Meet the Organizers
Skills4LAC is proudly organized by a collaboration of three dynamic organizations. Sebrae, based in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, serves as the event host, providing local expertise and leadership. Inform Foundation supports the event by leveraging its extensive network and experience in Latin America to facilitate key connections. Additionally, PEN Worldwide plays a key role in assisting the organisation of the event, ensuring coordination and operational support across all aspects of the event.
SEBRAE
SEBRAE Minas Gerais is the regional branch of the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (SEBRAE), committed to strengthening entrepreneurship and fostering the growth of micro and small enterprises in the state of Minas Gerais. As the host partner of Skills4LAC, SEBRAE Minas Gerais brings its extensive experience in business development, innovation, and vocational training to support young people and aspiring entrepreneurs. By connecting education with the needs of the labor market, SEBRAE Minas Gerais contributes to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy, empowering the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive global landscape.
PEN Worldwide
PEN Worldwide leads the global network of Practice Enterprises, promoting and aligning an innovative, work-based approach to business and entrepreneurship education. Through its unique “learning-by-doing” methodology, PEN Worldwide supports schools, universities, and training centres in delivering practical, hands-on training that prepares learners for real-world challenges.
Each year, over 200,000 trainees across 40 countries benefit from the network’s 7,000 Practice Enterprises. As an organizer in Skills4LAC, PEN Worldwide plays a central role in equipping young people with the entrepreneurial and business skills needed to succeed in an evolving global economy.
Fundació Inform
Fundació Inform is a Spanish foundation dedicated to the management, coordination, and implementation of educational programmes across both formal and informal education, as well as lifelong learning. Since 1987, it has led the SEFED Programme (Practice Enterprises) in Spain, training learners in business administration and management through a practical, work-based approach.
With over 30 years of experience in European cooperation, Fundació Inform places strong emphasis on internationalisation and the alignment of training with the realities of the labour market. As a organizer of Skills4LAC, Fundació Inform contributes its expertise in vocational training and transnational collaboration to help prepare young people for success in a globalised economy.
Meet the Contact People for Skills4LAC
Margarida Guilherme (Event Coordination)
Margarida Guilherme works as a project coordinator at PEN Worldwide. Originally from Portugal, she successfully graduated with a Masters in political economy, and lived in different parts of the globe.
As part of the Skills4LAC Summit team, Margarida is responsible for the communication and coordination of the event, and the main contact between PEN Worldwide and Brasil. Margarida ensures that every aspect of the event runs smoothly, from managing logistics to overseeing communications with partners and participants.
Lauany Val (Logistics & Ambassadors Coordinator)
Lauany Val is a Project Coordination Intern at SEBRAE Minas Gerais (Brazil), where she supports the development of entrepreneurial education programs and international cooperation initiatives. She contributes to the Skills4LAC Summit by coordinating logistics, supporting ambassadors, and promoting youth engagement. Lauany is currently studying International Economic Relations and is passionate about social impact, innovation, and regional development.