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Conference Chair
Rogerio Mobilia Silva
Deputy Head of Regional Office for Latin America & the Caribbean (ROLAC)
 UNOCHA - Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Mr. Mobilia was appointed as the Deputy Head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) in 2019. Prior to this, he led the Information Services Unit since 2007, accumulating extensive experience in information management, communication technology, and human relations in crisis contexts. He also played a crucial role in leading the regional office during the COVID-19 pandemic and recently spearheading the continuity plan for the Turkey and Syria cross-border operation.

Holding a degree in Systems Technology Engineering with a specialization in human relations, Mr. Mobilia has over 27 years of experience in crisis management and major operations with the United Nations and additional years in the private sector. Throughout his humanitarian career, he has worked with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in various regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Mr. Mobilia’s work primarily focuses on leadership, crisis management and expands to automation and technology, communication, information management, and coordinating responses during complex crises or emergencies caused by natural phenomena or complex crisis. He has led OCHA and other international specialized teams in supporting emergency responses and has facilitated and participated in numerous international forums, engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders from political to technical themes.


Keynote Speakers
Adherbal De La Rosa
Executive Secretary
 CEPREDENAC - Coordination Centre for the Prevention of Natural Disasters in Central America

Mr. Adherbal De La Rosa is an emergency and disaster management expert. Currently serving as Executive Secretary of the Coordination Center for Disaster Prevention in Central America and the Dominican Republic (CEPREDENAC), for the period of 2024-2029. Adherbal served as Director of the Technical Secretariat of the Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Cabinet of the Ministry of Government, Panama for 4 years and has played key roles in the National Civil Protection System - SINAPROC, including the position of Deputy Director and Director until March 2024. He has a strong background in urban rescue, USAR team coordination, and emergency coordination center management. He has served as a delegate for the American Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on international missions, including the response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and the Iquitos, Peru, floods in 2012. With more than a decade of experience in the Panamanian Red Cross, Adherbal has coordinated comprehensive risk management projects and directed the National Training School for First Responders. Mr. De La Rosa Toullier has also stood out as deputy leader of the USAR Panama team in the earthquakes in Ecuador and Mexico.
Dr. Irwin Redlener
UCAP Co-Founder
 Ukraine Children's Action Project (UCAP) & Columbia University

Irwin Redlener, M.D. is Co-Founder, with Karen Redlener, of the Ukraine Children's Action Project. At Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs he serves as adjunct research scholar and founding Director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness. He is also co-founder of the Children's Health Fund and a clinical professor of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He is the Author of Americans at Risk and The Future of Us.


Workshop Hosts
Stefano Riera
Americas Operational Procurement Manager
 IFRC - International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies

Stefano embarked on his journey with IFRC as a Procurement Intern in 2005. This pivotal experience steered his career towards the Humanitarian Sector. Subsequently, he became part of the IFRC team, participating in operations across Africa, Asia, the Society's headquarters in Geneva, and the Americas, including the Haiti Earthquake Operation. With over 17 years of dedicated experience in Humanitarian Supply Chain, Stefano holds a university degree in International Business and Logistics, along with a Master's degree in Operations Management.

Stefano hosts Tuesday's IFRC Supplier Workshop.
Marbeth Velasquez (virtual)
Supply Chain Manager - WV Venezuela
 World Vision LAC

Graduated in Production Engineering and International Trade from Universidad Simón Bolívar in Venezuela, Marbeth Velasquez has dedicated her career to humanitarian efforts. She began her journey at World Vision International in 2022, where she has held various roles, including Supply Chain Manager for Venezuela since 2023. Marbeth has been instrumental in optimizing processes in planning, inventory, procurement, and distribution, ensuring efficient support for humanitarian missions. She also participated in the emergency response in Panama, providing administrative support for procurement processes since 2023. Marbeth's commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and achieving economies of scale has been crucial in Venezuela Crisis Response. She also holds diplomas in Supply Chain and Logistics and in Governance and Public Innovation.

Marbeth hosts Tuesday's World Vision Supply Chain Management Workshop.


Speakers
Thomas Kongsted (Panel Chair)
Europe Head of Operations,Maersk Project Logistics
 Maersk

Thomas Kongsted, Danish, has served as Europe Head of Operations for almost two years, where he is responsible for European operations within Maersk Project Logistics with 180 specialists within the verticals of Aid & Relief, Government, Air Charter & Projects services. Thomas has been with Maersk since January 2014, previously serving as Head of Special Project Logistics, responsible for all special operations within Maersk Scandinavia, including Aid/Relief, Air Charter, Government Services & Projects. Prior to Maersk, Thomas spent three years at Kuehne + Nagel as Industry Manager – Oil & Gas, five years at DSV Air & Sea Denmark as European Manager – Marine Logistics, and previously, Business Development Manager. Prior to this, Thomas spent three years at DHL Danzas China and Denmark respectively.
J. Frank Melgarejo Jr (virtual)
Humanitarian Operations Advisor & Humanitarian Assistance Program Manager
 USSOUTHCOM | Department of Defense

J. Frank Melgarejo Jr. retired as the Chief of the Theater Civil Affairs Planning Team South at United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Headquarters in Doral, Florida. His duties included but were not limited to advising the Command, Allies, and Partners on the conduct of Civil Affairs (CA) Operations and DoD Humanitarian Operations in Latin America & the Caribbean. Today, as a Department of the Army civilian, Mr. J. Frank Melgarejo is USSOUTHCOM’s Humanitarian Operations Advisor and Humanitarian Assistance Program Manager.
Kenisha Jeffrey-Isembert (virtual)
Director
 St. Lucia National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO)

Kenisha Jeffrey-Isembert is a dynamic and transformational leader and disaster management and resilience specialist. Mrs. Jeffrey-Isembert is the Director of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). As the Director of NEMO, Kenisha, works assiduously to coordinate the policies and programmes of the government of St. Lucia which are aimed at preventing, mitigating and relieving the impacts of disasters and emergencies on its people. Prior to her current post Kenisha worked as a Programme Development Officer for three years at NEMO and a Leading Fire Officer with the Saint Lucia Fire Service where she served for fourteen years. Kenisha is a proud recipient of the prestigious Chevening Scholarship which she used to attain a Masters of Science in Disaster Management and Resilience with Merit at Coventry University in England, UK. Kenisha also holds a Master of Science in Public Sector Management with Distinction from The University of the West Indies, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management with Magna Cum Laude from Monroe College, and a Diploma in Global Leadership with Distinction from Coventry University.
Maria Leticia Cardoso
Chief Advisor on Communications,SINAGIR (National System for Comprehensive Risk Management & Civil Protection)
 Argentina Ministry of Security

María Leticia Cardoso holds a degree in Communication Sciences (UBA) and a Master’s in Political Marketing (Universidad del Salvador), with a specialization in Government Communication and Political Campaigns (Universidad Camilo José Cela, Spain). She has 10 years of experience in the communication area of SINAGIR at Argentina’s National Security Ministry, where she leads communication strategies for disaster risk management. She coordinates emergency communication protocols and oversees all communication campaigns for the system. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at the Gendarmería Nacional University Institute.
Nahuel Arenas
Chief - Americas & Caribbean
 UNDRR - UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Mr. Nahuel Arenas Garcia has been Chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean since 2023. He had served as the Deputy Chief of UNDRR ROAC since 2017 and brings more than 20 years of experience leading humanitarian, Disaster Risk Reduction and development cooperation programs in different countries in Latin America & Caribbean, Africa and the Asia Pacific region. During the last 20 years, he has led humanitarian assistance interventions, DRR programming and development cooperation in different countries in Latin America & Caribbean, Africa and Asia Pacific. Before joining UNDRR, Nahuel occupied the position of Director for Humanitarian Programs and Policy for OXFAM USA. He has also worked for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Action Against Hunger (ACF), consulted for UN-Habitat leading learning processes around DRR programming and contributed to many academic programs including the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Course: Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disasters. He has a background in Public Policy (FLACSO) and International Politics (SOAS, University of London) as well as degrees in Crisis Management (Universidad Complutense of Madrid).
Dr. Andrea Atzori (Panel Chair)
Head of Institutional Relations
 Barrel Solar

Andrea Atzori is Senior Advisor for Institutional Partnerships at Barrel Solar. He brings over 20 years of experience in international development, global health, and humanitarian response. With a background in Public Health from Manchester Metropolitan University, Andrea has held leadership roles in NGOs across Europe, Africa, and the U.S., including as Director of International Relations for Doctors with Africa CUAMM. He has worked extensively in countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, engaging with UN agencies, governments, and major donors. Andrea also contributes to academic programs and research in health logistics and innovation. At Barrel, he supports the development of strategic alliances in complex and emergency-prone regions.
Alvaro de Vicente
Head of Regional Office for Latin America & the Caribbean
 European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations Directorate (ECHO)

Currently, Alvaro de Vicente is the Regional Head of Office for Latin America and the Caribbean for the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Directorate (ECHO) in Panama. He has served as Head of Office for ECHO South America, ECHO's Humanitarian Expert for East Asia, and Head of the Water and Sanitation Department at the Action Contre la Faim headquarters in Paris. He has humanitarian experience in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Luis Amaya
Director General
 El Salvador Directorate General of Civil Protection, Disaster Prevention & Mitigation (DGPC)

Luis Alonso Amaya Durán holds a Master’s degree in Climate Change and Territorial Development Management, and a Bachelor’s in Nursing. He also possesses a Diploma in Disaster Preparedness and Response; in Risk Management and Public Investment; Emergency Health Administration and Climate Change, and implications for Security and Defense. He is an Alumni of the William J. Perry Center at the National Defense University in Washington and the Kobe Institute for Human Renewal. In 30 years of working life, Mr. Amaya has worked as an emergency nurse, emergency management technician, in humanitarian assistance logistics support, design, execution and evaluation of emergency response plans and disaster risk management. Since 2021, he has been the Director General of Civil Protection of El Salvador, has experience in consulting related to emergency preparedness and response, humanitarian logistics, and is a member of the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (UNDAC).
Nora Guerten
Anticipatory Action Advisor
 WFP - World Food Programme

Nora is the Regional Anticipatory Action Advisor of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Latin America and the Caribbean. She focuses on the set-up of anticipatory action systems, including early warning triggers and anticipatory action selection, as well as capacity building and support to institutionalisation. Prior to joining WFP, Nora worked as Anticipatory Action Specialist with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Italy, as Climate Risk Management Specialist with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Panama, and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT/CGIAR) in Vietnam and Colombia. She also worked with NGOs in the UK and India to mitigate flood and storm impacts, among others. Nora holds a master’s degree in climate change and risk management from the University of Exeter, UK.
Paulo N C Nacif
Regional Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs Director
 World Vision LAC

Graduated in Public Administration with a focus on Public Policy, Paulo worked on the complexity of the public policy agenda, project management, human rights policies, and innovation, working at the Government Secretariat of the Penitentiary Administration of Maranhao State, Brazil. Then, answering the call of the Humanitarian Imperative, Paulo joined humanitarian affairs and emergency responses in 2018, with the outbreak of the Venezuelan Migrant Crisis, leading the food security, distribution, infrastructure, and logistics of one of the shelters established at the edge of the country. The journey within World Vision began by leading the WASH sector in the emergency response to the pandemic in Brazil. Paulo then contributed as HEA Director of the Brazil country office. In addition to a brief deployment as Ukraine Crisis Response (UCR) Project Manager in 2022, Paulo became Director of UCR Romania Operations in February 2023. Overall response oversight was accompanied by external engagement and support to multinational strategies. With trainings such as LAC RDMT, GC OMGE, HEAT, Crisis Leadership Program, Project Management for Development, Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disasters, Paulo is a fruit of the institution's investment and advocates for the development of its teams and capacities as crucial for impactful work.
Anthony Catapano (Panel Chair)
S. Director - Head of Humanitarian Aid & Relief,Aid & Relief
 Kuehne + Nagel

Tony has been with Kuehne + Nagel for 7 plus years in the Healthcare Sector and for the past 3 years in the Humanitarian Aid & Relief Global organization. His background includes almost 18 years with DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express where he was part of the Pharma & Healthcare Global Sector leading a team focused on Medical Devices, specifically for Diabetes C control. He has worked with many of the largest pharma & medical device companies in the world and is now focused on the Humanitarian Aid sector working with NGO’s, USAID, United Nations and many other global agencies. He attended the University of Miami where he played football and finished his education at St. John’s University in NYC where he earned his degree in Economics and International Relations.
Dr. Giscard Gilles
Cabinet Member
 Haiti Ministry of Public Health & Population (MSPP)

Jean Francois Aguilera
Regional Migration Health Specialist
 IOM - International Organization for Migration

Jean-François Aguilera joined IOM in 2012 as Health RTS at the Regional Office for Western and Central Africa in Dakar. His background is medical epidemiology with various experiences of project development and implementation for different organizations and donors (ONGs, UN agencies, EU, Private Sector) mainly in Africa but also in Europe and Latin America. From 2017 to 2021, he served as Chief of Mission for IOM in the Central Africa Republic. He currently serves as Regional Health Specialist for the Americas based in Panama.
Keisha Linton
Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator
 Regional Security System (RSS)

A multi-skilled young professional with a diverse background in international relations and disaster risk management, who holds a BSc in International Relations from the UWI Mona and an MSc in Risk Crisis and Disaster Management from the University of Leicester in the UK. With almost ten years in the disaster management arena, Keisha has worked with organizations geared to improving disaster risk management in the region including PAHO, CDEMA, UNDP and currently, the RSS HQ. Given the area in which she works, she is also skilled in emergency preparedness and response, as well as business continuity and stakeholder engagement, but most notably Civil-Military relations. One of Keisha's favourite past-times is engaging in gastronomical experiences, so you can always find her enjoying a meal at a local restaurant.
Dr. Laura-Lee Boodram
Head CR-FELTP; Assistant Director Surveillance (a.g.)
 CARPHA - Caribbean Public Health Agency

Dr. Laura-Lee Boodram is the current Head of the Caribbean Field Epidemiology & Laboratory Training Programme (CR-FELTP) at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). The Agency provides technical cooperation in public health capacity building and laboratory reference services to 26 Member States in the Caribbean. Dr. Boodram holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of the West Indies and an MSc in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London. Her primary work centers around multidisciplinary training initiatives for public health workforce development, infectious disease epidemiology, the effects of climate change on health and disaster risk management. She served previously as the Molecular Biologist at the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre, applying molecular diagnostic tools for laboratory surveillance of public health priority diseases. Dr. Boodram also has had responsibility for the Vector Borne Diseases department at CARPHA. She works with regional and international stakeholders on various strategies to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with mosquito and other vector borne diseases and heat related illnesses, through the development of climate integrated early warning systems. As part of CARPHA’s Emergency response team, Dr. Boodram also trains personnel for rapid response deployment in the event of health emergencies and disaster situations.
Jorge Ortiz (Panel Chair)
International Sales Director
 Western Shelter Systems

Involved in Disaster Management for over 15 years, Jorge started with the Department of Health in Puerto Rico as a Disaster Management Coordinator. He transitioned to Western Shelter Systems in 2012 where he has progressed from Regional Sales Manager to his current position. Jorge has deployed to over 12 different countries across Latin America in support of Shelter deployment for Disaster Management. Recently, he has been training disaster emergency management teams on the deployment of a Field Hospital in support of COVID-19 across the Caribbean.
Lt Col Adam Starkey
Deputy Commander
 Joint Task Force-Bravo

Lieutenant Colonel Adam J. Starkey is the Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force - Bravo at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. He leads 890 joint military and civilians and is responsible for USSOUTCHOM rapid contingency response to the South America AOR. Lieutenant Colonel Starkey commissioned in June of 2007 as a Distinguished Graduate from Air Force ROTC at the University of Washington. As a Logistics Readiness Officer, he is a two-time Squadron Commander and has deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.
Dr. Brenden Jongman
Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist
 The World Bank

Brenden Jongman is a Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist with the World Bank, based in Panama City. He leads engagements on climate resilience and disaster risk management in Central America. Brenden also leads the World Bank’s Global Program on Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience (GPNBS), which works to scale up the application of nature-based solutions globally. Brenden has been with the World Bank for over 10 years, working on disaster risk management and climate resilience in Africa, South Asia and Latin America. A Dutch national, Brenden holds a PhD in Climate Risk Management and has published over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Eng. Miguel Angel Ortiz Pacheco
Deputy Director of Emergency Management
 Chile SENAPRED - National Service for Disaster Prevention & Response

Miguel Angel Ortiz Pacheco, Deputy Director of Emergency Management, is a Public Administrator and Engineer in computer science, a Public Civil Servant since 1996, responsible for the generation of control and management processes, establishing coordination within the internal sphere of the institution. Mr. Ortiz was previously in charge of the National Early Warning Unit of SENAPRED for a period of more than 12 years, highlighting management in seismic events, volcanic activity, mass removal, forest fires, floods, interruptions of basic services, among others. All the processes promoted and developed by the Subdirectorate that he leads have a direct impact on citizens and their property, at the time of a rehabilitation process and timely response. Along the same lines, a constant relationship and link is maintained in generating direct advice to the Head of the Service, in the latest catastrophes that have affected the national territory, mainly oriented to adequate decision-making to be able to respond in a coordinated manner and in the times that the community requires from the service and the state itself.
Omar Smith Gallardo
Director General
 Panama SINAPROC - National Civil Protection System

Mr. Omar Smith Gallardo is a Risk Management Professional specializing in prevention, safety, emergency preparedness, and disaster response, with over 25 years of experience. This includes but is not limited to rescue operations, search and recovery, emergency preparedness and response planning, inter-institutional coordination, and risk management consulting in the development of National Emergency and Disaster Response Plans - SINAPROC, Risk Prevention Manuals in Hard-to-Reach Areas for Teachers - SINAPROC-MEDUCA (Ministry of Education), Emergency Operations Centers (COE) - CEPREDENAC, and the Emergency Operations Center Operations Manual - SINAPROC – CEPREDENAC. Mr. Smith led the team responsible for establishing the Regional Operations Center in Colón, and has served as a Health and Environmental Safety Coordinator and Supervisor. Additionally consulting on Wilderness Safety in Hiking and Kayaking. Mr. Smith has also served as a University lecturer at Universidad Especializada de las Américas, teaching courses for Medical Emergency and Disaster Technicians, and Bachelor's Degree students.
Barry Koperberg (Panel Chair)
General Manager
 Wings for Aid

Barry Koperberg is Founder and General Manager of Wings For Aid, where he introduced the heavy-lift MiniFreighter cargo drone for humanitarian actors. He is living out his passion to bridge gaps between available knowledge and needs in the field. He specialises in public/private partnerships and cooperations and developed successful concepts and social ventures in technology and education. Wings For Aid’s motto is “reaching people anywhere”.
Edy Ruiz
Director of Logistics
 Guatemala National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED)

Edy Rolando Ruíz manages both the technical and operational areas, overseeing a total of five departments. In the technical area, he leads the IT Department, the Telecommunications Department, and the Geographic Information Systems Department. In the operational area, he supervises the Warehouse Department and the Transportation Department, coordinating projects and implementing solutions for the institution. For the past nine years, he has served as the Logistics Director of CONRED Guatemala, accumulating 16 years of experience in Disaster management with a focus on information management. Mr. Ruiz has been a key advocate for the institution's open data platform and has led projects aimed at optimizing the supply chain for humanitarian assistance, ensuring transparency throughout the process by leveraging technological tools. Mr. Ruiz holds a master's degree in public administration and government, is an Industrial Engineer, and has earned diplomas in Health and Industrial Safety, Project Preparation and Evaluation, and Supply Chain Management.
Gabriela Cifuentes
Supply Chain Business Partner Senior Manager LAC
 Save the Children

Gabriela Cifuentes is Supply Chain Business Partner Senior Manager LAC at Save the Children International, working to drive supply chain efficiency at all Latin American countries, supporting humanitarian supply chain preparedness and complex responses on the region. Before Save the Children, she has contributed significantly to organizations such as WORLD VISION, USAID, GLOBAL FUND, and UNOPS in UNITED NATIONS, with extensive experience in the Supply Chain and Management Sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations with specialization in International Organizations and Foreign Trade, as well as a master's degree in Customs and International Trade Management, she also is professor at Panamerican Business School and is based in Guatemala.
Holda Alvarez de Marré
Executive Director
 Panama CLRAH - Regional Logistics Center for Humanitarian Assistance

Holda Alvarez de Marré, a lawyer specialized in civil, commercial, immigration and family matters, graduated from the University of Santa María La Antigua, has distinguished herself in the international sector, holding important positions in the public and international sector. Promoting and developing important legislations on health and education for the Republic of Panama. Holda has also promoted and developed public procurement regulations in government agencies and participated in the design and implementation of action plans against drugs, as well as on refugees related issues. Currently, Mrs. Alvarez de Marré is the Executive Director of the Regional Logistics Center for Humanitarian Assistance, the first woman to hold this position.
Stephany Murillo
Manager - Logistics Unit
 IFRC - International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies

Stephany is a distinguished professional currently serving as the Regional Logistics Manager for the Americas at IFRC. With over 13 years of experience in humanitarian supply chain management, she holds a Master's degree in Supply Chain Management. Since joining IFRC in 2010, she has played a key role in responding to complex operations in various regions, including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Her extensive knowledge and commitment make her a valuable contributor to the IFRC team.
Dana Yaari (Panel Chair)
Emergency Response Team Lead
 Emergency Response Team by monday.com Foundation

Dana Yaari is the Emergency Response Team Lead at the monday.com Foundation, where her and the team connect disaster response humanitarian aid organizations to the digital tools they need to save critical time and resources. Previously, after switching gears from a decade-long career in investment banking, she worked in disaster zones across the world, supporting vulnerable communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Brendan Harvey
Executive Director
 Help.NGO

Brendan Harvey is the Executive Director of Help.NGO. Founded in 2010, Help.NGO is an international Non-Governmental Organization specializing in emergency response, preparedness, risk mitigation, and prevention. Since beginning as a volunteer with Help.NGO in 2010, Brendan has responded to over 15 crises on 5 continents. He received a BA in Social Anthropology from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, an MPhil in Philosophy from the Centre for Modern European Philosophy (CRMEP), Kingston University, and an international diploma in humanitarian assistance (IDHA) from Fordham University. He was born, raised, and currently lives in New York City.
Juan Cesario Salas Rosario
Executive Director
 Dominican Civil Defense

Mr. Juan Salas serves as the Executive Director of Civil Defense, and the President of the National Emergency Commission. Currently, he is conducting research leading to a PhD in Environmental Sciences at the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), Dominican Republic. He holds a Master's Degree in Higher Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising with a major in Creativity and Management from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), 2004. In addition, he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Law from the University of the Third Age, 2020. Mr. Salas’ professional life has been characterized by a combination of training and experience, having participated in trade delegations, business fairs, conferences and seminars in Asia, the United States, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Juan Salas’ previous positions include former Pro Tempore CEPREDENAC Presidency (2021 – 2022), and current Pro Tempore Presidency CEPREDENAC (2025), a regional organization that works on the implementation of Risk Management policies aimed at saving the lives of more than 60 million people.
Dr. Mary Showstark
Chief Liaison Officer
 Health Tech Without Borders (HTWB)

Mary Showstark is a Physician Associate/Assistant (PA), an Assistant Professor at Yale University and an affiliate faculty member of the Yale Institute of Global Health. Showstark is involved in growing the healthcare workforce for the PA profession globally and currently works with World Continuing Education Alliance. She is also Chief Liaison Officer to Health Tech Without Borders and holds a PhD in Security and Intelligence Studies from the University of Buckingham. Mary Showstark is a physician associate with clinical experience in trauma surgery, emergency medicine, urgent care, disaster preparedness and response, wilderness, event, and mass gathering medicine. She has extensive experience with online education, group learning, organizational culture, and utilization of extended reality and artificial intelligence. She is also a consultant for the World Bank specializing in disaster, health, and climate.
Victor Martinez
Emergency & Preparedness Specialist
 GSOA

Víctor is a distinguished leader in international ICT strategy, bringing over two decades of expertise to his role at Welchman Keen. Spearheading initiatives for meaningful connectivity in Latin America and the Caribbean, he guides clients in adeptly navigating complex regulatory landscapes to foster digital transformation. His strategic acumen has played a significant role in international efforts, particularly in leading CITEL Working Groups for treaty-level negotiations at the ITU, including the Radiocommunications Regulations (WRC-23) and International Telecommunications Regulations (WICT-12). Martínez’s impactful contributions extend to APEC’s Telecommunications and Information Working Group (2022-2024), where he championed information sharing and regulatory best practices. His pivotal role in negotiating Free Trade Agreements, including USMCA, Pacific Alliance, and CPTPP, has shaped frameworks for digital trade, intellectual property, and telecommunications. With a background in law and global governance, Martínez excels in developing strategic plans, analysing regional performance, and leading multicultural teams. His expertise in stakeholder negotiation across diverse cultures and crisis management solidifies his position as a key figure in international ICT policy and digital transformation.