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The Trust for the Americas and the Organization of American States Present the 2025 Corporate Citizen of the Americas Award to Mastercard

Washington, D.C. – April 24, 2026 — The Trust for the Americas and the Organization of American States (OAS) presented Mastercard with the 2025 Corporate Citizen of the Americas (CCA) Award during a ceremony and luncheon in the Miranda Room at OAS Headquarters. The CCA Award recognizes companies that have made a real difference in improving the lives of underserved communities and promoting economic growth throughout the Western Hemisphere for over 15 years. The award honors the Mastercard Strive initiative—a program of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth—and Mastercard’s leadership in digital and financial inclusion, innovation, and economic opportunity across the region. Mastercard Strive helps small businesses thrive in today’s digital economy by providing entrepreneurs with practical tools, access to capital, and trusted connections—enabling them to strengthen their operations, reach more customers, and drive inclusive economic growth in communities throughout the Americas. The award was presented by Dr. Michael Bogachek, Executive Director of the OAS, on behalf of H.E. Albert Ramdin, Secretary General of the OAS, and accepted by Mr. Jon Huntsman Jr., Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard. “For the OAS, it is an honor to present this award, together with The Trust for the Americas, to an organization whose work inspires what we do across our Member States. This award reminds us of the importance of having partners that not only connect sectors but also take action, turning collaboration into tangible results for people,” Bogachek said. During the award reception, Mr. Jon Huntsman Jr. said, “Across Latin America and the Caribbean, the scale of opportunity demands collaboration. Through Trust Emprende and Mastercard Strive, we’re proud to work with partners across the public, private, and multilateral sectors to help small businesses build resilience, adopt digital tools, and grow.”The ceremony also featured discussions on new opportunities to expand impact through initiatives such as Trust Emprende, which will collaborate with partners like Mastercard to strengthen micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Latin America and the Caribbean. Dr. Enrique Segura, CEO of ENSE Group and Founding Chairman of The Trust for the Americas, said, “Mastercard’s commitment to digital and financial inclusion across the Americas exemplifies exactly the kind of corporate leadership this award was created to honor. For twenty years, the CCA Award has celebrated companies that put purpose at the center of their business, and Mastercard has proven, through its Mastercard Strive initiative and beyond, that innovation and impact go hand in hand.” The gathering included ambassadors to the OAS from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama, as well as private-sector leaders from Citi, BMW, Banco BHD, and Mastercard. The 2025 Corporate Citizen of the Americas Award honors Mastercard’s leadership in advancing economic inclusion and reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities where they are needed most. Together, The Trust for the Americas and Mastercard are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient future for communities across the Americas. *** About The Trust for the Americas: The Trust for the Americas is a nonprofit organization that promotes social and economic inclusion in the hemisphere by developing key skills for employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As an organization affiliated with the Organization of American States, The Trust forges regional and local partnerships with the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors. Since its founding, it has worked in more than 29 countries across the Americas and has impacted over 6 million people through initiatives that connect training, technology, and real economic opportunities. About the Organization of American States The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world’s oldest regional organization and the main political, legal, and social governmental forum in the Western Hemisphere. It brings together the 35 independent states of the Americas, with an additional 70 states and the European Union holding permanent observer status. The OAS operates across four core pillars—democracy, human rights, security, and development—to promote peace, solidarity, and cooperation among its member states. About Mastercard: Mastercard fuels economies and empowers people in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can thrive. We support a wide range of digital payment options, making transactions secure, simple, smart, and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships, and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses, and governments realize their greatest potential. www.mastercard.com 

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President of Banco BHD elected to the Board of Directors of The Trust for the Americas

Steven Puig joins the executive team of The Trust for the Americas, an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS). National District, Dominican Republic. Steven Puig, president of Banco BHD, was elected to the board of directors of The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS), founded in 1997 with the goal of promoting social and economic inclusion in the hemisphere through the development of key skills for employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The board of directors is the foundation’s highest governing body and is composed of the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, as well as high-level leaders from private-sector companies and organizations such as CEMEX, COPA Holdings, BMW, San Francisco General Hospital, MasterCard, ENSE Group, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, Microsoft, and Grupo Ardila Lülle. Its members actively participate in strategic decision-making that guides the organization’s direction. Linda Eddleman, CEO of The Trust for the Americas, stated, “As the newest member of our distinguished board of directors, Steven Puig will play key roles in guiding our strategic initiatives and ensuring the organization’s financial integrity, transparency, and regulatory compliance. His extensive knowledge of the financial sector and his focus on inclusion will strengthen our mission to provide training and create high-impact economic opportunities for millions of people in the region.” Puig is a financial industry professional with more than thirty years of experience in international and domestic banking and industry trends. He has served as president of Banco BHD since 2023 and has been with the financial institution for more than a decade. “It is an honor for me to serve on the board of directors of The Trust for the Americas, an organization that has implemented projects in 29 countries, working with more than a thousand organizations, with the goal of strengthening social development and inclusion in the region,” said Puig. The BHD executive’s understanding and global vision of the banking business and its markets are evident in his professional career, which includes leadership roles at other financial institutions such as Citibank Colombia and Citibank El Salvador. He has also held other executive positions at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in the United States, Citigroup for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Chase Manhattan in Puerto Rico and the United States. Puig’s commitment as a visionary leader is grounded not only in his knowledge and extensive expertise in the banking industry but also in the work ethic and human virtues that set him apart as a person, a coworker, a team member, and, of course, a leader.

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The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government are expanding the impact of Zapeando a IA in the second year of their partnership

Brazil, March 31, 2026 – As part of the renewal of their partnership, The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government are reinforcing their commitment to the democratization of technological knowledge through the expansion of Zapeando a IA, a microlearning initiative designed to make artificial intelligence accessible to the general public in a simple and user-friendly way. During its first year of implementation, “Zapeando a IA” enabled participants to learn the basics of artificial intelligence directly through WhatsApp. Thanks to its agile, dynamic, and free format, the initiative has managed to spark the interest of a diverse range of participants, including young people, entrepreneurs, and those in the midst of a career transition. The job market is undergoing a profound transformation. While artificial intelligence is redefining entire sectors, the lack of technical training risks leaving thousands of professionals behind. In this context, partnerships such as the one between The Trust for the Americas and the City of Sumaré enable progress toward a clear mission: not only to encourage the adoption of new technologies in the region but also to democratize access to them. Bridging these gaps is essential. We must ensure that more people can be at the forefront and that the potential of artificial intelligence translates into real productivity gains, without losing sight of an essential aspect: dignity in the workplace. “The future of work is not just about technology, but also about inclusion. With ”Zapeando a IA,’ we aim to provide people with concrete tools in accessible formats that are relevant to their daily lives, so that no one is left out of this transformation,” said Fátima Galeazzo, project manager in Brazil for The Trust for the Americas. In this new phase, the initiative will seek to expand its reach by incorporating up-to-date content and strengthening its impact on the community. The goal is to continue promoting equitable access to essential knowledge about emerging technologies, helping to reduce the digital divide and encourage broader participation in the digital economy. The City of Sumaré, through the Department of Economic Development and Secretary Ed Carlo Michelin, highlighted the value of initiatives like this one, which facilitate barrier-free access to quality education by using everyday tools such as cell phones to create real opportunities for personal and professional development. With this renewal, The Trust for the Americas and the City of Sumaré continue to strengthen a strategic partnership committed to innovation, inclusion, and the sustainable development of communities. If you’d like, in the next step I can draft a second version with language that’s a bit more institutional and “press release”-style, so it’s even more ready to be sent out.

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Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government have renewed their partnership to promote Capacita-te Brasil and strengthen access to digital skills in Brazil

Brazil, March 31, 2026 – The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government, through the Secretariat of Economic Development and Secretary Ed Carlo Michelin, announce the renewal of their strategic alliance, reaffirming their commitment to digital inclusion and the socioeconomic development of local communities. In this new phase, one of the main initiatives will be the strengthening of Capacita-te Brasil, an effort focused on training in digital skills and employability. Over the past year, the collaboration between the two institutions has made it possible to expand access to innovative training content, benefiting hundreds of people in Sumaré. With the renewal of this agreement, Capacita-te Brasil is established as a strategic tool to prepare the population for the challenges of the digital economy, offering access to more than 70 free courses in areas such as employability, entrepreneurship, social-emotional skills, and technological tools, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. Aligned with current labor market demands, its content enables the residents of Sumaré to anticipate changes and position themselves more competitively in the workforce. Capacita-te Brasil is a platform that, through strategic partnerships with The Trust for the Americas, provides the public with innovative and relevant content for their personal and professional development. Thanks to collaboration with partners such as Microsoft, EY, and Visa, the platform offers up-to-date, accessible training aligned with the demands of the job market. Its flexible approach allows participants to progress at their own pace, adapting to different contexts and levels of knowledge. “We are very proud to continue this partnership with the City of Sumaré. Capacita-te Brasil represents a concrete opportunity for more people to develop essential skills that will enable them to access better job opportunities and improve their quality of life,” said Fátima Galeazzo, project manager for Brazil at The Trust for the Americas. For its part, the team at the Secretariat of Economic Development highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in initiatives that promote the population’s autonomy and professional growth, especially in a context where digital skills are increasingly essential. The renewal of this partnership reaffirms both institutions’ commitment to working together to build a more inclusive society, in which technology serves as a tool for transformation and progress for all.

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The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government are expanding the impact of "Zapeando a IA" in the second year of their partnership

Brazil, March 31, 2026 – As part of the renewal of their partnership, The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government are reinforcing their commitment to democratizing technological knowledge through the expansion of “Zapeando a IA,” a microlearning initiative designed to make artificial intelligence accessible to the public in a simple and accessible way. During its first year of implementation, Zapeando a IA enabled participants to learn the basics of artificial intelligence directly through WhatsApp. Thanks to its agile, dynamic, and free format, the initiative succeeded in capturing the interest of a diverse range of participants, including young people, entrepreneurs, and individuals in the process of career transition. The labor market is undergoing a profound transformation. As artificial intelligence redefines entire industries, the lack of technical training risks leaving thousands of professionals behind. In this context, partnerships such as the one between The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government help advance a clear mission: not only to promote the adoption of new technologies in the region but also to democratize access to them. Closing these gaps is essential. We must ensure that more people can stay at the forefront and that the potential of artificial intelligence translates into real productivity gains, without losing sight of one essential aspect: the dignity of work. “The future of work is not just about technology, but about inclusion. With ‘Zapeando a IA,’ we aim to bring concrete tools to people in accessible formats that align with their daily lives, so that no one is left out of this transformation,” said Fátima Galeazzo, Project Manager for Brazil at The Trust for the Americas. In this new phase, the initiative will seek to expand its reach by incorporating up-to-date content and strengthening its impact on the community. The goal is to continue promoting equitable access to key knowledge about emerging technologies, helping to reduce the digital divide and foster greater participation in the digital economy. The Sumaré City Government, through the Secretariat of Economic Development and Secretary Ed Carlo Michelin, highlighted the value of initiatives like this one, which facilitate barrier-free access to quality training by using everyday tools such as cell phones to create real opportunities for personal and professional development. With this renewal, The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government continue to strengthen a strategic partnership committed to innovation, inclusion, and the sustainable development of communities.

The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government are expanding the impact of "Zapeando a IA" in the second year of their partnership Read More »

The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government Renew Their Partnership to Promote Capacita-te and Strengthen Access to Digital Skills in Brazil

Brazil, March 31, 2026 – The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government, through the Secretariat of Economic Development and Secretary Ed Carlo Michelin, announce the renewal of their strategic partnership, reaffirming their commitment to digital inclusion and the socioeconomic development of local communities. In this new phase, one of the main initiatives will be the strengthening of Capacita-te Brasil, an effort focused on training in digital and employability skills. Over the past year, the collaboration between the two institutions has expanded access to innovative training content, benefiting hundreds of people in Sumaré. With the renewal of this agreement, Capacita-te Brasil is established as a strategic tool to prepare the population for the challenges of the digital economy, offering access to more than 70 free courses in areas such as employability, entrepreneurship, soft skills, and technological tools, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence. Its content, aligned with the demands of today’s job market, enables the residents of Sumaré to anticipate changes and gain a competitive edge in the workplace. Capacita-te Brasil is a platform that, through strategic partnerships with The Trust for the Americas, provides the public with innovative and relevant content for their personal and professional development. Thanks to collaboration with partners such as Microsoft, EY, and Visa, it offers up-to-date, accessible training aligned with the demands of the job market. Its flexible approach allows participants to progress at their own pace, adapting to different contexts and levels of knowledge. “We are very proud to continue this partnership with the Sumaré City Government. Capacita-te Brasil represents a concrete opportunity for more people to develop key skills that will allow them to access better job opportunities and improve their quality of life,” said Fátima Galeazzo, Project Manager for Brazil at The Trust for the Americas. For its part, the team at the Secretariat of Economic Development highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in initiatives that promote citizens’ autonomy and professional growth, especially in a context where digital skills are becoming increasingly essential. The renewal of this partnership reaffirms both institutions’ commitment to working together to build a more inclusive society, where technology serves as a tool for transformation and progress for all.

The Trust for the Americas and the Sumaré City Government Renew Their Partnership to Promote Capacita-te and Strengthen Access to Digital Skills in Brazil Read More »