María Alejandra Barrios S.

From September 2 to 4, I had the opportunity to visit AquaTech Mexico 2025, one of the world’s leading events in the field of water and treatment technologies. The experience was inspiring: walking through the exhibition halls allowed me to see firsthand the most advanced solutions for water management, purification, treatment, and reuse—a resource that now, more than ever, demands urgent attention. From advanced filtration and desalination systems to digital platforms for smart consumption monitoring, AquaTech made it clear that the technology is already available; what’s missing is the will to adopt it on a massive scale. Mexico is positioning itself as a strategic hub in the global water ecosystem, not only because of its technical capacity but also because of its potential to develop solutions at the local level. This visit allowed me to connect this experience with the work we’re doing as part of The Trust for the Americas’ “Jale por el Agua” (Skills for Sustainability – S4S) project of The Trust for the Americas, implemented in Mexico in partnership with Jóvenes Constructores de la Comunidad (JCC) and with support from NADBank and Microsoft. The project aims to train communities in digital, technical, and life skills, with a special focus on water management and conservation. Thus, while AquaTech showcases the cutting-edge technology available in Mexico, Jale por el Agua brings these trends to people who face daily challenges related to access to and the responsible use of this resource. The combination of technological innovation and human capacity building is key to ensuring a sustainable future. In Mexico, we already have the necessary knowledge, tools, and stakeholders; now the challenge is to drive the adoption of these solutions in communities, governments, and businesses. Leaving AquaTech left me deeply motivated: water conservation is not just the task of specialists, but a collective effort. Projects like Jale por el Agua—which has successfully connected more than 400 young graduates in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, to economic and educational opportunities—are opening up new possibilities for more people to join this transformation, from the local to the global level.

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.  

A The Trust for the Americas foi selecionada como uma das organizações participantes da edição 2024 do Programa HP Digital Equity Accelerator (HP DEA). Este programa foi desenhado para fortalecer a capacidade interna das organizações participantes e ampliar o impacto da equidade digital. Para isso, oferece às organizações subsídios, doação de equipamentos, além de um programa virtual de seis meses que inclui capacitação, mentoria e consultorias técnicas.  Recentemente, nossa equipe teve a oportunidade de se reunir com as demais organizações do HP DEA na sede da HP Brasil em Barueri, São Paulo, em um evento prestigioso. A Coordenadora Nacional do Brasil, Fátima Galeazzo, apresentou nosso programa POETA e seus impactos, tanto a nível internacional quanto nacional, perante a alta direção da HP, jornalistas, influenciadores e demais participantes do programa. No Brasil, o POETA tem demonstrado um impacto notável, tendo beneficiado a mais de 400.000 pessoas ao longo de seus catorzes anos de implementação.  Graças a essa aliança, nosso novo projeto tem por objetivo fortalecer e expandir a Rede POETA Brasil, incorporando novas organizações e aliados, e ampliar significativamente o número de pessoas beneficiadas no país. Além disso, o projeto busca fortalecer a capacidade tecnológica dos atuais e novos Centros POETA para que ofereçam formação em áreas emergentes como Inteligência Artificial e Habilidades Digitais Verdes.  A participação da The Trust for the Americas no programa HP DEA fortalece nosso compromisso de buscar parcerias estratégicas para o sucesso de nossos projetos, promovendo a sustentabilidade, a relevância local e assegurando um impacto significativo e duradouro nas comunidades beneficiadas. Seguimos trabalhando incansavelmente para fechar a lacuna digital e promover a inclusão e a equidade digital em toda a América.  Parabenizamos toda a equipe POETA, especialmente Fátima Galeazzo e Laura Kretly, nossas representantes no Brasil, por todo o entusiasmo e dedicação neste novo projeto! 

The Trust for the Americas ha sido seleccionada como una de las instituciones participantes en la edición 2024 del Programa HP Digital Equity Accelerator (HP DEA). Este programa fue diseñado para fortalecer la capacidad interna de las organizaciones participantes y ampliar el impacto de la equidad digital. Para ello, ofrece a las organizaciones subvenciones, donaciones de equipos, y un programa virtual de seis meses que incluye capacitación, mentoría y consultorías técnicas.  Recientemente, nuestro equipo tuvo la oportunidad de reunirse con las demás organizaciones del HP DEA en la sede de HP Brasil en Barueri, São Paulo, en un evento prestigioso. La Coordinadora Nacional de Brasil, Fátima Galeazzo, presentó nuestro programa POETA y sus impactos, tanto a nivel internacional como nacional, ante la alta dirección de HP, periodistas, influenciadores y demás participantes del programa. En Brasil, POETA ha demostrado un impacto notable, beneficiando a más de 400.000 personas a lo largo de sus catorce años de implementación.  Gracias a esta alianza, nuestro nuevo proyecto tiene como objetivo fortalecer y expandir la Red POETA Brasil, incorporando nuevas organizaciones y aliados, y ampliar significativamente el número de personas beneficiadas en el país. Además, el proyecto busca fortalecer la capacidad tecnológica de los actuales y nuevos Centros POETA para ofrecer formación en áreas emergentes como Inteligencia Artificial y Habilidades Digitales Verdes.  La participación de The Trust for the Americas en el programa HP DEA fortalece nuestro compromiso de buscar alianzas estratégicas para el éxito de nuestros proyectos, promoviendo la sostenibilidad, la relevancia local y asegurando un impacto significativo y duradero en las comunidades beneficiadas. Seguimos trabajando incansablemente para cerrar la brecha digital y promover la inclusión y la equidad digital en toda América.  Felicitamos a todo el equipo de POETA, especialmente a Fátima Galeazzo y Laura Kretly, nuestras representantes en Brasil, por todo su entusiasmo y dedicación en este nuevo proyecto! 

A finales de 2023, la fundación tuvo la oportunidad de presentar el innovador proyecto DigiSpark al entonces rector del Colegio Distrital Vargas Vila. Con gran entusiasmo, el rector accedió a implementar los procesos digitales formativos del programa para los estudiantes de grado 11 que así lo desearan, utilizando el centro POETA de la sede Bella Flor como punto de encuentro y aprendizaje. De manera libre, un grupo de 35 estudiantes mostró un profundo interés en la propuesta. Estos jóvenes comprometidos asistieron al Centro POETA dos días a la semana, fuera del horario escolar, para certificarse en habilidades personales y alcanzar un nivel intermedio en Excel. Este esfuerzo adicional destacó su dedicación y deseo de superación, sentando un precedente positivo para futuras iniciativas. A finales de 2023, el Trust for The Americas nos informó que el socio EY (Ernst & Young) estaba interesado en llevar a sus instalaciones a un grupo de jóvenes para una experiencia educativa única. No dudamos en presentar a los estudiantes de DigiSpark como candidatos ideales. Con el inicio del nuevo año escolar en enero, nos pusimos en contacto con la dirección del centro educativo para presentar la propuesta, la cual fue acogida con entusiasmo y concretada el 13 de febrero. Durante este encuentro, los jóvenes tuvieron la oportunidad de escuchar a expertas y voluntarias de EY sobre temas cruciales como las bondades de la Inteligencia Artificial, la importancia de la huella digital y el uso responsable de las redes sociales, entre otros. La experiencia no solo fue enriquecedora para los estudiantes, quienes se mostraron entusiasmados y motivados para avanzar en cursos básicos de Inteligencia Artificial Generativa (IAG), sino también para los docentes acompañantes. Ellos reconocieron la importancia de asumir su responsabilidad en el manejo de estas nuevas tecnologías, lo cual es esencial para guiar adecuadamente a sus alumnos. Como resultado, a lo largo del primer semestre de 2024, se formó a un grupo de docentes en IAG, permitiéndonos avanzar con ellos en niveles superiores. Esta salida a las instalaciones de EY ha sido tan significativa para los jóvenes que, desde la dirección del centro educativo, se nos ha solicitado la posibilidad de crear nuevos espacios que motiven e incentiven a los bachilleres a revisar sus posibilidades de futuro, considerando la tecnología como base de su proyecto de vida educativo y profesional. Es crucial que toda la comunidad educativa, junto con organizaciones no gubernamentales, empresas y el gobierno local, se unan para apoyar estas iniciativas. Invertir en la educación tecnológica de nuestros jóvenes no solo es una responsabilidad moral, sino una inversión en el futuro de Bogotá y de Colombia. Los estudiantes de colegios públicos en toda Colombia, tienen el potencial de convertirse en los líderes y innovadores del mañana. Necesitan nuestro apoyo para acceder a experiencias que expandan sus horizontes y les proporcionen las herramientas necesarias para triunfar. ¡Apoyemos a nuestros jóvenes hoy para un mejor mañana!

The Trust for the Americas y Fundación Terra se complace en anunciar la apertura de dos nuevos centros POETA en Honduras, sumando así un total de seis centros en todo el país. Estos nuevos centros, localizados en Agua Blanca Sur, El Progreso, Yoro, y en Nueva Suyapa, se integran como implementadores del Proyecto POETA DigiSpark, un esfuerzo por fortalecer el acceso a la tecnología con fines educativos. El objetivo de estos nuevos centros es proporcionar capacitación en habilidades digitales y capacidades para la vida, enfocándose en la empleabilidad y el emprendimiento. Los centros ofrecerán más de 100 contenidos y actividades educativas, que abarcan desde el uso y cuidado de equipos tecnológicos hasta temas avanzados como ciencias de la computación, inteligencia artificial y ciberseguridad. Se espera atender a un promedio de 100 estudiantes mensuales en cada centro. Este importante avance ha sido posible gracias a la colaboración estratégica con aliados clave como Microsoft, Proyecto Joven – Acción Cultural Popular Hondureña, Agua Blanca Sur y UNO Centroamérica. Juntos, trabajamos para construir un futuro mejor, promoviendo la inclusión digital y el desarrollo socioeconómico en la región. Los nuevos centros POETA están diseñados para ser espacios de aprendizaje inclusivos, donde los participantes podrán adquirir las herramientas esenciales para integrarse y prosperar en la economía digital. Con estas iniciativas, Fundación Terra reafirma su compromiso con el empoderamiento digital y la creación de oportunidades para los habitantes de Honduras.