media relationships, managing crises, and consolidating relationships with stakeholders.

Communications Officer

Laura is Passionate about cultural exploration and global exchange, with a bachelor in International Relations from Konrad Lorenz University in Colombia. With a solid background in customer service within the financial sector, she has cultivated exceptional skills in communication and problem-solving. Over the past two years, she has had the privilege of living in Australia, where she has witnessed the cultural richness and opportunities this country offers. This experience has inspired her to seek professional growth opportunities and contribute to strengthening ties between Latin America and Australia. Her focus is on building strong relationships and promoting mutual understanding between different cultures and communities. She is committed to developing innovative strategies that foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between both continents.

Communications Officer

Karin is a Venezuelan creative thinker, performing artist and graphic designer. With an Architectural Design Diploma and a Bachelor of Communication. Have been working as an independent/remote Graphic Designer for startups and non-profit international organizations. Her strengths are designing logos, branding and creating social media templates. Her experience has given her a skill set teaching her the importance of communication, concept, use of color and passion for what she do. She is also strive to ensure the work is delivered above the standard expectation, with a few laughs on the way. Driven to make a positive contribution and impact through her work. And she always loves to keep learning about her careers, flamenco, other cultures and languages!

Communications Officer

Lachlan is a Melbourne-based international relations professional, passionate about improving Australia’s international engagement across the world. With a Bachelor of Music and a Master of International Relations from the University of Melbourne, Lachlan is interested in the intersection of culture and politics, and how deeper cultural understanding can help us build more meaningful shared policies. After a handful of false starts learning other languages, Spanish was the first language Lachlan fully committed to learning, taking units during his undergraduate degree and travelling Spain and South America to immerse himself in the language and diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Lachlan also works with the Australia Indonesia Youth Association, speaking conversational Indonesian, and writes for the Young Diplomats Society. He enjoys Latin jazz and 90s Argentine rock music.

Communications Officer

Ludmila is part of the Communications Team and writer for ALELD. Passionate about the international economy, international affairs and sustainability, she is doing a Masters on International Relations: Europe - Latin America at the University of Bologna, Italy. Outside of ALELD, she has completed the Keio Short-Term Japanese Studies Program (KJSP) in Tokyo in 2020, an internship in 2021 at CARI (Consejo Argentino de Relaciones Internacionales), took part in the organization of the C40 World Mayors Summit 2022, and worked at Buenos Aires City's investment promotion and trade agency, InvestBA. All of these experiences, in addition to a full command in Spanish, English and Italian, have rendered her an analytical and flexible professional eager to take on new challenges.

Communications Officer

Monica is a dedicated communications professional with a passion to celebrate and promote Latin American culture. As a strategic thinker with over fifteen years of experience developing marketing and communication strategies, she knows the power of storytelling to foster cross-cultural understanding in today's globalized world, prioritizing community and collaboration. Originally from Mexico, Monica is committed to supporting the Latin American community within Australia's multicultural society; knowing that purposeful communication connects people. As a communications advisor, Monica values the power of words, the impact of strategies across diverse media channels and the influence to create change and promote inclusiveness and diversity. She holds a Master in Marketing Communications and a Bachelor in Communication.

Communication Officer

Genesis is a Venezuelan marketing professional, having graduated from the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With 5 years of experience, she has excelled as a Community Manager, Marketing Assistant, and Social Media Manager, collaborating with companies from Mexico, Colombia, Spain, and U.S.A. She is known for her creativity, organization, proactivity, and passion for leadership. Currently, as a Communications Officer at ALELD, she is thrilled to be part of this network of emerging leaders, working together to tackle common challenges and seize strategic cooperation opportunities between Latin America and Australia.

Communications Officer

Martina, originally from Argentina, has a degree in Political Science and International Relations. She worked in local politics at home, she volunteered at various non-for-profit organizations and also has experience in consulting in public affairs and corporate communications. As someone passionate about politics and positive change, will contribute from her experience to strengthening cultural exchange and relations between both regions.

Communications Officer

Dr Jytte Holmqvist holds a PhD in Screen and Media Culture and Literature in Spanish from University of Melbourne (2015), with a thesis that examines the cinema of Ventura Pons and Pedro Almodóvar from an urban, postmodern perspective. She has most recently lectured in film theory and research methodology at HBU-UCLan School of Media, Communication & Creative Industries and has chaired sessions at 4 global conferences. In 2021 she co-presented a paper as part of the virtual congress LASA21: “Crisis Global: Desigualdades y Centralidad de la Vida” and she has since written on the Chilean diaspora for Latin Stories. She holds double Master of Arts degrees in Spanish, is a qualified translator, editor and interpreter, is multilingual and has lived in 6 countries to date. She currently serves as President of the Hispanic Society of Victoria (est.1952 and the longest-standing community organisation in Victoria); an experience that opens up for rewarding networking opportunities and that she finds immensely gratifying.

Co Editor in Chief

Hannah is the Co-Editor in Chief for Latam Link, and is an experienced writer and political staffer with keen interest in Latin American affairs. She completed her Bachelor of International Relations from The University of Adelaide, undertaking a semester at The Pontifical Catholic University in Chile, where she undertook topics in Modern Latin American History and South American Geography. From this experience, she developed a keen interest in the region and seeks to challenge misguided perceptions of the region often displayed in the media. Her interests and specialisations include linguistics, international affairs, and grassroots movements. She also writes for Young Australians in International Affairs as the Latin America Correspondent, shining light on topics often not featured in the Australian news cycle. Her spare time is spent studying Portuguese and reading Latin American fiction and nonfiction to broaden her knowledge of the region.

Operations Officer - Strategy

Miguel is a High School teacher, based in Sydney! Born in Buenos Aires, he moved to Newcastle to complete his degree in Education. Specialised in English and Ancient History, Miguel has taught across a number of regional and metropolitan schools in NSW. Currently, Miguel is studying at Master degree at UNSW in Strategy and Security Studies. Miguel really enjoys the world of Academia, having completed an Honours research at the University of Newcastle, he hopes to continue his academic pathways by contributing to Defence and Strategic Studies. He has a passion for studying and learning new languages, and wishes it will contribute and futher engage in Doctoral studies. Lastly, Miguel enjoys engaging with and contributing to the broader community. He hopes his knowledge and professional experience will help strengthen relationships between Australia and the LATAM community!

Operations Officer - Alumni

Cecilia is an accomplished Public Affairs and Corporate Communications strategist, adept at navigating complex interactions with public officers, high-profile politicians, and executives from top-tier corporates. Her career spans the automotive industry and beyond, significantly contributing as Government Affairs Manager at global giants, like Renault and Toyota. In Australia, she was sponsored in PR and communications, which catalysed her through advocacy and strategic campaigning, paving the way for her to forge a career around her deepest passion. Committed to her work, Ceci excels in crafting cohesive communication strategies, fostering robust stakeholder relationships, ensuring brand consistency, and applying a keen operational perspective. Her knowledge of supply chain management enhances her team leadership towards strategic goals. With degrees in Political Science and Integrated Marketing Communications, she offers unique insights. Currently, she leads as PR & Communications Manager at myDRIVESCHOOL®, a tech start-up, driving education and road safety campaigns across Australia.

Operations Officer - Data

Ana is a Civil Engineer from Colombia, with 4 years of experience who's been living in Australia for 7 years. Currently based in Bathurst, NSW working as the Site Engineer for a Civil Construction company, which gave her the opportunity to expose her skillset in the Australian market. Ana is transitioning in her career from Site Engineer to Project Engineer giving her the exposure to sharpen her hard and soft skills, as well as her leadership skills. She will continue gaining experience on reporting, cost-tracking, budgeting and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. She is very excited to be part of ALELD and aiming to become a key member of the organisation.

Operations Officer

Riley is a Melbourne-based public servant working in project management for the Department of Defence. He has previous experience the container shipping industry working for T.S Lines Australia. Riley has also been an intern with the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), engaging Australian and foreign diplomats to take part in AIIA Victoria’s diplomacy program. Riley holds a Bachelor of Arts (History, Politics and International Studies) and about to complete a Master of International Relations (International Security) at the University of Melbourne. Riley is passionate about fostering stronger Australian-Latam relations, and has a strong interest in international security, diplomacy, intelligence and defence technologies.

Events Officer

Emma is an Australian lawyer working international trade and customs focusing on enhancing trade compliance and optimization across a wide array of industries. Her work includes with LATAM businesses and the utilisation of Free Trade Agreements to ehnace Australia-LATAM trade relations. Emma holds a Law and International Studies degree, specializing in Chinese Studies, from the University of Adelaide. Her academic journey further boasts a completed Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies.

Events Officer

Jacob is deeply passionate about fostering international relations and cultural exchange, particularly between Australia and Latin America. With a solid background in government relations, he is currently the Media and Parliamentary Advisor to the Deputy Chair of the Intelligence Committee, where he plays a pivotal role in managing critical government committees, including the prestigious Australian-US Friendship Group. Jacob's extensive experience in navigating government landscapes and fostering diplomatic ties has equipped him with a unique insight and a robust network of government contacts. Armed with a Bachelor of Communications from Western Sydney University, specialising in Public Relations, Jacob is dedicated to leveraging his expertise to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration between emerging leaders from both regions. His commitment to building enduring partnerships perfectly aligns with the mission of the Australian Latin America Emerging Leaders Dialogue.

Events Officer

Micah is a 3rd year student at the University of Sydney, currently studying a Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies in the Politics and International Relations stream. He is passionate about international relations, particularly in development across the regions of Latin America and the Pacific. His passion for international relations has seen him develop his professional skills through a variety of internships and volunteer opportunities. These experiences have equipped him with the ability to work flexibly in a wide range of roles, and he hopes to continue to foster his skills with ALELD, to help strengthen the relationship between Australia and Latin America.