Speakers – Skills4LAC

Skills4LAC Summit Speakers

Meet the Skills4LAC Summit Moderators and Speakers! Our moderators will guide the conversations, ensuring engaging, thoughtful, and dynamic discussions throughout the Summit. Our Speakers are experts and innovators from around the world who are eager to discuss, share and exchange on insights and vision for the future of vocational education.

Meet the Keynote Speakers

Rafael Parente

Director, Instituto Salto

Rafael Parente is an expert in educational innovation, holding a PhD in Education from New York University (NYU) and serving as Executive Director of the Instituto Salto. His career blends research and technology to transform education on a large scale. He is one of the leading figures in the application of emerging technologies in education, aiming to prepare both students and teachers for the challenges of the future.

Edward Vogel

Lead Consultant for LAC Region, People1st International

Edward Vogel is an international consultant based in Mexico City, specialising in TVET, skills development, and work-based learning. He has led projects across LAC region, working to align education with labour market needs and promote inclusion. His recent work includes initiatives in Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Belize, Colombia, and Jamaica. Edward continues to advise on policy, capacity-building, and workforce innovation for more responsive and inclusive TVET.

Meet the Moderators

Scott Mitchell

Executive Director, PEN Worldwide

Scott Mitchell has been Executive Director at PEN Worldwide for the past 13 years. Scott has many years’ experience in the field of vocational skills training for companies, job seekers and students. Scott’s expertise in the field will provide strong guidance for the panel discussion and open the floor to interesting aspects of work-based learning.

Svenja Zenz

International Development Manager & Head of Marketing, PEN Worldwide

Svenja Zenz brings over 8 years of experience as the International Development Manager and Head of Marketing at PEN Worldwide. Originally from Germany, Svenja has studied and worked in Australia and New Zealand, refining her expertise in global communication and development. Svenja brings both insight and energy to their role as moderator.

Rachel Dornelas

Technical Analyst in Entrepreneurial Education, SEBRAE-MG

Rachel works on projects that enhance learning experiences and support the growth of entrepreneurial skills. She directly contributes to the creation of educational content and the licensing of the SEBRAE School methodolog. Rachel engages in strategic initiatives that connect SEBRAE with key partners and stakeholders, promoting Entrepreneurial Education as a transformative approach for individuals and communities.

Anna Andreu

Director, Fundació Inform

Anna Andreu leads strategic planning, project development, and partnerships that bridge gaps in access to information and digital skills for underrepresented communities. Her work focuses on designing and implementing capacity-building programmes, ensuring access to digital tools, and fostering collaborative community-based initiatives. Ana believes that digital literacy is a fundamental driver for socio-economic growth and works with public and private stakeholders to create inclusive environments.

Luciano Sathler

CEO of CertifikEDU, Members of the State Board of Minas Gerais

Luciano Sathler has over 20 years of experience in academic management, education, and communication. He is currently a member of the State Education Council of Minas Gerais, where he leads the development of guidelines. With a strong background in education, Luciano will facilitate the discussion and keep the audience engaged throughout the event.

Victoria Hädler

Events and Engagement Coordinator, PEN Worldwide

Victoria Hädler has been working at PEN Worldwide for about 7 years and holds the position of Events & Engagement Coordinator. She has expertise in cross-cultural communication and is proficient in English, Czech, German, Chinese, French, and Spanish. In Skills4LAC, Victoria will moderate the Ted Talks Session with a focus on showcasing innovative approaches and best practices.

Cacilda Almeida

Analyst in Entrepreneurial Education, SEBRAE-MG

Cacilda has contributed as both author and co-author of technical materials dedicated to personal development and the design of individual business models. Cacilda also leads key initiatives in educational engagement, working closely with strategic partners and government entities at different levels to foster awareness and promote Entrepreneurial Education as a transformative tool for individuals and communities.

Meet the Speakers

Cristiane Serpa

Director of Vocational Education, SENAC, Brazil

Cristiane Serpa is the Director of Vocational Education at SENAC Minas, Brazil. She has held leadership roles in both public and private sectors, including as Regional Director of SENAC Minas, Deputy Secretary for Economic Development of Belo Horizonte, and President of INDI (Minas Gerais Investment and Trade Promotion Agency). She is also a professor and researcher in international business, market intelligence, entrepreneurship, and negotiations, with experience at institutions in Brazil, the U.S., and Mozambique.

Her work spans across business and public management, innovation, and internationalization. She has developed projects across five continents and lived in Canada, Argentina, and Japan. Cristiane is committed to promoting inclusive development and educational transformation through global cooperation and entrepreneurship.

Louis Jacques Filion

Scholar and Writer, HEC Montréal, Canada

Louis Jacques Filion is a renowned Canadian scholar in the field of entrepreneurship. He served as Full and Emeritus Professor at the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at HEC Montréal (1993–2016), where he also held the Rogers–J.A. Bombardier Chair of Entrepreneurship. With over 100 publications, 20 books, and more than 200 case studies, he is considered one of the leading francophone voices in entrepreneurship research and education.

Throughout his career, Filion has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (2004), the Wilford White Fellowship (2005), and the Jean Guertin Award for teaching excellence (2015). In 2022, he was honored in Brazil with the ANEGEPE Award for his contributions to entrepreneurship education. His legacy combines academic excellence, institutional leadership, and international recognition.

Fabiana Pinho

Manager of the Entrepreneurial Education Unit | Director of the Sebrae School, Sebrae, Brazil

Fabiana is a renowned figure in entrepreneurship in Brazil. She is an expert in the implementation of entrepreneurial education projects and strategies in both public and private schools across Brazil. With over 20 years of experience at Sebrae – Brazilian Service of Support to Micro and Small Enterprises, she has dedicated her career to empowering individuals through education. Believing in the transformative impact of Entrepreneurial Education, Fabiana currently serves as the Manager of the Entrepreneurial Education Unit at Sebrae Minas, where she develops innovative entrepreneurial education projects.

She is also the Manager of Sebrae’s School and the Youth Entrepreneurship Hub (NEJ), two educational initiatives that foster entrepreneurial leadership and equip individuals with the skills needed to navigate market challenges and become entrepreneurs in their own lives. Furthermore, Fabiana leads the Sebrae Reference Center for Entrepreneurial Education in Brazil (CER Sebrae), where she develops content, conducts research, and studies innovation and entrepreneurship in education.

Arianna Frencia

Project Coordinator and Country Lead, Istituto Don Calabria, Dominican Republic

Arianna Frencia is a legal expert with a focus on international development, specializing in human rights, project management, and social impact initiatives in LATAM.

Currently serving as Project Coordinator and Country Lead at Istituto Don Calabria in the Dominican Republic, Arianna manages international cooperation projects with a focus on human rights integration and gender mainstreaming. Arianna brings a unique perspective on bridging the skills gap through practical, rights-based approaches to work-based learning in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Maria Benages

Vice-Director, Fundació Inform, Spain

Maria Benages works at Inform, the Central Office of Spain, which is a founding member of the Practice Enterprise Network. Originally from Catalunia, she has extensive experience in the field of VET skills and international projects for VET schools, unemployed adults and ESL as well as working with other target groups. Maria Benages is also Vice President of the Managing Committee of PEN Worldwide. Her expertise and connections help bring a rich, diverse perspective to our event.

Thiago Morais

Coordination of Practice Enterprise Program, Sebrae, Brazil

Thiago Morais is the Manager of the Practice Enterprise Program at Sebrae Minas, with a solid experience in education and project and product management, with over 8 years experience in educational projects. His focus is on the development of educational products, institutional partnerships, and facilitation of learning, implementing innovative solutions and continuous improvement in education.

Matheus Biancardine Mota

State Director of Youth Policy for the Government of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Matheus Biancardine Mota is a young individual passionate about social impact and political transformation. Since the age of 14, he has been involved in social projects, and at 16, he joined the NOVO Party, where he founded the party’s youth organization and later became its national president.

With experience in legislative environments and electoral processes, Matheus also led the State Youth Council of Minas Gerais, fostering dialogue between government and young people. His trajectory reflects a strong commitment to developing practical skills and preparing young leaders to face the challenges of the world of work, key themes of Skills4LAC 2025.

Now 21 years old and in his seventh semester of Law studies, Matheus currently works in national-level political coordination, where he continues to promote youth engagement and contribute to initiatives focused on leadership development and civic participation.

Luiz Leão

Educational Technologies Manager, SENAI, Brazil

Luiz Leão works as Educational Technologies Manager at SENAI – National Department. Luiz works on innovation projects for education, industry 4.0, and artificial intelligence. Its main challenges are to identify new skills that will be demanded by the Industry, aiming to develop new courses, implement new teaching methodologies, and intensify the use of educational technologies to contribute to the training of future professionals.

Jonatan Mendes

Director, JA Minas Gerais, Brazil

Jonatan Mendes is the director of Junior Achievement Minas Gerais, where he promotes entrepreneurial education and practical skills development for young people and professionals. With experience in business practice programmes, he connects theoretical learning to real market experiences, enabling students to develop essential skills for the world of work.

Throughout his career, Jonatan has led initiatives that encourage leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, strengthening local ecosystems and creating opportunities for learning based on practical experience. His work combines strategy, creativity, and social commitment, making him a reference in the field of entrepreneurial education.

Mauro Tempio Etcheverry

Director, Virginio Gómez Professional Institute, Chile

Mauro Tempio is a Civil Engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the academic and management sectors. As a director of various higher education institutions, he has led the training of professionals with a strategic vision, integrating technology as a fundamental pillar for organisational efficiency. His experience encompasses administrative and academic management, as well as successful participation in institutional accreditation processes.

He currently heads the operation and consolidation of the PEN Worldwide network in Chile, making the Practice Company methodology a central pillar in the professional training of the School of Business and Technology. Currently, he is promoting the expansion of the methodology to secondary education, other professional institutes, and entrepreneurship programmes in the region and the country, demonstrating his commitment to reducing the skills gap throughout the educational chain management.

Jean Marc-Hetsch

IT and Finance Manager, REEP Euro Ent'Ent., France

Jean-Marc Hetsch has been the IT & Finance Manager at the French Central Office, REEP Euro Ent’Ent., since 1996. With extensive experience in the field of IT development, international collaboration, business management and pedagogical and digital skills, Jean-Marc is the Managing Committee Responsible for IT and Finance. Throughout his career, he has been an expert on vocational training and other learning practices in France. In Skills4LAC he will share his thoughts and knowledge on the work-based learning practice ecosystem in Europe.

Federico Roibón

Practice Enterprise Trainer, CAS.INET, Argentina

Federico Roibón is an accountant, educator, and international relations specialist from Argentina. Federico has worked as a trainer, project coordinator, and educational advisor.

He has over 15 years of experience working with Practice Enterprises through the Argentine network CAS.INET, where he has guided student participation and institutional representation. He has taken part in numerous Practice Enterprises trade fairs in Germany, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and real-world business training.

Additional speakers to be announced.

Meet the Ambassadors

Our ambassadors will support the organizing team in assisting participants during the Summit. They all speak fluent English, as well as Portuguese, and some of them also speak Spanish, German, and Japanese. Click in each image to know more about the Ambassadors.