Press releases

From training to employment: 49 youth graduate from the Jale por el Agua program in Ciudad Juárez 

Ciudad Juárez, September 30, 2025. – Jóvenes Constructores de la Comunidad, A.C. (JCC), in partnership with The Trust for the Americas and with the support of the North American Development Bank (NADBank), celebrated the graduation of 49 young people who participated in the Jale por el Agua project, a binational initiative that promotes decent work, technical training, and community engagement.  This effort was made possible thanks to support from FECHAC, through its MIDAS program, and from partner companies such as the Ciudad Juárez Municipal Water and Sanitation Board, Veolia, Arca Continental, and The Water House, among others, which have opened up opportunities for local talent.  For three months, women and men between the ages of 17 and 34 received training in personal empowerment, soft skills, and technical plumbing training provided by the Chihuahua State Institute for Job Training (ICATECH). As part of the program, participants carried out community service projects, such as installing irrigation systems in public spaces, directly contributing to the well-being of their neighborhoods. Since 2023, Jale por el Agua has graduated more than 300 people, of whom more than 100 are women. 100% of its participants have gained access to economic opportunities in key sectors such as industry, commerce, water management, and entrepreneurship, as well as educational reintegration.  Luis Alberto Aquino, JCC coordinator in Ciudad Juárez, acknowledged that “providing soft skills and technical training in water conservation serves as a bridge to a better future for young people with limited opportunities. Their achievement is a testament to their dedication and perseverance.”   For his part, Jorge Marquez, Project Manager at The Trust for the Americas, commented that “we are very proud to work alongside Jóvenes Constructores de la Comunidad on the graduation of 49 more participants from the Jale por el Agua program. This initiative has a threefold impact: it opens educational and economic opportunities for young people from disadvantaged communities, strengthens employers by providing a skilled workforce that improves their operations, and contributes to the sustainable development of Ciudad Juárez.”  This training reaffirms the commitment of public and private organizations to building skills among young people; therefore, at The Trust for the Americas, we extend an invitation to more organizations and companies to join this transformative effort, so we can continue changing the lives of hundreds of young people in Chihuahua and build a more inclusive and sustainable future together. 

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Trust for the Americas and Visa are launching free financial literacy courses in Spanish and Portuguese to strengthen economic inclusion in Latin America

Washington, D.C., September 24, 2025 – The Trust for the Americas and Visa are launching a new free online training initiative focused on financial literacy. Through a series of courses on personal finance and small business management skills, the initiative is aimed at beneficiaries of The Trust’s network of local partners and seeks to promote social and economic inclusion in the region. The initiative offers a training track consisting of nine free courses ranging from the basics of personal finance to essential business management tools. Throughout the courses, participants can gain knowledge about saving, budgeting, debt and credit management, as well as digital identity protection. All content was developed with a practical, accessible approach that is applicable to different personal and professional contexts. A key aspect of this initiative is that the courses are available in two languages—Spanish and Portuguese—expanding the initiative’s reach and enabling a greater diversity of participants across Latin America to benefit. Fátima Galeazzo, Brazil Project Manager at The Trust for the Americas, noted: “Financial education is a powerful tool: it opens doors, strengthens communities, and transforms lives. In a country like Brazil, where millions still face barriers to accessing the financial system, offering accessible, free, and practical content is more than just inclusion—it’s empowerment. Through the Capacita-te Brasil platform, we’re enabling thousands of people to access knowledge that can transform their lives. Being part of this partnership with Visa means believing that knowledge is one of the most effective paths to social and economic inclusion. ”It is gratifying to see this initiative expand across the Americas and make a strong impact in our country.“ Visa emphasizes the fundamental role of financial education in building more resilient and inclusive economies. Through initiatives like this one, the goal is to facilitate access to essential knowledge for greater participation in the financial system. ”At Visa, we believe that financial education is essential for building more resilient and inclusive economies in Latin America. This partnership with The Trust for the Americas allows us to bring practical knowledge and digital tools to thousands of people, facilitating their access to the financial system and driving the development of their businesses and communities. Our commitment is to continue promoting financial inclusion and economic mobility through innovation and collaboration with strategic partners in the region,” said Carlos Corominas, Visa’s Head of Social Impact and Sustainability for Latin America and the Caribbean. This partnership reaffirms both organizations’ shared mission to drive economic development through education and access to opportunities. The courses are now available to The Trust’s network of local partners. *** About The Trust for the Americas The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with the essential skills to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust forges strategic alliances with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has already impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and promoting innovation as a driver of progress in the Americas through strategic partnerships that encourage cooperation for sustainable results. About Visa Visa (NYSE: V) is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions among consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government agencies in more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world to the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, helping individuals, businesses, and economies thrive. We believe that inclusive economies benefit everyone, everywhere, and we see access as essential to the future of how money moves. Learn more at Visa.com. For more information, please contact: Carlos Escalante | Communications Manager | cescalante@20.9.190.97

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Trust for the Americas and Visa Launch Free Financial Literacy Courses to Strengthen Economic Inclusion in Latin America

Washington, D.C., September 24, 2025 – The Trust for the Americas and Visa are launching a new free online training initiative focused on financial education. Through a series of courses on personal finance and small business management skills, this initiative is aimed at beneficiaries of The Trust’s network of local partners and seeks to promote social and economic inclusion in the region. The initiative offers a training pathway consisting of nine free courses ranging from the basics of personal finance to key business management tools. Throughout these courses, participants can gain knowledge about saving, budgeting, debt and credit management, as well as digital identity protection. All course content has been designed with a practical, accessible approach that is applicable to various personal and professional contexts. A key aspect of this program is that the courses are available in two languages—Spanish and Portuguese—which broadens their reach and benefits a more diverse group of participants across Latin America. Mónica Delgado, Senior Coordinator at The Trust Academy, noted: “These nine courses focused on personal finance and business finance are a great opportunity to build and strengthen financial management and administration skills among many people in the region. This content provides highly useful tools for improving financial well-being from a personal perspective and applying those principles to businesses, companies, and startups.” Visa highlights the key role of financial education in building more resilient and inclusive economies. Through initiatives like this one, the goal is to facilitate access to essential knowledge for greater participation in the financial system. “At Visa, we believe that financial education is essential for building more resilient and inclusive economies in Latin America. This partnership with The Trust for the Americas allows us to bring practical knowledge and digital tools to thousands of people, facilitating their access to the financial system and empowering the development of their businesses and communities. Our commitment is to continue driving financial inclusion and economic mobility through innovation and collaboration with strategic partners in the region,” said Carlos Corominas, Head of Social Impact and Sustainability for Visa in Latin America and the Caribbean. This partnership reaffirms both organizations’ shared mission to drive economic development through education and access to opportunities. The courses are now available to The Trust’s network of local partners. *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with key skills to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust forges strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as a driver of progress in the Americas through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results. About Visa Visa (NYSE: V) is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating payment transactions among consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world with the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payment network to help individuals, businesses, and economies thrive. We believe that inclusive economies lift everyone, everywhere, and we see access as fundamental to the future of how money moves. Learn more at Visa.com. For more information, please contact: Carlos Escalante | Communications Manager | cescalante@20.9.190.97

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Stanley Motta, a Panamanian businessman, receives the Humanitarian Award from The Trust and the OAS for his commitment to social development in Latin America

Washington, D.C., May 15, 2025 – For more than fifteen years, Stanley Motta has played a pivotal role in one of the most active cooperation platforms within the inter-American system: the Board of Directors of The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). This month, in recognition of his commitment to social development in Latin America, the OAS and The Trust awarded him the 2024 Humanitarian Award, a distinction that underscores the importance of business leadership that goes beyond economic success to engage in long-term solutions. Motta, president of Copa Holdings and a leading figure in the regional business community, has consistently promoted a vision of shared development based on collaboration among businesses, governments, and communities. His involvement has been key to sustaining and advancing initiatives aimed at closing structural gaps in access to technology, education, and employment. “True leadership is demonstrated by the way we impact the lives of others. I believe in a Latin America where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and I am honored to be able to contribute to that cause alongside The Trust,” said Motta. In his role as a Board member, Motta has supported The Trust’s expansion into 29 countries, reaching more than 5.5 million people through training programs in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. It is worth noting that more than 80 % of the organization’s funding comes from the private sector, and more than 60 % of that is reinvested in social programs in the countries where it operates. OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro praised Motta’s commitment as an example of the kind of leadership the region needs: “Stanley Motta’s work with The Trust for the Americas demonstrates how the private sector can make a concrete and sustained contribution to the OAS’s mandate to promote comprehensive development in the region. His contribution to The Trust has strengthened our capacity as an inter-American system to generate real impact in vulnerable communities, using technology and innovation as drivers of change. Stanley has been a strategic ally in the vision of a more just, better-prepared, and more integrated region, and his leadership has left a lasting mark on the OAS and our entire hemispheric community.” The Humanitarian Award does not celebrate circumstantial philanthropy, but rather consistent trajectories that combine personal conviction, strategic vision, and a genuine commitment to the collective well-being. In the case of Stanley Motta, his business influence has been at the service of a greater cause: demonstrating that Latin America’s development will only be possible if it is built by all of us together. With this recognition, The Trust for the Americas and the OAS reaffirm their conviction that the region’s development will only be possible if it is built through partnership—involving the public, private, and community sectors—with a focus on inclusion and sustainability. About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with the key skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust for the Americas establishes strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as a driver of progress in the Americas through strategic partnerships that promote cooperation for sustainable results. United States – Panama

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The Trust for the Americas offers training opportunities in artificial intelligence through AcademIA Brasil

Brazil. May 2025 — As part of its mission to democratize the use of artificial intelligence, The Trust for the Americas, in partnership with Microsoft and with the support of Avanade, presents AcademIA Brazil, a digital platform that brings together various free initiatives to strengthen digital skills throughout Brazil. Through practical and accessible content in various formats, AcademIA makes learning possible for people with diverse backgrounds, routines, and expectations. One of the featured initiatives is “Zapeando a la IA,” a microlearning course designed to teach participants about artificial intelligence via WhatsApp. This straightforward and user-friendly format allows anyone to learn, in just one hour, the fundamentals of generative artificial intelligence, explore tools like Microsoft Copilot, and discover how this technology can help anyone simplify many aspects of their personal and/or professional life.  AcademIA also presents “Capacítate Brasil,” a virtual platform offering more than 100 free courses and programs in various fields of knowledge. This platform aims to promote the development of technical and professional skills, with training offerings ranging from basic digital skills to specialized courses in AI, cybersecurity, and topics related to emerging technologies.  In addition to these opportunities open to the public, The Trust for the Americas offers customized training programs for the nonprofit sector, organizations, and companies, tailored to their specific needs. These programs are designed to strengthen team capabilities, promote digital transformation, and drive results—both in terms of social impact and institutional or corporate performance.  Fátima Galeazzo, Brazil Project Manager at The Trust for the Americas, notes: “We believe that access to knowledge about artificial intelligence should not be a privilege reserved for the few. With AcademIA Brasil, we want to demonstrate that it is possible to learn about, apply, and benefit from AI in a simple, accessible way that is connected to each person’s reality. Democratizing this access is an essential step toward digital inclusion and expanding development opportunities throughout Brazil.” Through these efforts, The Trust for the Americas seeks to advance its mission of expanding access to technology and promoting digital inclusion in Brazil and throughout the hemisphere.  *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with the key skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust establishes strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as a driver of progress in the Americas.  About Microsoft: Microsoft Philanthropies is committed to harnessing the power of technology to address global social challenges. Its focus is on increasing digital inclusion by ensuring that more people have access to digital skills and technology; supporting nonprofit organizations through technology and grants; and strengthening society’s resilience in the face of crises. This initiative highlights Microsoft’s commitment to empowering communities around the world, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable development. About Avanade: Avanade is a global technology services company specializing in the Microsoft ecosystem. Trusted by more than 5,000 customers worldwide, it offers AI-powered solutions that unlock the potential of people and technology, optimize operations, foster innovation, and drive growth. Avanade also supports organizations of all sizes in their digital transformation, helping them reach their full potential through the strategic use of technology. The company actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, ensuring that its work benefits both society and the business sector. Brazil

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Trust for the Americas and Microsoft Promote Artificial Intelligence Training Through Inclusive Initiatives in Brazil

Brazil. May 2025 — In the context of digital transformation, educators play a fundamental role in shaping future generations, who are now being educated in an environment shaped by technology. Therefore, it is essential to equip them with tools that allow them to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their teaching practice. Although AI is not a new technology, the advancements made over the past five years have been remarkable, making ongoing, up-to-date, and accessible training necessary. At The Trust for the Americas, we work to ensure that teachers not only acquire technical knowledge but also become key players in promoting an ethical, responsible, and transformative use of this technology in the classroom.  The “AI for Teachers: Prompt Lab” initiative addresses this need with a practical approach. Throughout these training sessions, specific applications of AI in educational contexts are explored: from planning lessons tailored to each student’s needs and creating innovative teaching materials to automating assessment processes. Through the use of prompts, AI enables immediate and precise feedback, strengthening personalized and efficient teaching. These tools optimize educators“ time and enrich the learning experience. ”For our mission to democratize access to artificial intelligence to be truly human, ethical, and responsible, the role of educators is essential. They are the ones who can ensure a mindful implementation of this technology, taking ownership of the process and leading this innovation from their classrooms, with confidence and assurance.” — Fátima Galeazzo, Project Manager for Brazil, The Trust for the Americas At the same time, and with a vision focused on the digital dynamics and habits of the younger generations, The Trust for the Americas has developed “Zapeando a la IA,” the first introductory course on artificial intelligence designed specifically to be taught via WhatsApp. This direct, accessible, and self-paced format allows anyone, regardless of prior experience, to become familiar with the fundamentals of AI and discover how to apply it in their personal and professional lives. With concise, interactive, and visual materials, this initiative represents a concrete step toward broader digital inclusion. These initiatives are part of AcademIA Brasil, a digital platform that highlights our efforts to democratize access to artificial intelligence, thanks to Microsoft and the support of Avanade—key partnerships for fulfilling our mission. Along with our other initiatives, we are introducing Capacita-te Brasil, a platform that offers more than 100 free courses in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, technology, and skills for the future of work. With this offering, we’re expanding learning opportunities throughout Brazil, adapting to different profiles, contexts, and realities.  *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with the key skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust forges strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as a driver of progress in the Americas.  About Microsoft: Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) develops AI-powered platforms and tools to deliver innovative solutions that meet the growing needs of its customers. The technology company is committed to making AI widely accessible and using it responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Present in Brazil for 35 years, the company launched the Microsoft Mais Brasil Plan in 2020, with the goal of supporting the country’s sustainable economic development through initiatives aimed at preparing professionals for the digital economy, reducing inequalities, and promoting digital inclusion.  About Avanade: Avanade is a global technology services company specializing in the Microsoft ecosystem. Trusted by more than 5,000 customers worldwide, it offers AI-powered solutions that unlock the potential of people and technology, optimize operations, foster innovation, and drive growth. Avanade also supports organizations of all sizes in their digital transformation, helping them reach their full potential through the strategic use of technology. The company actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, ensuring that its work benefits both society and the business sector. Brazil

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The Trust for the Americas Participates in an Event on the Future of Work at the IFSP – Hortolândia Campus

Brazil. May 22, 2025 – As part of the 4th “Mundos do Trabalho” event, held on May 15 at the Federal Institute of São Paulo – Hortolândia Campus, The Trust for the Americas participated in a workshop dedicated to reflecting on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the world of work and the opportunities this technology offers to new generations.  Fátima Galeazzo, Project Manager for Brazil, and Laura Kretly, Project and E-learning Officer, gave a presentation to more than 150 technical high school students and teachers on the main technological trends and the role of artificial intelligence in the professions of the future. Interaction with the students highlighted their interest in acquiring tools that will help them prepare for a constantly changing work environment.  During the event, two key initiatives from The Trust for the Americas were also presented as part of AcademIA Brasil—a comprehensive portfolio that brings together and highlights free training opportunities aimed at democratizing access to artificial intelligence and strengthening digital skills for the new economy.  The first, “Zapeando a IA,” is an introductory course on artificial intelligence, delivered entirely through WhatsApp. With a practical, accessible approach aligned with Brazilians’ digital habits, the course allows learners to study easily, flexibly, and from anywhere.  The Capacita-te Brasil platform was also highlighted; it is a virtual environment offering more than 100 free courses on technology, social-emotional skills, and other essential competencies for the future of work. With more than 20 courses dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence, the platform allows participants to learn at their own pace and strengthen their professional profiles.  “Being at the IFSP and interacting with such committed young people reinforces that we are on the right track: promoting a future in which everyone has the tools to understand, create, and lead with artificial intelligence. AcademIA Brasil is more than an AI training initiative; it is a commitment to democratic access to technology. In partnership with Microsoft and with the support of Avanade Brazil, we are bringing this mission to schools and communities across the country.” — Fátima Galeazzo, Project Manager, Brazil A presence in spaces like this reinforces The Trust for the Americas’ expansion strategy in Brazil, where, in collaboration with local partners, the organization works to democratize access to technology and promote digital equity and inclusion.  *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with the key skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust forges strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as an engine of progress in the Americas.  About the Federal Institute of São Paulo: The Federal Institute of São Paulo (IFSP) is a century-old institution of education, science, and technology that offers programs ranging from technical to graduate levels across its 37 active campuses. It currently has more than 62,000 enrolled students. Its mission is to provide free, high-quality public education focused on well-rounded training, contributing to social inclusion, regional development, the production and dissemination of knowledge, and the building of a prosperous, diverse society free from inequality and discrimination. Brazil

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Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government are joining forces to strengthen digital inclusion in Brazil

Brazil. May 22, 2025 – The Trust for the Americas has a strong track record in developing social impact initiatives in the region. This work is made possible by its network of strategic partners, who share a commitment to promoting social and economic inclusion through the use of technology as a cross-cutting tool. These partnerships strengthen its presence in local communities, enabling better adaptation to local contexts and expanding its impact on communities. In recent months, The Trust’s projects in Brazil have progressed rapidly, requiring even more coordinated collective action. In this context, The Trust for the Americas signed a partnership with the Sumaré City Government, through the Secretariat of Economic Development, with the goal of expanding access to technology training opportunities in local communities. The meeting took place in Sumaré, São Paulo, and was attended by Fátima Galeazzo, Project Manager in Brazil, and Laura Kretly, Project and E-learning Officer at The Trust. Both were welcomed by the Secretary of Economic Development, Ed Carlo Michelin, and by the secretariat’s technical team.  This joint effort between the Secretariat of Economic Development and The Trust for the Americas aims to expand access to free training in areas such as artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and much more. The courses are part of the AcademIA Brasil platform, which—in collaboration with Microsoft and with the support of Avanade Brasil—brings together various initiatives aimed at strengthening digital skills and, in particular, democratizing AI throughout the country. With practical, accessible content in various formats, the courses enable flexible learning tailored to different profiles and circumstances. “We believe that transforming lives through technology begins with seeing each person as the protagonist of their own journey. That’s why this partnership with the Sumaré Secretariat of Economic Development is so important: it allows us to get closer to those who really matter, with simple, accessible initiatives designed for the daily lives of every citizen. It’s not just about teaching about artificial intelligence, but about opening doors so that more people can dream, learn, and carve out their place in the new digital economy.” – Ed Carlo Michelin, Municipal Secretary of Labor, Employment, Income Generation, and Economic Development of Sumaré.    As the first step in this partnership, the “Zapeando a IA” course will be made available to the public: an innovative microlearning program designed to be taken directly through WhatsApp. With a concise, dynamic, and completely free curriculum, the course allows anyone to learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and discover how this technology can benefit their personal and professional lives. “We believe that transforming lives through technology begins with seeing each person as the protagonist of their own journey. That’s why this partnership with the Sumaré Department of Economic Development is so important: it allows us to reach those who truly matter, with simple, accessible initiatives designed for the daily lives of every citizen. It’s not just about teaching artificial intelligence, but about opening doors so that more people can dream, learn, and carve out their place in the new digital economy.” – Fátima Galeazzo, Project Manager, Brazil In an era of rapid digital transformation, it is essential to ensure that no one is excluded from the opportunities that technology can offer. Partnerships like this reinforce The Trust for the Americas’ commitment to digital inclusion and to building fairer and more accessible paths for everyone.  *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with the key skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust forges strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as an engine of progress in the Americas. About the Sumaré Municipal Secretariat of Labor, Employment, Income Generation, and Economic Development: The Sumaré Municipal Secretariat of Labor, Employment, Income Generation, and Economic Development is the entity responsible for promoting public policies aimed at the municipality’s sustainable economic development, job creation, and the professional training of the population. The secretariat works in coordination with businesses, civil society organizations, and other levels of government to strengthen the local business environment, foster entrepreneurship, and expand job and income opportunities for the citizens of Sumaré. Brazil

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Microsoft TechSpark and The Trust for the Americas Drive Digital Transformation and Entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico, April 2025 — In 2023, The Trust for the Americas joined the Microsoft TechSpark program as a Community Engagement Fellow, joining forces to bridge social and economic gaps in Puerto Rico. In partnership with the Center for Puerto Rico, the initiative seeks to empower communities through digital skills training and the promotion of local entrepreneurship. In April, representatives from both organizations visited Puerto Rico to strengthen their collaborative efforts. Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas, and Luz Marina Correa, the organization’s Project Manager, toured the facilities of the Center for Puerto Rico alongside its founder, Sila M. Calderón. They also participated in hands-on workshops on artificial intelligence tools aimed primarily at staff members of our local partner. During the activities, Linda Eddelman commented: “We firmly believe that access to digital skills is key to closing social and economic gaps. Our partnership with Microsoft and the Center for Puerto Rico demonstrates how multisectoral collaboration can transform lives, empowering communities to become agents of their own development.”  Since the start of this collaboration, more than 1,000 people have benefited directly (87% of whom are women) through programs focused on digital transformation and entrepreneurship. This impact is part of a national effort led by Microsoft TechSpark, which supports nonprofit organizations committed to expanding economic opportunities across the United States. In its first year, TechSpark Fellows achieved remarkable results: they mobilized more than $177 million in funding, reached 48,000 people, and partnered with 548 organizations, reaffirming the potential of collaboration between the private sector and civil society to drive economic development at the local level ***  About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with the key skills they need to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust forges strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as a engine of progress in the Americas.   About the Center for Puerto Rico: The Center for Puerto Rico is a nonprofit organization of the Sila M. Foundation, dedicated to empowering communities throughout Puerto Rico through social and economic development initiatives. Since its inception, the Center for Puerto Rico has focused on addressing critical needs in education, health, and economic sustainability, with a particular emphasis on strengthening marginalized populations. Through strategic partnerships with local organizations, the Center for Puerto Rico seeks to foster community resilience, expand opportunities for growth, and promote sustainable development. Puerto Rico

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The Trust for the Americas presents potencIA, a national initiative to expand access to emerging technologies in Brazil

Brazil, March 29, 2025. With the goal of bridging the digital divide and promoting the inclusive use of technology, The Trust for the Americas launched potencIA, a new initiative aimed at expanding access to knowledge and the use of technologies in Brazil, with a special focus on generative artificial intelligence. This project represents a milestone for the organization, as it is the first designed exclusively for Brazil and reinforces its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability.  PotencIA was launched as part of The Trust’s participation in the HP Digital Equity Accelerator 2024 Program, an initiative driven by HP Inc. and the HP Foundation. Following a rigorous selection process, The Trust was one of ten organizations chosen worldwide to receive mentoring, strategic training, and institutional support, which led to this innovative proposal for the country. The project is funded by the HP Foundation and HP Corp., with institutional support from Microsoft and Avanade.  During the official launch, Fátima Galeazzo, Brazil Project Manager for The Trust for the Americas, highlighted: “Participating in the Digital Equity Accelerator was an incredible experience that allowed us to create a project exclusively for Brazil, designed to be flexible and adaptable to the communities we will serve. Being able to operate in all five regions of the country, alongside nine social organizations that are leaders in their communities, is a very special achievement that will help us expand our presence and impact. None of this would be possible without the support of our partners—the HP Foundation, HP Corp., Microsoft, and Avanade. We’re excited about what’s to come and open to new partnerships that will help us continue promoting access to technology and the development of digital skills throughout Brazil.”  PotencIA will offer training, mentoring, and resources designed for people ages 16 and older, as well as for teachers and educators in both formal and non-formal settings. The project ranges from introductory content to specialized modules, with a flexible and inclusive approach that allows the learning experience to be adapted to different contexts. PotencIA promotes the development of digital skills with the goal of creating concrete connections to educational, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities, integrating artificial intelligence into training processes aligned with the demands of the digital economy. In its first phase, the initiative is expected to directly impact more than 4,000 people in different regions of the country. Through this initiative, The Trust seeks to democratize the use of emerging technologies, foster the development of digital skills, and create real opportunities for access to employment, education, and entrepreneurship.   *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion by equipping people with the key skills needed to thrive in the new world of work. As an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), The Trust forges strategic partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors to expand opportunities throughout the region. With 28 years of experience, it has impacted more than 5.5 million people in 29 countries, driving the development of economic opportunities and fostering innovation as an engine of progress in the Americas.  About the HP Foundation: The HP Foundation is HP’s philanthropic organization committed to promoting digital equity globally. Through the Digital Equity Accelerator, it supports nonprofit organizations working to bridge the digital divide by providing funding, specialized mentoring, and institutional capacity-building. This initiative supports projects that expand access to technology, education, and economic opportunities, especially in historically underrepresented communities. About Microsoft: Microsoft Philanthropies is committed to harnessing the power of technology to address global social challenges. Its focus is on increasing digital inclusion by ensuring that more people have access to digital skills and technology; supporting nonprofit organizations through technology and grants; and strengthening society’s resilience in the face of crises. This initiative highlights Microsoft’s commitment to empowering communities around the world, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable development. About Avanade: Avanade is a leading professional services firm that delivers innovative digital solutions, cloud services, and consulting, with a specialized focus on the Microsoft ecosystem. Founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft, Avanade operates in more than 26 countries and has approximately 50,000 employees. Its mission is to help organizations of all sizes reach their full potential by leveraging Microsoft technologies. Brazil

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