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.

Chief Executive Officer

Sam is an Adviser at Austrade, where he facilitates foreign direct investment into Australia with a focus on critical minerals and low carbon liquid fuels. 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.

Director of Diplomacy

Mariana, founder of Elevative, is an employee change management and leadership development consultant with over 16 years of experience across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. She has worked with leaders in organisations such as Amazon, BHP Group, Coles, and Commonwealth Bank, as well as Australian Government departments, including Defence, Attorney-General’s, Finance, Social Services, and the Electoral Commission, to drive meaningful transformation. With a master’s in business management and a Level 2 certification in organisational coaching (IECL), Mariana helps leaders and teams navigate complex transitions with clarity and confidence. Her human-centered approach fosters trust, engagement, and long-term success in dynamic environments. Throughout her career, Mariana has been guided by her core values—perseverance, integrity, community, fun, and courage. These principles fuel her work at Elevative, where she combines her expertise and experiences to help leaders and teams achieve their goals while fostering cultures of growth, collaboration, and impact.

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.

Director of Communications

Danis is a communication and public relations specialist with extensive experience in diplomatic missions and the Salvadoran public sector. From 2022 to 2024, he served as Vice Consul Attaché for Diaspora Affairs at the Consulate General of El Salvador in Melbourne, Australia, where he led initiatives to strengthen ties between the Salvadoran diaspora and their homeland through innovative social marketing and community engagement strategies. Previously, he was Head of Communications at the Salvadoran Competition Watchdog, where he developed and implemented communication strategies that increased the institution’s public visibility. His experience also includes roles at the Consumer Rights Watchdog and serving as a communications officer at the Embassies of China (Taiwan), Colombia and Ecuador in El Salvador. With expertise in strategic communication, digital media, and cross-cultural relations, Danis is committed to fostering dialogue and promoting latin american identity globally. He holds advanced degrees in Communication and Digital Humanities.

Director of Operations

Jon brings a decade of commercial banking and portfolio management at ANZ and two years of 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 set up his own business focused on event management, public speaking and podcast production; he also has NFP experience having led 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 several 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.

Director of Events

With a deep passion for social change, Laura Sarmiento is a dedicated professional in advocacy, campaigns, and sustainable development. She has designed and implemented strategies in various humanitarian structures, including UNDP, international NGOs such as Save the Children, and local organizations in Venezuela, influencing key decision-makers, driving systemic change, and empowering communities. Beyond humanitarian work, Laura is an entrepreneur, co-leading a specialty coffee venture in Venezuela’s Andes, committed to environmental sustainability and supporting indigenous women. Her expertise spans policy analysis, organizational coaching, and international trade, with a proven record of mobilizing resources and fostering cross-sector partnerships. Laura’s ability to lead teams, coordinate complex projects, and engage diverse stakeholders seamlessly translates into her role as an Event Director. Her experience in strategic planning, advocacy, and resource mobilization enables her to create impactful events that drive meaningful conversations, foster collaboration, and inspire action.

Director of Publications

Hannah is the Director of Publications at ALELD and oversees the burgeoning Latam Link publications platform. As well as managing and editing Latam Link, she frequently writes pieces on Latin American affairs and culture for a range of platforms, eager to challenge Australia’s perception of Latin America. Hailing from Adelaide, Hannah lived in Chile while completing her Bachelor of International Relations in 2023, and is now based in Melbourne and is a Graduate at Austrade.

Senior 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.

Diplomacy Officer

Geraldine is an accomplished project manager with a proven ability to navigate complex organisational landscapes. As a Diplomacy Officer for ALELD, she is committed to advancing diplomatic initiatives and forging strategic international partnerships that drive meaningful impact. With extensive experience in communication, negotiation, and strategic planning, Geraldine excels at managing high-level relationships and championing ALELD’s mission. She consistently delivers initiatives that align with both organisational and global objectives. Her international perspective, coupled with fluency in multiple languages, allows her to engage effectively with diverse partners across cultural contexts. A first-generation Australian with Chilean heritage, Geraldine is passionate about strengthening diplomatic ties between Latin America and Australia. Her dedication to fostering collaboration, aligning shared goals, and driving positive change across borders highlights her commitment to making a lasting difference in the field of international diplomacy.

Diplomacy Officer

Kami is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at the ANU. She has a strong passion for diplomacy, policy development, and human rights, with a particular focus on Latin America. With a diverse background in volunteer work and professional experience, Kami has been actively involved in initiatives that promote social justice and community empowerment. She co-developed the Expect Respect program at TESSA Inc., an initiative focused on fostering respectful relationships and personal safety for young women. Additionally, she volunteered with Melel Xojobal in Mexico, supporting indigenous children through education and life skills programs. Her professional experience includes managing online business operations and social media for ZEA Hungry Goods, a social impact brand. Kami is fluent in English and Spanish and thrives in multicultural environments, enjoying engagement with diverse communities. Her cross-cultural communication skills enhance her ability to foster dialogue, collaborate internationally, and navigate diplomatic settings, enabling her to build meaningful global connections.

Diplomacy Officer

Riley is an ambitious undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics alongside a Bachelor of International Security Studies. His passion for diplomacy was sparked through his Spanish studies at the Australian National University (ANU), which led him to become an active member of the Latin American Student Society (LASA), where he organises events to promote the region’s culture in Canberra. Riley has shown a strong commitment to the Latin American diplomatic community. He gained invaluable experience through an internship at the Embassy of Paraguay, where he authored a research project analysing the effectiveness of Australian and Paraguayan policies in addressing First Nations education inequality. Additionally, he has contributed to the Embassy of Mexico’s research on the quality of education for Latin American students in Australia. His striving to achieve Spanish proficiency has equipped him to effectively engage with international stakeholders and bring a global perspective to his work.

Diplomacy Officer

Camila Insuasti, born in Ecuador in 2003, is a 21-year-old and holds dual nationality, both Ecuadorian and Australian. Currently in her final year at the University of Canberra, Camila is pursuing a degree in Politics and International Relations along with a bachelor's degree in Business. She had the unique opportunity to study abroad in Sweden for a semester, broadening her global perspective. Camila is the founder of MPOWER, an initiative aimed at empowering and supporting young Latinos in Australia by fostering community connections, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Passionate about bridging the Latino culture with the broader Australian community, she has dedicated much of her life to volunteer work, starting at a young age. Camila's commitment to giving back to the community drives her actions and aspirations for the future.

Partnerships Officer - Corporate

After two years at Barrack Broking—a now thriving insurance brokerage operating in Sydney and Queensland—Harry embarked on a 15-month journey across Latin America, traveling through Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico and Guatemala. During this time, he immersed himself in the Spanish language, built meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds, and gained a deep appreciation for the rich cultures and traditions that define the region. Through his work with ALELD, Harry hopes to give back to the communities that welcomed him by strengthening the relationship between Australia and Latin America. He aims to achieve this by fostering strong relationships with the corporate sector to empower future leaders and entrepreneurs to create a better future for all. Outside of ALELD, Harry enjoys surfing, practicing and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and taking road trips along Australia’s east coast.

Partnerships Officer - Corporate

Passionate about the impact of law on society, Andrea Matus is a Chilean lawyer with a background in the Chilean judiciary. She has long been involved in voluntary settings, gaining extensive experience with the Guides and Scouts Association of Chile, and has always been deeply committed to the positive impact of volunteer work. Although Andrea has been living in Australia for three years, she remains highly engaged with the development of her home country and the broader Latin American region. Her recent research addresses the complexities of incorporating algorithms into justice systems and their ethical implications for both Australia and Chile. She is confident that her future work will influence policies on artificial intelligence in Latin America and Chile. Beyond her professional pursuits, Andrea describes herself as a kind and friendly person, always eager to help. She is steadfast in her commitment to leaving the world better than she found it.

Partnerships Officer - South America

With a background in International Relations and Business Administration, Irlon is a Government Affairs and Public Policy professional with extensive experience in consulting, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement across the Legislative and Executive branches at the federal, state, and municipal levels in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. He has led Public Policy portfolios for companies in the banking and technology sectors, focusing on platforms, content providers, and data centers. Irlon also has significant experience in team management and navigating complex policy challenges. A curious, self-driven, and adaptable professional, he is passionate about connecting ideas and developing impactful Government Relations strategies. Based in Brazil, Irlon has maintained a strong connection with Australia since his early career, when he interned at the Australian Embassy in Brazil. Now, as part of the Partnerships team, he aims to strengthen ties between the Brazilian public and private sectors and their Australian counterparts.

Partnerships Officer - NGOs and Community

Lena Nabizada is a passionate advocate for youth leadership, global engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration. She is currently in her first year at the University of Melbourne, studying International Relations, with a strong focus on diplomacy, global governance, and social justice. As a Partnership Officer at ALELD, Lena works to strengthen relations between Australia and Latin America by fostering meaningful connections and strategic partnerships. With extensive experience in youth advocacy, she has worked on global initiatives addressing social justice, inclusion, and sustainable development.She is the founder of Strive Connecting, an initiative dedicated to combating racism and amplifying youth voices, and has represented young people at international forums, including peace and leadership conferences in Malaysia and Singapore. Lena has also collaborated with organizations such as Plan International, Theirworld, and the U.S. Embassy in Australia. Committed to creating impact, she is excited to contribute to ALELD’s mission by facilitating dialogue, building partnerships, and empowering the next generation of emerging leaders.

Partnerships Officer - North and Central America, Caribbean

I am a dedicated volunteer committed to strengthening ties between Australia and Latin America. With a background in economics and research, I bring extensive expertise in labor policies, economic narratives, and cultural discourses to my volunteer work. I earned my Master’s degree in Economic Sciences from Lund University and my Bachelor’s degree from UNAM, where I developed strong analytical skills and a passion for policy evaluation. In my professional roles—ranging from assessing housing policies at SEDATU to conducting ethnographic research on labor unions in Mexico—I have refined my ability to bridge diverse perspectives and foster meaningful collaborations. I leverage my experience in both quantitative and qualitative research to support initiatives that promote sustainable development and cultural exchange. I am driven by a commitment to social progress and innovation, continually seeking opportunities to connect communities across continents.

Partnerships Officer - Universities

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.

Social Media Manager

Luz Ivanna is a Peruvian communications professional with experience in the non- profit, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. Since her teenage years, she has advocated for the protection of natural ecosystems and wildlife, the integration and inclusion of vulnerable populations including refugees, migrants, and people living in street conditions, and promoting development through sport. Committed to raising voices and encouraging community participation, Luz Ivanna strives to inspire and engage others through dialogue, communication, storytelling, and the power of volunteering for transformation and social change. With a strong desire to share her background and engage with different realities and challenges worldwide, Luz arrived in Australia in 2024 on a backpacking trip. Embracing adventure in a new territory, she is eager to build meaningful collaborations, connections, and synergies to drive social change between Latin American and Australian communities, using English as a bridge to communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Luz Ivanna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications Science from the Federico Villarreal National University in Peru, with specializations in Digital Marketing Management and Volunteering Management. Lastly, she has been working as an independent/remote communicator for projects with a positive impact.

Communications Officer

Nícolas Buitrago holds a BA in International Studies and French from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. His passion for travel, photojournalism, and international development has shaped his focus on post-conflict reconciliation, migration, sustainable peace, and child literacy, particularly in Bosnia, Colombia, India, and Australia. With a strong background in communications, marketing, and entrepreneurship, he has led digital strategies, content creation, and public relations for private and not-for-profit organisations across these regions, managing social media campaigns, branding initiatives, and engagement-driven outreach.

Communications Officer

Lina Preciado has a diverse professional background. With a Bachelor of Arts in Language Teaching and a Specialisation in Translation from Colombian universities, and a Master of Publishing from The University of Sydney, she has a solid academic foundation. Her professional experience spans over 15 years, including roles as a copywriter, translator, and proofreader. Lina has worked with organisations such as Semana, a major publisher company in Colombia, and Vinnies in Australia, where she held positions in both Retail Operations as a manager, and the Communications Department as an intern. Additionally, she has been working for the International Confederation of Midwives, located in The Netherlands, as a proofreader and translator. Her passion for writing is evident through her published fiction stories in digital anthologies and Spanish academic journals like Microtextualidades. Her work has also been featured in books published by Elipsis Editores in Colombia and Ediciones Alquimia in Mexico.

Graphic Designer

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!

Media 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.

Media Officer

Carla is a seasoned political communications professional with experience leading electoral campaigns at the local, state, and federal level across Australia and the United States. Carla began her career organising in the U.S. sexual and reproductive rights movement and is passionate about supporting first-time pro-choice champions to run for elected office. Carla's grassroots work with the Latino community in Kentucky igniried her inital interest in Latin America and its diaspora. What began as a practical effort to communicate with a growing community and voting bloc soon evolved into a love for the region's culture and language. This interest lead Carla to pursue a diploma of Spanish at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín. Curious about the intersections of reproductive freedom and migration, Carla assisted NGOs on the ground supporting Los Caminantes while completing her studies. Now back in Australia, Carla works as the digital and media lead for a sitting Member of Parliament. Outside of work, she serves on the Board of Run For It, studies Portuguese, and enjoys listening to samba playlists on repeat. Carla holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the University of Melbourne and has furthered her education at the Graduate Institute of Geneva and Harvard Kennedy School.

Latam Link Editor

Maria is a Latam Link Editor at ALELD. Being from Lima, Peru, she brings vast knowledge of the Latin American political sphere, as well as proficiency in research analysis, social impact strategy, and communications. While completing her degree in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Melbourne, she developed a strong passion for gender equality. In her commitment to advocating and advancing women’s empowerment and rights, Maria’s line of work has seen her drive micro-finance programs protecting women’s economic security and drive gender-based violence prevention campaigns across Chile and Peru. Outside of work, Maria is part of Startmate’s Women Fellowship program, which seeks to close the gender gap in the tech and start-up sectors. She is excited to cultivate and deepen her interest in emerging technologies such as fintech and AI, particularly their capacity to redefine Latin America as an investment and tech hub.Description goes here

Community Engagement Officer - Australia

Patricia, born in Australia with Peruvian heritage, is deeply passionate about her culture and is committed to helping Latin Americans thrive in Australia. She holds a degree in law and social science and has over six years of experience working in the legal field, serving in various roles across government, non-profits, private law firms, and financial services. Additionally, Patricia has established strong connections within the Latin American community in Australia.

Community Engagement Officer - Australia

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.

Community Engagement Officer - Latin America

Esteban is an Adjunct Professor of the Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Argentina. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Applied Science, Environmental Management from University of South Australia, in December 2023 he finished the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) course on Life Cycle Assessment of products and services, and in 2025, he has been awarded with a full scholarship to take the Executive Micro certificate in Economic Leadership for Mining course, from The Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining, at The University of British Columbia, Canada. He has advised municipalities and national state secretaries. He was part of the National Climate Change Committee, in the development of the National Climate Change Strategy. He works in the University Strategies for Sustainability program, UNR, to develop the university Sustainable Management System. He was Senior Scientific Officer, Team Leader, Air Quality for the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), South Australia. Former Member of the Board of Directors of Clean Air Society Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) South Australia Branch, and an Authorized Officer under the Environmental Protection Act in Australia. He loves soccer, football, aussie rules, and rugby union. He likes food and cooking. All kind. Music and wine. He currently lives in Argentina, and he is our Community Engagement Officer in Latin America.

Grants Officer

Lydia is a recent graduate of the University of Tasmania, holding a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Relations and Public Policy. Lydia has six years of hospitality experience and is currently working in medical administration. She is of Chilean decent and is passionate about sharing her family’s culture. Lydia is interested in international relations, in particular foreign policy and international development, and hopes she can meaningfully contribute to strengthening the relations between Australia and Latin America. Additionally, she is also actively involved with Latin Spring, a volunteer Latin American dance group in Hobart. Latin Spring is committed to promoting community values and multiculturalism in Tasmania through regular performances and activities at community events across the state.

Grants Officer

Bibiana Moreno is a former international student and a dedicated professional who has held various roles at City of Melbourne, including in Tourism, International Education, and International Relations. Her diverse experience has provided her with a deep understanding of the city and its vibrant community. Bibiana offers a unique perspective in her role, given her firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by international students. With extensive experience in coordinating major events and initiatives, Bibiana has been instrumental in fostering community engagement and enhancing Melbourne'ss global reputation as a premier education destination. She has adeptly facilitated numerous international delegations, showcasing her expertise in stakeholder management and cultural diplomacy. Known for her deep passion for Melbourne, her dedicated commitment to service excellence, and her enthusiasm for volunteering, Bibiana is focused on driving economic growth and fostering vibrant, inclusive communities.

Grants Officer

I am originally from Colombia and have been living in Australia for almost one year now, currently based in Melbourne. With a background in international business, I have extensive experience in multinational companies, specializing in procurement, logistics, supply chain, and international commerce. Throughout my career, I have developed strong negotiation skills with suppliers, leadership abilities, and expertise in stakeholder management and strategic sourcing. My global perspective and analytical skills help drive sustainable funding opportunities, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to create a lasting impact. I am passionate about collaboration and community-driven initiatives. My experience in dynamic, fast-paced environments has shaped my ability to adapt and deliver results, making me a valuable asset to the ALELD team. After completing my English studies, I am now pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Procurement in Melbourne to further enhance my skills. I thrive in multicultural environments, enjoy volunteering, and am committed to supporting and uplifting the LATAM community.

Finance and Operations Officer

José Guilherme Oliveira is a seasoned senior manager in the mining and resources sector with 18 years of experience in the Brazilian and Australian markets. He has held leadership roles in Operational Management, Contracts Execution, Corporate Governance, and Business Development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign trade from Salgado University (Brazil), a bachelor’s degree in commerce, and a master’s in finance from Curtin University (Western Australia). He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Minerals and Energy Economics. With a proven track record in planning and execution of shutdowns, maintenance, and sustaining capital projects for blue-chip iron ore producers, José focuses on business scalability, growth, strategy, governance, and operational execution. He is committed to identifying emerging opportunities, driving business growth, and strengthening client relationships. Originally from Brazil and based in Perth since 2009, José joins ALELD as a volunteer, driven by a commitment to fostering connections and opportunities between Latin America and Australia.

Digital Operations Officer

Brayan is a business administration professional, currently based in Melbourne, Australia; with over nine years of experience in office administration, operations, and the hospitality industry. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in administration, customer service, and process improvement. Passionate about efficiency, leadership, and teamwork, Brayan is now transitioning into an administrative role, where he aims to leverage his diverse experience to drive organisational success. Brayan is excited to be part of ALELD, where he can combine his passion for sustainability, inclusiveness, and cultural exchange with his professional skills. A strong advocate for continuous learning, he is always willing to expand his knowledge and contribute positively to achieve the organisation’s goals.

Digital Operations Officer

Pita is the new Digital Operations Officer at ALELD, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and customer-centric solutions. With a background in Customer Success Management (CSM), she specializes in optimizing digital processes, enhancing client experiences, and fostering long-term relationships. Her experience spans across the tech and hospitality industries, where she has successfully led remote teams and collaborated on innovative projects. Pita’s global perspective is enriched by her volunteer work in Australia, the US, and Mexico, reflecting her commitment to community engagement and cross-cultural collaboration. She is passionate about leveraging technology to drive operational efficiency while maintaining a human-centered approach. She thrives in dynamic environments, where she can apply her problem-solving skills and collaborative mindset to support business growth and customer satisfaction. Outside of work, Pita loves traveling, dancing and reading, constantly seeking new experiences and knowledge.

People and Culture Officer

Angela is a lifelong learner with a deep passion for HR and Operations. Originally from Colombia, she holds a psychology degree from Uniminute University and has built a career dedicated to fostering positive workplace environments. Her journey led her to Australia, where she embraced new challenges alongside her husband, fueled by her belief that "if you don’t take risks, you can’t win." With experience in recruitment, HR advisory, onboarding, and training across real estate, IT, and startups, Angela is committed to creating meaningful employee experiences. She thrives on connecting with people, supporting teams, and driving positive change. Outside of work, she finds joy in books...proudly calling herself a "bookaholic" and in the company of her two beloved West Highland Terriers. Volunteering as a People & Culture Officer, Angela is excited to contribute her expertise, heart, and energy to ALELD.

People and Culture Officer

I am a Chilean Biology and Science teacher, with over 15 years of experience in education. My journey brought me to Sydney, Australia, nine years ago, where I pursued a Master of Policy Studies and a Master of Education by research at the University of Sydney. My passion for education and public policy led me to the not for profit sector in Australia, where I have gained extensive experience in community organising, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. As a migrant woman with English as a second language, I have navigated challenges that deepened my commitment to supporting diverse communities. These experiences have fueled my passion for equity, inclusion, and social mobility. Now, I am eager to bring this background to ALELD as a People and Culture Officer, fostering an environment where all individuals, especially migrants, feel empowered and valued.

Events Lead - Melbourne

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 - Melbourne

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 - Melbourne

Carlos "Samuel" García is a passionate storyteller constantly seeking ways to create meaningful experiences and bring ideas to life. Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, he holds a degree in Business Management with a specialization in Marketing. Over the years, he has worked with media, marketing, and creative agencies, developing a versatile skill set in project coordination, team leadership, and client relations. His expertise spans brand activations, event management, social media content creation, and, more recently, freelancing in digital media and producing his own podcast.

Four months ago, he embarked on a new journey in Melbourne, Australia, to study for a Diploma in Social Media. Always eager to learn, he earned certifications in Bartending and Barista skills, quickly immersing himself in the hospitality scene. Shortly after, he had the incredible opportunity to manage his first event in Melbourne—proving that adaptability, research, and teamwork can turn challenges into achievements.

Energetic and adventurous, Carlos thrives in dynamic environments where innovation and collaboration lead to remarkable results. Whether discovering new places, exchanging stories, or taking on new challenges, he is always seeking new experiences, connections, and creative outlets.

Events Lead - Sydney

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 - Sydney

Melissa is a first-generation Australian with Chilean roots who has been fortunate to live in Chile and fully immerse herself in its culture. Her travels to Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia have deepened her appreciation for the beauty, richness, and diverse flavors of Latin America. After years of reflecting on ways to better support and showcase the unique attributes of this vibrant continent, she discovered ALELD and immediately recognized it as the perfect opportunity to get involved.

With a background in Education and Leadership & Management, along with fluency in Spanish, Melissa is eager to use her skills to connect and bridge the gap between Australia and Latin America. Passionate about fostering stronger ties, she strives to help both communities immerse themselves in each other’s cultures, contributing to mutual growth and development.

Events Officer - Sydney

Adam is an early career professional who works in a First Nations legal and consulting firm. He has a keen interest in Latin American affairs, with a particular focus on Indigenous rights, the environment, and international development. His passion stemmed from his Bachelor of Arts, where he majored in International Relations and Spanish, and completed a first-class honours thesis investigating democratic decline in El Salvador. Adam fell in love with Latin America and its diverse cultures after travelling through Central America after university. He is excited to leverage his strong analytical and communications skills to look for new ways to foster strong partnerships between Australia and Latin America.

Events Lead - Brisbane

With a strong background in business consulting, project management, and community engagement, Valeria Garcia Lopez thrives at the intersection of strategy and impact. Originally from Colombia and now based in Australia, she has spent over a decade helping organizations and entrepreneurs develop sustainable business models, build strategic partnerships, and create spaces for meaningful connections. Her career began in business consulting, where she coordinated strategic and financial planning initiatives for financial institutions and cooperatives, supporting over 100 organizations in driving growth and efficiency. However, her passion for multiculturalism and community-driven initiatives led her to focus on designing programs that empower diverse communities in Australia. As Events Lead at ALELD, Valeria will design and execute high-impact events that foster collaboration, leadership, and cross-cultural dialogue. She believes multiculturalism enriches society and is committed to building bridges that empower individuals, businesses, and communities in an interconnected world.

Events Lead - Adelaide

Angelica is a volunteer at ALELD, serving as the Events Lead in Adelaide. She has a passion for learning, education, and professional development. With a background in teaching, she has experience in training, e-learning, and corporate learning programs. She also holds certifications in agile methodologies, enabling her to integrate innovative strategies to create effective learning experiences.

Organised and motivated, Angelica enjoys working in teams to create spaces where people can learn, connect, and grow. In her role at ALELD, she aims to contribute her skills in event planning and coordination to strengthen the community and promote leadership and inclusion.