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With great pride, we announce the graduation of a new cohort from the CIMA project, an initiative designed to equip women with key skills that drive their personal and professional development. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating opportunities for growth and autonomy for women seeking to improve their future and that of their communities. The participants of this generation have strengthened their knowledge and skills in areas essential for their entry and success in the job market: This achievement is the result of the effort and commitment of the participants, who have demonstrated their ability to transform their lives through learning and dedication. Likewise, it has been made possible thanks to the invaluable support of our strategic partnerships, especially with @jccmexico. Together, we continue building a future with more opportunities for all. Collaboration is key to the sustainable growth of our communities. Thanks to the joining of forces, we can offer programs that not only train, but generate a real and lasting impact on the lives of many women. We will continue working to open new doors and strengthen the path toward a more equitable future full of possibilities. Congratulations to all the graduates on this great step, and we wish you success in your new challenges!

San Salvador, El Salvador, December 10, 2024 – As part of its commitment to international collaboration and social innovation, Veronica Philippe, POETA DigiSpark Project Manager, and Adriana Rueda, Project Officer, represented The Trust for the Americas on a strategic visit to El Salvador. On December 1 and 2, they conducted a needs assessment in collaboration with the Higher School of Innovation in Public Administration (ESIAP) of the Office of the Vice President of El Salvador and other key partners.  The visit included tours of the CUBOS in San Salvador and Soyapango—centers that promote community development—marking the beginning of a promising partnership to implement innovative content and methodologies from The Trust for the Americas in Salvadoran communities.  Strengthening Innovation with ESIAP Our team visited ESIAP’s offices, where they held meetings with its staff. During these sessions, ideas were exchanged about the potential of artificial intelligence as a transformative tool to position El Salvador as a regional innovation hub. The discussions highlighted the importance of training communities in technological skills and sustainable development strategies.  Exploring Synergies with Conexión El Salvador In addition, the team from The Trust for the Americas visited the organization Conexión El Salvador, led by Ethel (last name and title). During the meeting, the achievements of the POETA DigiSpark program in the country were shared, and opportunities to expand the reach of artificial intelligence tools and content for the benefit of local populations were discussed.  The collaboration between The Trust for the Americas and key stakeholders such as ESIAP and Conexión reflects a commitment to sustainable development and digital inclusion in El Salvador. This visit not only helped identify priority needs but also laid the groundwork for innovative initiatives that will benefit the country’s most vulnerable communities. 

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has raised crucial questions about how to use these tools responsibly and ethically. In this context, The Trust for the Americas, in collaboration with Tec de Monterrey’s Puebla campus, led an initiative aimed at raising awareness and developing critical thinking skills regarding AI: the «Roadmap for the Responsible and Ethical Use of AI.» This initiative brought together 21 students from the International Relations, Economics, and Law programs, who worked under the guidance of Dr. Barthélemy Michalon and with the support of The Trust for the Americas. Throughout the semester, the students designed a learning path consisting of six modules that address key topics related to AI: November 28 marked a milestone for this collaboration with the final presentation of the «Pathway to the Responsible and Ethical Use of AI.» During the event, the students shared their insights and perspectives on the impact of AI on society. Their work not only highlighted the transformative potential of this technology but also the importance of approaching it with a critical and mindful mindset. This collaboration reinforces the commitment of The Trust for the Americas and Tec de Monterrey to training responsible and critical leaders capable of addressing today’s technological challenges. Initiatives like this are essential for closing the skills gap and promoting the ethical use of emerging tools. The «Roadmap for the Responsible and Ethical Use of AI» is just the beginning of an ongoing effort to empower future generations and build a more just and equitable future in the age of artificial intelligence. Ready to join the change? Share this project and help spread the word about the ethical use of AI!

Every year, Code.org celebrates the global “Hour of Code” campaign, a worldwide event that inspires millions of people to explore computer science and the fascinating world of programming. In 2024, The Trust for the Americas, through the POETA Social Franchise, is joining this exciting initiative to take technology education to a new level. Under the slogan “Let your creativity soar with the music of your favorite artist and code new songs and mixes!”, the campaign invites children, teens, and adults to bring together two incredible worlds: music and coding. This year, participants from around the world will have the opportunity to create and program unique musical experiences using songs by iconic artists such as Shakira, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, and others. We thank our local partners, whose support makes it possible for more people to participate in this campaign, which promotes not only technical skills but also creativity and teamwork. Don’t miss out! We invite you to be part of this initiative and learn while having fun combining melodies and algorithms. Stay tuned to our social media channels and take part in the activities we’ve prepared for the coming days. Come discover how technology and music can transform the future!

Last Thursday, September 19, Veronica Philippe, Project Manager at The Trust for the Americas, participated as a fellow in the TechSpark Summit 2025. This event brought together more than 45 fellows from across the United States who are part of the TechSpark initiative, which focuses on promoting digital inclusion and access to advanced technology in underrepresented communities. During the event, which took place via Teams, the program’s main objectives were presented, highlighting the integration of generative AI tools as a key driver of economic development and social innovation in the communities with which The Trust for the Americas collaborates. The Trust’s participation reinforces the organization’s commitment to implementing inclusive technology based on artificial intelligence to empower people and foster new employment opportunities. The initiative, which is carried out through the Center for Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico, continues to advance its mission of bridging the digital divide by bringing the power of AI to women entrepreneurs to enhance their skills and strengthen their businesses.

With a firm commitment to inclusion and the creation of transformative opportunities, Trust for the Americas and UNILEHU, in collaboration with Microsoft, Klimber, and MetLife, are pleased to announce the opening of the POETA Center – UNILEHU Maker Space in Curitiba, Paraná. This innovative space was designed to enhance employability and transform lives through training in emerging technologies and personal development. The POETA Center – UNILEHU Maker Space is an initiative that will provide participants with the opportunity to acquire essential skills in the world of technology, while fostering their personal and professional growth. The space will serve as a hub for learning and development, offering cutting-edge resources and tools to prepare individuals for the future of work. In addition, during the center’s inauguration on August 8, 2024, Fátima Galeazzo, Regional Coordinator for Brazil at Trust for the Americas, delivered a speech and received a certificate on behalf of the organization. The prestigious Inclusion Partner Certificate from UNILEHU highlights the importance of our network of local partners, whose support is crucial to expanding our impact and benefiting a greater number of communities. The Inclusion Partner Certificate is a testament to Trust for the Americas’ commitment to inclusion and the empowerment of people through effective partnerships. This new Center reflects the positive impact we hope to continue generating, in line with our mission to promote inclusion and create an endless cycle of opportunities. We thank our partners and strategic allies for their support on this transformative journey. Together, we continue to build a future full of possibilities!

Veronica Philippe, Project Manager at The Trust for the Americas, played a prominent role in the ”2nd RID Meeting: Technology for Social Impact,” organized by CDI Chile, a local partner in Santiago, Chile, as part of POETA DigiSpark, a project funded by Microsoft Philanthropies. This event has established itself as a vital forum for connecting, collaborating, and building a more inclusive future through technology, and at this year’s gathering, participants addressed some of today’s most pressing issues. During her remarks, Veronica highlighted the importance of technology as a key tool for the integration of migrants, emphasizing how it can facilitate their access to economic and social opportunities in their new environments. She also emphasized the crucial role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in empowering women. A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the results achieved by CDI Chile in collaboration with The Trust for the Americas and Microsoft Philanthropies through the POETA DigiSpark project. Since 2021, more than 3,000 people have been trained in Chile thanks to these initiatives, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved when organizations and communities come together with a common purpose. In addition, Veronica shared details about the artificial intelligence training initiatives that The Trust and CDI Chile will be implementing in Chile. These training programs are designed to equip people with the skills needed to take advantage of the opportunities offered by AI, both in the workplace and in addressing social challenges. These initiatives not only aim to prepare participants for the future of work but also to foster an ethical and responsible use of AI, promoting its application for the common good. Veronica concluded her remarks by reaffirming The Trust for the Americas’ commitment to creating a more inclusive future, where technology and artificial intelligence are not only drivers of economic development but also catalysts for equity and social justice throughout the region.

With a firm commitment to inclusion and creating transformative opportunities, The Trust for the Americas and UNILEHU, in collaboration with Microsoft, Klimber, and MetLife, are proud to announce the opening of the POETA Center – UNILEHU Maker Space in Curitiba, Paraná. This innovative space is designed to strengthen employability and transform lives through training in emerging technologies and personal development. The POETA Center – UNILEHU Maker Space is an initiative that will provide participants with the opportunity to acquire key skills in the world of technology, while fostering their personal and professional growth. The space will serve as a hub for learning and development, offering cutting-edge resources and tools to prepare individuals for the future of work.  In addition, during the center’s inauguration on August 8, 2024, Fátima Galeazzo, Regional Coordinator for Brazil at The Trust for the Americas, delivered a speech and received a certificate on behalf of the organization. The distinguished Inclusion Partner Certificate from UNILEHU. This recognition highlights the importance of our network of local partners, whose support is crucial to expanding our impact and benefiting a greater number of communities. The Inclusion Partner Certificate is a testament to The Trust for the Americas’ commitment to inclusion and the empowerment of people through effective partnerships.  This new Center reflects the positive impact we aim to continue making, in line with our mission to promote inclusion and create an endless cycle of opportunities. We thank our partners and strategic allies for their support on this transformative journey. Together, we continue to build a future full of possibilities! 

Representatives from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and some of its partner organizations from New Orleans, Los Angeles, Mombasa, and Mexico City visited the Comprehensive Training Center of The Trust for the Americas at CELAMEX IAP, where the CIMA Project (Comprehensive Training for Women in Action) is being implemented. This project, led by The Trust for the Americas, aims to promote young women’s access to employment opportunities, underscoring both organizations’ commitment to advancing the social and economic development of young people in the region.  The Trust for the Americas is dedicated to promoting social and economic inclusion by helping people access the new world of work. Through the CIMA Project, the goal is to improve young women’s technical skills in hospitality and services, digital competencies, and life skills in Mexico City and the metropolitan area. During the visit, a detailed report was presented on the project’s progress, highlighting its positive impact on the empowerment of the participants. Afterward, the young women who attended the event shared their experiences with the project, their goals and life plans, and how CIMA has empowered them to move forward toward achieving them.   In the first phase of the CIMA Project’s implementation, 434 participants successfully graduated, and 206 secured employment opportunities. Thanks to the excellent results in its first phase, the CIMA Project was extended to a second phase to train an additional 400 participants over a two-year implementation period.  This visit highlights the effective collaboration between The Trust for the Americas, CELAMEX IAP, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, demonstrating a joint effort to improve labor market inclusion for young women. This partnership reinforces The Trust’s commitment to promoting equitable and sustainable opportunities for all.