Annual Latin America & Caribbean Digital Communications and Media Forum

A recognized leader in the Telecommunications and Information Technology sector with 25 years of experience, Juan José De Dios, a Guatemalan national, began his career at Tigo in 2012.

He holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Rafael Landívar University, a Master’s in Business Administration from INCAE Business School, and a specialization in Marketing and Sales from Kellogg Northwestern University. His academic background also includes a postgraduate degree in Digital Business from Columbia University in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Juan José has more than 25 years of experience in strategic planning, local and regional operations, as well as in leading multidisciplinary teams and sales forces. Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself by creating new and innovative business models, managing the change process, and effectively managing teams to accelerate results.

He served as Commercial Director of Tigo Business for more than nine years. In this role, he led a portfolio of more than 30,000 companies—micro, small, medium-sized, and large companies that support Tigo Business’ work and which he strategically supported in their digital transformation process, integrating different technologies into business solutions that help improve their operations, innovate products and services, deliver added value to their customers, and manage risk.

Prior to his appointment at Tigo Panama, he held the role of Chief B2B Officer for Tigo Business, leading the company’s operations in Guatemala to drive its vision of bringing digital transformation to the region.

Zelmar Rodríguez Crespo has been a prominent figure in Panamanian public administration throughout her career spanning more than two decades, excelling in the regulation of public services. Her academic background includes a master’s degree in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Law and Political Science, which has provided her with a solid foundation for her work in the public sector.

Throughout her career, Rodríguez Crespo has held several highly relevant positions. Between 2009 and 2011, she served as Director of Legal Counsel at the National Authority for Public Services (ASEP), and from 2011 to 2014, she served as General Administrator of the same institution. In these roles, her experience in the regulation and administration of public services was essential.

Additionally, she has worked as an administrator at the Electoral Attorney General’s Office and as National Director of Human Resources at the Electoral Tribunal. These positions have allowed her to develop a comprehensive perspective and a strategic approach to public administration. Her leadership skills and experience as a legal consultant on market-related regulatory issues have been instrumental in driving the development and modernization of public services in Panama. Her commitment to continuous improvement and renewed focus remain essential to the progress and well-being of the community, consolidating her position as a key figure in the country’s public administration.

Adriana Servín Villada has accumulated 25 years of experience in corporate law and information technology in the main technology companies that operate in Mexico such as Oracle and Microsoft as a lawyer in which she provided advice on Agreements in different lines of business, both in private and government sector, responsible for supporting anti-piracy matters and operations, as well as the relationship with different levels of Government authorities in matters of information technology and matters related to communications. Servín Villada experienced a growing range of responsibilities by continuing to gain experience in companies in the technology sector such as Ingram Micro as Legal Director in the world’s leading company in Technology Distribution and the financial sector. As well as a Director of Legal and Government Affairs of Lexmark International de México, the Mexican subsidiary, world leader in printing technology and business services. She has been recognized for her knowledge of information technology law, social responsibility, creation of zero-impact environmental policies, sustainability, mentoring and coaching for women, inclusion and diversity policies, teleworking, the National Digital Agenda, the importance of information technologies for Mexico, among others.

She worked at SAP for 7 years as a Government Affairs Director, responsible for positioning SAP as an advisor to federal, state and municipal governments about Digitally Transformation in the country, public policy, as well as representing SAP before chambers, associations and local and international government authorities. Since January 2024 she is working for Cisco Systems as a Government Affairs Director for Mexico, Centro America and some countries for Latinamerica. She was leader of the Government Relations Committee of AMITI by 6 years, including leadership in promoting the Teleworking Policy with the authorities currently at AMITI she is Vice president of Alliances, she was also Vice President of Business Entailment and SMEs Business at CANIETI as responsible for the National Plan for Digitization of SMEs, now a days she is Vicepresident of Conectivity.

Adriana Servín has a law degree from the Universidad Tecnologica de México, she studied a Master’s degree in Information Technology and Communications Law at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, she has studied different diplomas and postgraduate courses in Law in Mexico and abroad. In 2016 she graduated from IPADE Business School, from the D1 Program, in 2018 from Stanford University in the Business Executive Program in Public and finally she finished a Lobbying, Regulatory Design and Strategic Communication Diploma at ITAM in 2021.

He holds a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Technological University of Panama. He has over 27 years of experience in the regulation of telecommunications, radio, television, and information and communication technologies (ICT). He is currently the National Director of Telecommunications for the National Authority for Public Services (ASEP) of Panama.

He served as Director of Telecommunications at the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG), where he led telecommunications services and infrastructure projects for public entities, coordinated initiatives to promote public policies and strengthen connectivity in Panama, and has also supported the public sector on issues related to technological platforms for the Digital Transformation of the State.

Saucedo has extensive experience in telecommunications regulation, holding various important positions at the National Authority for Public Services (ASEP), including Deputy Director of Radio and Television and Radio Spectrum Management, promoting technical regulations to keep the National Frequency Allocation Plan up to date, including frequency allocations for mobile telecommunications services. He also led the transition to Digital Terrestrial Television in Panama and standards that promoted the development of telecommunications infrastructure.

He has been accredited on multiple occasions as a representative of Panama at international meetings and working groups in the main forums related to radio spectrum management and the telecommunications sector in general, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), the Regional Technical Commission on Telecommunications (COMTELCA), the Internet Address Registry for Latin America and the Caribbean (LACNIC), among others.

Dr Allyson Leacock, Chairman of the Barbados Broadcasting Authority and Director of National Transformation Initiative, Government of Barbados, is also an independent media and human development consultant. She led a coalition of 112 Media Houses in 24 Caribbean countries for 12 years and trained over 2000 Caribbean broadcasters. She served on the Executive Board of the Global Media AIDS Initiative (GMAI) and was elected for 2 terms as Chairman of the Global Steering Committee for the World AIDS Campaign. She was also Cultural Affairs Specialist at the US Embassy covering the Caribbean and Officer-In-Charge and Student Coordinator at the University of the West Indies Distance Education Centre (UWIDEC), now the Open Campus.

Dr Allyson Leacock was conferred with the Order of the Republic (OR) in Barbados National Honours on 30 November 2023. The award was given by the President of Barbados – In ‘recognition of sterling contribution to broadcasting, media relations, corporate communications, training, human resource development and educational technology, as well as distinguished service to Barbados as Head of National Transformation Initiative’.

Dr Leacock has a wide-ranging professional background including in executive management in corporate communications, media, needs assessment, training, human resource development and leadership, as well broadcast media including production and presentation as TV News Anchor, and as General Manager of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation.

She holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Educational Technology, Concordia University, Canada and BA (Double First Class Honours) in English and Education and the Diploma in Education (Dip.Ed with distinction) from Stirling University, UK. Her training also includes Diplomas in Human Resource Management, Facility Management, Arts Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

A former national athlete, gymnast, dancer and actress, Dr Leacock is trained in sign language, is a volunteer with Special Olympics and Barbados Council for the Disabled.

Alvaro Nadal is a Telecommunications Engineer with a n MBA from FIU currently working as the Technical Advisor to the Executive Director of the Dominican Telecommunications Institute (INDOTEL), the government agency that regulates the telecommunications market and its many dimensions. He has been involved in the telecom market for over 25 years, where he has worked as part of the executive distinguished himself in planning and implementation of technical projects in the private sector and as a regulator he has contributed towards planning and dimensioning the digital divide and the creation of public policy to address it. As Technical Advisor for the last 3 years he has coordinated the Digital TV process for the Dominican Republic and given technical input to most public policies within the regulator plus most Digital Agenda projects that touch on ITC and Telecommunication initiatives.

Álvaro Nadal es Ingeniero en Telecomunicaciones con un MBA de la FIU que actualmente trabaja como Asesor Técnico de la Dirección Ejecutiva del Instituto Dominicano de las Telecomunicaciones (INDOTEL), la agencia gubernamental que regula el mercado de las telecomunicaciones y sus múltiples dimensiones. Ha estado involucrado en el mercado de las telecomunicaciones por más de 25 años, donde ha trabajado como parte del ejecutivo distinguiéndose en la planificación y ejecución de proyectos técnicos en el sector privado y como regulador ha contribuido hacia la planificación y dimensionamiento de la brecha digital y la creación de políticas públicas para abordarla. Como Asesor Técnico durante los últimos 3 años, ha coordinado el proceso de TV Digital para la República Dominicana y ha brindado aportes técnicos a la mayoría de las políticas públicas dentro del regulador, además de la mayoría de los proyectos de la Agenda Digital que abordan iniciativas de TIC y telecomunicaciones.

Carla Sanchez Armas is the Managing Director of Latin America for the Motion Picture Association.  Based in Mexico City, she leads and executes the Association’s policy development and advocacy on the industry’s core priorities, including copyright, content protection, market access and production issues throughout the Latin America region, focusing on Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

Having served in various roles in the Mexican government, Sanchez Armas joined the MPA from the office of the Presidency of Mexico, where she most recently served as the Country Brand and International Media Coordinator.  She also served as the General Director of International Media, rising from the Deputy General Director role during which she founded the International Media Monitoring Center and liaised between federal government agencies and the international media corps.  Her additional roles in the Mexican government include running communications for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she designed and implemented the communications strategy for Mexico’s G20 Summit.

In 2008, as a local congresswoman in the Legislative Assembly of Mexico City, Sanchez Armas focused on issues of equity, domestic partnerships and women’s access to a life free of violence.  During that time, she founded the Parliamentary Alliance to Fight Hunger in Latin America with FAO/UN and created and approved the first Food Safety bill ever approved in Mexico.

Sanchez Armas began her career with various roles in the Social Democratic Party of Mexico and worked on behalf of Iniciativa XXI (Initiative XXI) as the Gender Equity Secretary.

A well-respected speaker and writer on topics and issues affecting the region, she holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, where she was a Fellow in the Edward S. Mason Program of Public Policy and Management and was recognized with the Eric Yankah Award for distinguished contributions.  She completed her undergraduate studies at Iberoamericana University in Mexico City, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations.

Catalina Diaz-Granados is a senior analyst at Cullen International, focusing on telecommunications, audiovisual media, and the digital economy in the Americas. Before joining Cullen International, she worked as the head of regulation at the Colombian Communications Regulatory Commission, where she contributed to important decisions aimed at promoting competition and protecting users. Since 2012, she has also worked as an independent consultant on telecommunications regulation and public policy.

Catalina holds a degree in Economics from Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá. She also holds a Master’s degree in Economics, Regulation, and Competition from the University of Barcelona.

Celedonio von Wuthenau is Head of Government Relations – Latin America of Nokia, based in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Nokia is a world leader in B2B technology innovation, pioneering networks that sense, think and act.

Celedonio is involved in the development of the relation with government representatives and public officials and works in collaboration with Nokia´s LAT leaders to advance the company’s information and communications technology policy agenda throughout the region.

Before he took this position, Celedonio was CALA Public Affairs Director – Americas Region at Alcatel-Lucent (2011-216), Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean with the CDMA Development Group (CDG) (2002-2011), Public Affairs Director at Lucent Technologies for South America excluding Brazil (2000-2002) and International and Institutional Manager of the National Commission of Communications (CNC) plus other positions, Argentina’s telecom regulator authority (1996-2000). He has a rich background in external relations and public affairs in Latin America.

Celedonio, born in Buenos Aires, married and with three children, is Bachelor in Public Administration and Political Sciences of the University of Cuyo (Mendoza, Argentina) and Ph.D in Political Sciences of the University of Mainz (Germany).

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Christian O’ Flaherty is Regional Vice-President for Latin America and The Caribbean at the Internet Society. He works with governments, policy makers, civil society, academia, companies, technical communities and other stakeholders in Latin America and The Caribbean, for an open, globally connected, secure and trustworthy Internet for everyone.

César Díaz is currently Head of Telecommunications Affairs at LACNIC. As such, he represents LACNIC in global and regional Telecommunications and Internet Governance forums.

He was responsible for the Technical Secretariat of the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (LACIGF).

He was also part of the LACNIC Technical Forum Program Committee, where he evaluated proposed papers and presentations on topics related to cybersecurity, network interconnection, and IPv6 deployment.

He was in charge of the Rapporteurship on interoperability, infrastructure, connectivity, numbering, services, and applications, including Internet and international connectivity, of Permanent Consultative Committee 1 (CCP.1) of the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL) of the Organization of American States (OAS).

Díaz is a promoter of joint actions for institutional and academic cooperation in research and community services which contribute to the approach associated with digital education for the use of ICT, IPv6 deployment, the promotion of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), and increased participation of Latin America and the Caribbean in governance issues.

Elizabeth Peña Jáuregui is an expert in ICT regulation and public policy.

With more than 18 years of experience, she has extensive knowledge on cybersecurity issues and spectrum. Ms Peña Jáuregui has contributed to the strategic design of the telecommunications regulatory framework in Mexico and helped launch the Telecommunications Investment Promotion Agency (PROMTEL) and the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) transformation. She works closely with the OAS Cybersecurity Laboratory for Parliaments.

Peña Jáuregui has a master’s degree in Applied Public Management from Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM) and holds a diploma in strategy and innovation from MIT. Currently, she works at Ericsson as Head of Government & Industry Relations for LATAM North & Caribbean

Freddy Artavia Estrada is a legal professional with over two decades of experience in the public and international sectors, specializing in telecommunications, public policy, and economic development. His academic background includes a Master’s in Business Administration and Corporate Law, awarded Summa Cum Laude, from the Escuela Libre de Derecho in Costa Rica, where he is also pursuing a doctoral degree in Constitutional and Administrative Law. Additionally, he holds a Master’s in International Economic Policy from the University of Belgrano in Argentina, a Diploma in Public Management from the University of Chile, and certifications as a conflict conciliator and mediator from the Costa Rican Bar Association.

His professional career includes key roles in Costa Rican public institutions and international organizations. Currently, he serves as the Director of Concessions and Telecommunications Standards at the Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT). In this role, he leads legal advisory efforts in telecommunications and oversees frequency concession management, aiming to ensure sustainable development and innovation in the sector.

Before assuming this position, he was the Head of the National Radio Control Unit at MICITT, where he led strategic projects such as the implementation of Digital Terrestrial Television and the recovery of the 700 MHz band for advanced mobile services. He also contributed to the development of Costa Rica’s National Telecommunications Development Plan 2022-2027, a critical framework for inclusive digital progress in the country.

During his tenure at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (SUTEL), Costa Rica’s telecommunications regulator, he played a significant role in implementing the FONATEL trust fund, designed to bridge the digital divide, and in creating the number portability system, providing users greater freedom in choosing their operators. His experience also includes leading conciliation processes to resolve user claims in the telecommunications sector.

Internationally, Freddy has had the opportunity to lead projects from a legal perspective in countries such as Bolivia, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica at both national and municipal levels. He worked with FUNDES International on administrative simplification initiatives funded by multilateral organizations such as the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). These experiences enabled him to successfully implement over 23 projects, promoting efficiency and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

His professional approach has always been to combine technical excellence with a deep commitment to the public interest, both nationally and internationally. He is convinced that the legal and regulatory framework should be a tool to facilitate economic development, promote equity, and ensure that technology is accessible to all sectors of society.

Versión en español:

Freddy Artavia Estrada es un profesional del derecho con más de dos décadas de experiencia en el ámbito público e internacional, especializado en telecomunicaciones, políticas públicas y desarrollo económico. La formación académica incluye un Máster en Administración de Empresas y Derecho Empresarial con honores Summa Cum Laude, por la Universidad Escuela Libre de Derecho en Costa Rica, de donde también es doctorando en Derecho Constitucional y Administrativo. Además, cuenta con una Maestría en Política Económica Internacional de la Universidad de Belgrano en Argentina, un Diplomado en Gerencia Pública de la Universidad de Chile, y certificaciones como conciliador y mediador de conflictos otorgadas por el Colegio de Abogados de Costa Rica.

Su trayectoria profesional incluye roles clave en instituciones públicas costarricenses y organismos internacionales. Actualmente, se desempeña como Director de Concesiones y Normas en Telecomunicaciones en el Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación, Tecnología y Telecomunicaciones (MICITT). En este puesto, lidera la asesoría jurídica en telecomunicaciones, y gestiona concesiones de frecuencias con el objetivo de asegurar el desarrollo sostenible y la innovación en el sector.

Antes de asumir este cargo, fue Jefe de la Unidad de Control Nacional de Radio del MICITT, donde desde la perspectiva jurídica lideró proyectos estratégicos como la implementación de la Televisión Digital Terrestre y la recuperación de la banda de 700 MHz para servicios móviles avanzados. También participó en la elaboración del Plan Nacional de Desarrollo de las Telecomunicaciones 2022-2027, un instrumento clave para el progreso digital inclusivo de Costa Rica.

Durante su paso por la Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL), regulador de las telecomunicaciones en Costa Rica, se desempeñó en roles para la implementación del fideicomiso FONATEL, destinado a cerrar la brecha digital en el país, y en el diseño del sistema de portabilidad numérica, garantizando a los usuarios una mayor libertad en la elección de sus operadores. Su experiencia también abarca el liderazgo de procesos de conciliación para resolver reclamaciones de usuarios en el sector telecomunicaciones.

A nivel internacional, tuvo la oportunidad de liderar proyectos desde la perspectiva jurídica en países como Bolivia, Guatemala, El Salvador y Costa Rica en un ámbito nacional y municipal, trabajando para FUNDES Internacional en iniciativas de simplificación de trámites administrativos financiadas por organismos multilaterales como el Banco Mundial y el BID. Estas experiencias le permitieron implementar más de 23 proyectos exitosos, promoviendo la eficiencia y el desarrollo de las pequeñas y medianas empresas.

El enfoque profesional siempre ha sido combinar la excelencia técnica con un profundo compromiso con el interés público, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional, convencido de que el marco legal y regulatorio debe ser una herramienta para facilitar el desarrollo económico, promover la equidad y garantizar que las tecnologías sean accesibles para todos los sectores de la sociedad.

Ivana Kriznic is Verizon’s head of public policy for Canada, Latin America and Emerging Markets. She started her legal career in private practice at the law firm of Morrison and Foerster and worked thereafter in different legal, regulatory, compliance, privacy, government affairs, and policy positions for AT&T, BT and Orange.

Ms Kriznic has been recently appointed Co-Secretary of the Hispanic National Bar Association Corporate Counsel Division. She is also part of Verizon PPLS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, co-leading the International Committee and of SOMOS (Verizon Latinx employee resource group) acting as one of the Communications Coordinator.

Ms Kriznic received her LL.M. from Columbia University School of Law and her legal degree from Universidad de Buenos Aires in Argentina. She also holds a master degree in Telecommunications Management, a bachelor degree in International Affairs and she has been certified as an information privacy professional by the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

Javier Arregui is First Counsellor at the European Union Delegation to Panama and coordinates cooperation between the EU and the  Latin America and Caribbean in the areas of digital and space.

He is a Telecommunications Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Master in Network Architecture from the National School of Telecommunications in Paris and graduated in Advanced Studies in Political Science from the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona.

He worked for ten years in the telecommunications sector in France and Spain in the areas of research in teletraffic, standardisation and business development. He was an associate professor at Pompeu Fabra University in Public Telecommunications Policy. He then joined the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, where he has 20 years of experience in the internal market for radio equipment and spectrum management as well as in external trade – dealing with  technical barriers to trade, trade agreements, trade relations with Russia, and critical raw materials for the green and digital transition.

He is one of the most prominent telecommunications sector analysts in Latin America, a law graduate from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and a contributor to the newspaper Reforma. He is the president and founder of Digital Policy & Law Group, one of the most influential consulting firms in Mexico and Latin America, specializing in public policy and regulation of telecommunications and information technology. He is currently a member of the Advisory Council of the Federal Telecommunications Institute.

Es uno de los analistas del sector de las telecomunicaciones más destacados en América Latina, licenciado en Derecho por la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) y colaborador del periódico Reforma. Es presidente y fundador de Digital Policy & Law Group una de las firmas consultoras más influyentes en México y América Latina, en el área de políticas públicas y regulación de las Telecomunicaciones y Tecnologías de la información. Actualmente es miembro del Consejo Consultivo del Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones.

José F. Otero is an adjunct instructor at the University of New York. He teaches courses on how digital technologies impact society, policymaking, and business.

His work experience includes research on public policy issues of information and communication technologies (ICT) for institutions such as the White House, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, the World Bank, and IDB Invest. In addition, he is often invited to present his perspective before legislative bodies of the Americas, including those of Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and other government entities.

Mr Otero is part of the Advisory Board that reviewed the methodology for the ICT section of the Global Knowledge Index published by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. He participated at the ITU Expert Forum on Telecom / ICT Indicators to help define ways in which the use of radio-electric spectrum can be measured more efficiently by government entities.

His academic background includes degrees in politics from Boston University, law from Cornell University and the University of Edinburgh, technology from Georgetown University, and social innovation from the University of Cambridge.

Lucas Gallitto is the Head of Latin America for the GSMA, leading a highly experienced cross-functional team to advance the impact, growth, and sustainability of digital economies by collaboration between the mobile industry, policymakers, technology ecosystem and international organizations.

He is a telecommunications executive with over 15 years of commercial, operational, regulatory and external affairs experience working for multinational companies in the digital ecosystem.

He leads the advocacy initiatives, contributing with new ideas and analysis to the regional policy dialogue at a time when emerging digital technologies and widespread broadband connectivity are reshaping society and the economy. His areas of responsibility include securing critical spectrum resources for mobile, promoting best practices in matters such as regulation, taxation, security and privacy, as well as fostering digital empowerment for citizens.

Mr Gallitto holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) and has a degree in Telecommunications Engineering.

Lynn Robinson became Director General of the International Institute of Communications (IIC), in March 2020.

Lynn is an experienced senior director and trustee / non exec-director, having held key senior leadership positions in the technology, built environment, regulation, accreditation and dental industries. She has extensive experience of professional membership bodies working within the full spectrum including, Regulatory bodies, Industry associations and Chambers of Commerce. Lynn is a well-known and established ambassador in these areas having led on many strategic programmes to aid engagement, growth, retention, change management, stakeholder and political engagement.

An experienced Trustee / Non-Executive Director as Vice Chair at Arnos Vale Cemetery Trust, a unique heritage site in the heart of Bristol (UK), Lynn is also a Trustee / Non-Executive Director at The Bristol and Bath (UK), Parks Foundation.

Reflecting on becoming Director General at the IIC at the outbreak of a pandemic, Lynn said, ‘these last two years have been like no other we have known, with many challenges coming our way. In 2020 we successfully pivoted the organisation through a digital transformation programme to maintain a full schedule of events and by increasing the outputs delivered. Transforming the programme enabled us to continue to deliver the professional service and increase our engagement with IIC members and stakeholder community to remain connected to them through such a difficult time.

As we move through 2022, I am delighted to return to a combined in-person and online programme and to continue to evolve the IIC in to the next phase, with the vision and strategic focus to deliver our objectives and to build on our growth, engagement and retention’.

Maribel Dalio is a Digital Development Specialist at the World Bank and has 14 years of experience in impactful digital development projects at local, national, and regional levels.

Previously, she was a Digital Infrastructure and Development specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and has a rich history of leadership roles in governments, where she managed complex projects and teams. She served as the General Director of Institutional Relations at the Ministry of Modernization and Communications of the Government of Argentina and as Senior Advisor to the Head of the Cabinet of Ministers of the same country. Also, she was the General Manager of Electoral Technologies in the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, overseeing the first implementation of electronic voting. Ms Dalio’s career has also seen her collaborate with various international institutions on digital issues, including the G20, OECD, UN, ITU, and the European Union.

She has trained in 10 different countries and Universities, including Harvard and Brown, has a Master’s in Executive and Organizational Leadership from the University of Barcelona, and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the Catholic University of Córdoba.

Marlon Fetzner, Assistant General Counsel for Microsoft, is the head of Corporate Affairs and Policy for Latin America and also leads the team in charge of legal and corporate affairs for the multi-country subsidiaries in the region.

Mr Fetzner has a law degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica do Río Grande do Sul, Brasil and a LLM from the University of Miami and have over 20 years of experience working on the intersection of law and technology.

Maryleana Méndez Jiménez is a professional with an outstanding career in Telecommunications and Information Technologies.  In 2009, she became a member of the first Council of the Superintendency of Telecommunications (SUTEL), the regulatory body for telecommunications in Costa Rica, a position Ms Méndez held for 8 years, in two consecutive periods. During this time, she led and organized the process of opening the telecommunications market and the development of regulatory institution.

Before this position, Ms Méndez worked for 6 years directly in the telecommunications industry, as project director in Latin America. In 2017 she joined ASIET as an expert advisor on regulation, an organization that she now leads since August 2019.

Ms Méndez is a Systems Engineer from the University of Costa Rica with a master’s degree in Information Technology Management from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, México.

Masego M. Jeremiah is Head of Broadcasting and Corporate Communications at Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA). Ms Jeremiah is a Broadcasting and Corporate Communications professional with more than ten (10) years’ experience in the industry. She was previously in the Digital Migration Task Force appointed to ensure a smooth transition from analogue broadcasting to digital platforms. Her roles and responsibilities have been developing, directing, and implementing industry codes, operation guidelines and licensing frameworks in the broadcasting industry. She is also responsible for monitoring and compliance of broadcasters with regulatory tools and licence conditions. Ms Jeremiah guest lectures at the University of Botswana on Media Regulation and also teaches Primary and Junior students Digital Transformation, Online Safety and Cyber Hygiene.

Possessing a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) as well as a Bachelor of Media Studies (BMS), with Majors in Video & Television Production and Public Relations, both attained from the University of Botswana. Ms Jeremiah also has a Diploma in Telecommunications Management, a Diploma in Economic Regulation and a Diploma in Broadcasting Regulation.

A dynamic, innovative and result oriented professional who has worked with decision makers in government institutions, regulators and operators across the Southern African region and experts in the field of regulation. Harnessed research skills and stakeholder engagement especially in developing regulatory instruments.

Ms Jeremiah is currently on the Communications Regulators Association of Southern Africa (CRASA) Working Group established to assess the impact of Online Broadcasters on Broadcasting Regulation and the Electronic and Communications Committee (ECC) to develop a template for data collection on broadcasting regulation requirements in SADC Region for the SADC TV Bouquet.

Mercedes has over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications sector, having worked in the private and public sectors, academia, and with civil society. Among her notable experience, she served as president of the Communications Services Regulatory Unit (URSEC) from April 2020 to January 2025, leading key transformations in the telecommunications sector in Uruguay. During her tenure, she implemented number portability, led the 5G spectrum auction, and opened up competition for fixed-line internet services to the home.

From July 2021 to January 2025, she also served as president of the National Council for Innovation, Science, and Technology (CONICYT), where she participated in various studies and analyses related to the evaluation of Uruguay’s National Strategic Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation (PENCTI). 

​She previously held senior positions in the telecommunications sector and at the Uruguayan Chamber of Telecommunications, where she contributed to various regulatory initiatives and bills. She is currently Academic Director and Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Digital Transformation and Law at the University of Montevideo and actively works at the intersection of law, technology, and innovation.

​She holds a PhD in Legal Sciences from the University of Granada, an LLM in Law, Technology and Entrepreneurship from Cornell University (Cornell Tech), an MBA from EAE Business School, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Management and Organization from Camilo José Cela University, a Law Degree and a Master’s Degree in Access to the Legal Profession from Antonio de Nebrija University, and is a lawyer and holds a Master’s Degree in Economic Administrative Law from the University of Montevideo.

Nicole Walford is the Deputy Executive Director of the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica and a member of the Regulatory and Technical Committee for Digital Television Switchover in Jamaica, a subcommittee of the National DSO Steering Committee.

Her passion lies with the empowerment of all Jamaicans to navigate the digital economy with the aid of Digital Literacy. In that regard, Ms Walford plays a pivotal role in the design and implementation of the BCJ’s digital literacy programme which targets children in school, equipping them to navigate the digital economy and society.

Ms Walford is also an Attorney-at-law and a trained communications practitioner, having attained a first degree in Media and Communication from the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of London. She is the holder of a Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School, a post-graduate certificate in Media Law and a post-graduate diploma in Intellectual Property from the University of London. She has certification in project management from the Mona School of Business and Management and is a member of the Jamaican Bar Association.

Creative Economy Advisor at Corfo, Chile’s National Agency for Economic Development. A curious individual interested in the intersection of creativity, public policy, and technology. One of the people in charge of designing and implementing several public funding schemes aimed at the creative industries, including Factoría Audiovisual, a subsidy designed to support the growth and scaling of audiovisual companies; Factoría Creativa, aimed at companies working with innovation and breakthrough technologies in the creative sector; and IFI Audiovisual, Chile’s Cash Rebate System. He is currently the coordinator of the Chile CreativoProgram, a public-private initiative through which he proposes strategies to strengthen the creative economy via public co-financing.

Orlando Garces is a Cybersecurity Policy Officer within the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE) of the Organization of American States (OAS). He supports the planning, development, and implementation of strategic activities designed to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of the Western Hemisphere, assisting OAS member states in better understanding, preventing, and responding to cyber threats in the digital landscape. Over the last decade, he has focused on developing and implementing National Cybersecurity Strategies and Policies in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, including Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, Paraguay, and Uruguay. He also contributes to the development of comprehensive reports and studies on the state of cybersecurity at regional, national, and sectoral levels, shaping regional cybersecurity policies and programs. Prior to joining OAS/CICTE, Mr. Garces worked on cybersecurity policy projects with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in El Salvador and the Cyber Resilience for Development Project (Cyber4Dev) of the European Union in the Dominican Republic. With over 24 years of extensive public sector and multilateral experience in ICT policy and regulation, internet governance, and cybersecurity policy development, Mr. Garces holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering, a Master’s degree in Economics, and a Master’s degree in Environmental Economics from Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia). He also holds Executive Certificates in Cybersecurity Leadership and Strategy from Harvard University, the University of Reading, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Florida International University, and Universidad de León, as well as Certificates in Security in the Use of ICT from the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).

Orlando Garcés es Oficial de Políticas de Ciberseguridad en el Comité Interamericano contra el Terrorismo (CICTE) de la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA). Apoya la planificación, el desarrollo y la implementación de actividades estratégicas diseñadas para fortalecer la postura de ciberseguridad del Hemisferio Occidental, asistiendo a los Estados Miembros de la OEA en la comprensión, prevención y respuesta frente a las amenazas cibernéticas en el entorno digital. Durante la última década, se ha enfocado en el desarrollo e implementación de Estrategias y Políticas Nacionales de Ciberseguridad en países de América Latina y el Caribe, incluyendo Barbados, Belice, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Trinidad y Tobago, México, Paraguay y Uruguay. Asimismo, contribuye a la elaboración de informes y estudios sobre el estado de la ciberseguridad a nivel regional, nacional y sectorial, que dan forma a políticas y programas regionales de ciberseguridad. Antes de incorporarse al CICTE/OEA, el Sr. Garcés trabajó en proyectos de política de ciberseguridad con el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) en El Salvador y con el Proyecto de Ciberresiliencia para el Desarrollo (Cyber4Dev) de la Unión Europea en República Dominicana. Con más de 24 años de experiencia en el sector público y en organismos multilaterales en temas de política y regulación de TIC, gobernanza de internet y desarrollo de políticas de ciberseguridad, el Sr. Garcés es Ingeniero Civil, Magíster en Economía y Magíster en Economía Ambiental de la Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia). Además, posee certificados ejecutivos en Liderazgo y Estrategia en Ciberseguridad de la Universidad de Harvard, la Universidad de Reading, la Universidad Hebrea de Jerusalén, la Universidad Internacional de Florida y la Universidad de León, así como certificados en Seguridad en el Uso de las TIC otorgados por la Agencia de Ciberseguridad de Singapur (CSA) y la Agencia Sueca de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (SIDA).

Pierre Emile Vandoorne is Netflix’s Senior Director of Public Policy for Latin America. He holds a B.A. from the School of Image Arts at Ryerson University (Canada) and a Master’s degree in Hispanic Literature from the Pontificia Universidad Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru (PUCP). Pierre has an extensive career in cultural and media policy. He previously held the position of Director of Audiovisual, Phonography, and New Media (DAFO) at Peru’s Ministry of Culture, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s cultural policies. Additionally, he served as the Executive Secretary of the Conference of Audiovisual and Cinematographic Authorities of Ibero-America (CAACI) from 2018 to 2020, contributing to the development and promotion of audiovisual and cinematographic initiatives across the region..In academia, Vandoorne was appointed as a staff professor in the Communications Department at PUCP in 2012, where he has been involved in educating and mentoring the next generation of communication professionals.

Raúl Echeberría is an expert in Internet Development, Policy and Governance, with wide recognition.

Prior to joining ALAI, Mr Echeberría worked as an international consultant.

Mr Echeberría served as Global Vice President of the Internet Society (ISOC) from 2014 to 2019. He was also a member of the ISOC Board of Directors from 2008 to 2014 and Chairman of the Board from 2009 to 2012.

Mr Echeberría was one of the founders of LACNIC (the Internet Address Registry for Latin America and the Caribbean) and CEO of that organization from 2002 to 2014.

Throughout his career, Mr Echeberría also served in other important positions such as: Member of the Internet Governance Working Group (WGIG) formed in 2004 by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Member of the Uruguayan delegation to the World Summit on the Information Society in 2005, member of the Multi-Party Advisory Group of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF-MAG) between 2006 and 2014, and Co-Chair of the NetMundial Executive Committee in 2014.

In 2014, Mr Echeberría received the “Ing. Julio Granato” award, awarded by the Association of Computer Scientists of Uruguay – ASIAP, for his “contribution to digital inclusion in Uruguay” and in 2015 he was recognized with the LACNIC Lifetime Achievement Award for his “continuous contribution to an open, stable and secure Internet for the development of Latin America and the Caribbean”

A leading voice and advocate for the multistakeholder internet governance model in Latin America and the Caribbean, Rodrigo de la Parra is a Regional Vice President for ICANN. Based in Mexico City but frequently travelling through the region, Mr de la Parra is responsible for outreach, support and engagement with user groups, governments, private sector and civil society throughout the region. In his role, he works closely with the Latin American technical community to build a robust internet infrastructure in the region. Under his leadership, ICANN has opened an engagement centre in Montevideo, Uruguay, in the House of the Internet.

With more than 20 years’ experience, Mr de la Parra served as Director General of Prospective Regulation and Director General for International Cooperation of Mexico’s Federal Commission of Telecommunications (Cofetel) before joining ICANN in 2011. While at Cofetel, he leveraged his skills and knowledge of internet governance structures and ICT to develop public policy and regulation recommendations for new technologies. He was involved with various ICT groups of international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Organization of American States, and the World Trade Organization, among others.

Mr de la Parra also represented Mexico on ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee which gives governments a voice in the organisation’s policy formation. He was a member of the Consultative Committee of NIC.MX, the non-profit operator of Mexico’s country-code Top-Level Domain and the registry that manages allocation of Internet Protocol address space to Mexican Internet Service Providers.

Mr de la Parra has a Master’s degree in political economy and international relations from the University of Essex in the UK. He has been a lecturer of International Organizations and Economic Negotiations and a consultant to the Latin American Cooperation for Advanced Networks.

Victor Ryan Biran is the Manager of the Policy, Planning and Research Department at the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT). He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Heriot-Watt University, a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Regulation and Policy (MRP) from the University of the West Indies, a BSc Computing and Information Systems and a Bachelor of Laws degree – both from the University of London. Ryan is also a Fulbright Fellow and a Commonwealth Fellow in the areas of technology management and open data respectively. He has approximately twenty years of professional experience in the Information and Communications Technology sector, ranging from ICT regulation and standardization to policy and strategy.

At TATT, Ryan is responsible for the formulation of ICT policies which guide the regulation of the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in Trinidad and Tobago. Some of the main policy areas have been on net neutrality, over-the-top technology services (OTTs), illicit streaming, amongst others. He is also responsible for TATT’s digital divide/inclusion surveys which are conducted periodically to assess the extent of the digital divide and the conditions that are necessary for digital inclusion in Trinidad and Tobago.

Saul Kattan is a strategist and corporate turnaround specialist, board member and an expert in growth and transformation for a wide range of industries gained over more than 25 years’ experience. He is currently responsible for the digital transformation and cybersecurity of Colombia. He was Chairman of the board of directors of one of the 10 largest companies in Latin America, Ecopetrol, and he led the expansion in the USA of Colombia´s flagship brand, Café Juan Valdez. Mr Kattan also led the transformation of the capital´s telephone company in the deployment of fiber optics, becoming a triple play company (mobile, television ,Internet). He recently orchestrated the acquisition of DirectTV South America, one of the most important media companies in the region.

Silvia Echeverri is the head of the Colombian Film Commission at Proimágenes Colombia since 2009. She has been involved in the design and implementation of the incentive system for audiovisual production in Colombia. She´s beginning her third term as a member of the Board of Directors of the AFCI and is also part of the Board of Directors of the Latin America Film Commission Network.

She is an economist from the Universidad de los Andes in Colombia and has a master’s degree in economic law from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.

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.

Zachary Blackburn is the Lead for Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Americas, at Amazon’s Project Kuiper. In this role, Zachary leads regulatory and licensing matters in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean for Amazon’s initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit. Previously, he was a Public Policy Manager at Meta where he led engagements with governments around the world on policy and regulation related to Meta’s messaging applications.

Prior to the private sector, he served for nearly a decade in the U.S. Government, first at the U.S. Department of State and then the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). At NTIA, he led engagements on communications and connectivity policy in Europe and the Americas and at the Department of State he managed interagency efforts to promote telecommunications supply chain security.

Zachary holds a Master of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Foreign Affairs, both from the University of Virginia.