Co Founder & Chair

Erin is Chair and Co-Founder of the Australia Latam Emerging Leaders Dialogue, which she established with Borja Martel Seward in 2018, after travelling to G20 and APEC meetings in Argentina and Chile. Erin is a public affairs consultant who provides strategic counsel in public policy and international relations to clients from local government to the New York Stock Exchange. She is a Sky News Contributor in Australia and writes regularly on emerging economic and foreign policy developments in the Indo-Pacific. In 2021, Erin was appointed by Australia’s Foreign Minister to Council on Australia and Latin America Relations board of directors at DFAT. Erin holds a PhD from Monash University and has qualifications in social science and business.

Chief Executive Officer

With a deep passion for social change, Laura Sarmiento is ALELD’s former Director of Events and now our CEO, dedicated professional in advocacy, campaigns, and sustainable development. She has designed and implemented strategies in various humanitarian structures, including UNDP, international NGOs such as Save the Children, and local organizations in Venezuela, influencing key decision-makers, driving systemic change, and empowering communities. Beyond humanitarian work, Laura is an entrepreneur, co-leading a specialty coffee venture in Venezuela’s Andes, committed to environmental sustainability and supporting indigenous women. Her expertise spans policy analysis, organizational coaching, and international trade, with a proven record of mobilizing resources and fostering cross-sector partnerships. Laura’s ability to lead teams, coordinate complex projects, and engage diverse stakeholders seamlessly translates into her role as an Event Director. Her experience in strategic planning, advocacy, and resource mobilization enables her to create impactful events that drive meaningful conversations, foster collaboration, and inspire action.

Director of Communications

Danis is a seasoned communications and public relations professional whose career spans diplomacy, public policy, and cross-cultural engagement, with a particular focus on Latin American communities and diaspora affairs.

Danis previously served as Head of Communications for the Salvadoran Competition Authority. His earlier appointments within the Consumer Rights Authority and multiple diplomatic postings at the Embassies of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Colombia, and Ecuador.

Notably, Danis held the role of Vice Consul Attaché for Diaspora Affairs at the Consulate General of El Salvador in Melbourne, Australia, where he was instrumental in designing and implementing programs aimed at strengthening cultural, civic, and economic ties between the Salvadoran diaspora and their homeland.

Currently, Danis volunteers as Director of Communications for the Australia-Latam Emerging Leaders Dialogue (ALELD), and as a Head of Bilateral Relations in the Australia-El Salvador Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Director of Diplomacy

Geraldine is Director of Diplomacy at the Australia Latam Emerging Leaders Dialogue, where she leads diplomatic engagement with Canberra’s diplomatic community and Latin American embassies. A first-generation Australian with Chilean heritage, she brings both personal and professional commitment to strengthening the relationship between Latin America and Australia.

As the founder of Olea Pacific Advisory and Academy Olea, Geraldine advises Asia-Pacific space and sovereign technology organisations on Australian market entry while coaching non-technical professionals into careers in tech. Her cross-sector background spans government, technology, and the commercial space sector.

She holds multiple certifications from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and has completed the International Space University’s Tracks to Space program. Her writing on business strategy and career development has appeared in Entrepreneur.com, The Daily Telegraph, SmartCompany, and Women’s Agenda. An active thought leader on space economy and sovereign capability, she operates professionally in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Director of Events

As a first-generation Australian of Chilean heritage, Melissa embrace this role with a strong commitment to strengthening ties between Latin America and Australia. Her goal is to deliver meaningful events combining leadership, academia, diplomacy and community outreach that brings people together across cultures and sectors. 

From networking events and cafecito Spanish sessions to academic and community initiatives, She hopes to create spaces that encourage connection, collaboration, and cultural exchange between the two continents.

Melissa looks forward to working alongside the events team this year and embracing the opportunities ahead to further connect Australia and Latin America, while empowering leaders and encouraging stronger multicultural partnerships across our diverse and growing communities

Director Partnerships & Fundraising - LATAM

Esteban Giandomenico is our Director of Partnerships and Fundraising for Latin America, leading strategic engagement initiatives between companies, governments, and organizations. With more than 20 years of professional experience across Australia and Latin America, he has developed a strong track record in business development for the mining, ports, and infrastructure sectors, combining strategic leadership, institutional relations, and a comprehensive approach focused on creating high-impact partnerships and opportunities.

Esteban has a strong international academic background focused on mining, sustainability, and environmental management. He is currently undertaking the Diploma in Mining Management at Universidad Austral, Argentina. Previously, he completed the Executive Micro-Certificate in Economic Leadership for Mining at University of British Columbia, Canada. He also holds a Life Cycle Assessment Certificate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, as well as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Management from University of South Australia, reinforcing an academic and professional profile centered on sustainability, resource management, and strategic development for industrial and mining sectors.

Director Partnerships & Fundraising - Australia

Brayan is a business administration professional, currently based in Melbourne, Australia; with over nine years of experience in office administration, operations, and the hospitality industry. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in administration, customer service, and process improvement. Passionate about efficiency, leadership, and teamwork, Brayan is now transitioning into an administrative role, where he aims to leverage his diverse experience to drive organisational success. Brayan is excited to be part of ALELD, where he can combine his passion for sustainability, inclusiveness, and cultural exchange with his professional skills. A strong advocate for continuous learning, he is always willing to expand his knowledge and contribute positively to achieve the organisation’s goals.

Director of Publications

Alister serves as the Director of Publications at ALELD. In this role, he manages the platforms editorial direction and regularly contributes written pieces. Based in Adelaide, he is currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at the University of Adelaide, with a particular focus on global affairs and political theory. Alister has a deep interest in geopolitics and the shifting dynamics of a increasingly multipolar world. He is passionate about amplifying Latin American political news for Australian audiences to foster deeper integration between the two regions. Through his writing, he seeks to build greater public understanding of the Latin American political landscape and its relevancy to Australian foreign policy. He is studying Spanish, and in his spare time is an avid reader with a strong interest in film and music.

Senior Diplomacy Officer

Andrea brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to her role as a Diplomacy Officer. Hailing from Venezuela, she made Australia her home 7 years ago to pursue a master's in Project Management, and has since accumulated over 5 years of hands-on experience as a Project Manager. Her expertise spans project planning, implementation, support, issue and risk management, stakeholder engagement, resource planning, monitoring, and research and analysis. Beyond her professional endeavours, Andrea is deeply passionate about connecting with people globally and is committed to fostering stronger ties between Australia and Latin America. Her dedication to the community extends to her volunteer work back in Venezuela, where she empowered children in disadvantaged communities through educational support and technology. With a strong foundation in project management and a heart for social impact, Andrea is poised to make meaningful contributions to diplomacy and international relations.

Diplomacy Officer

Kami is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at the ANU. She has a strong passion for diplomacy, policy development, and human rights, with a particular focus on Latin America. With a diverse background in volunteer work and professional experience, Kami has been actively involved in initiatives that promote social justice and community empowerment. She co-developed the Expect Respect program at TESSA Inc., an initiative focused on fostering respectful relationships and personal safety for young women. Additionally, she volunteered with Melel Xojobal in Mexico, supporting indigenous children through education and life skills programs. Her professional experience includes managing online business operations and social media for ZEA Hungry Goods, a social impact brand. Kami is fluent in English and Spanish and thrives in multicultural environments, enjoying engagement with diverse communities. Her cross-cultural communication skills enhance her ability to foster dialogue, collaborate internationally, and navigate diplomatic settings, enabling her to build meaningful global connections.

Diplomacy Officer

Riley is an ambitious undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics alongside a Bachelor of International Security Studies. His passion for diplomacy was sparked through his Spanish studies at the Australian National University (ANU), which led him to become an active member of the Latin American Student Society (LASA), where he organises events to promote the region’s culture in Canberra. Riley has shown a strong commitment to the Latin American diplomatic community. He gained invaluable experience through an internship at the Embassy of Paraguay, where he authored a research project analysing the effectiveness of Australian and Paraguayan policies in addressing First Nations education inequality. Additionally, he has contributed to the Embassy of Mexico’s research on the quality of education for Latin American students in Australia. His striving to achieve Spanish proficiency has equipped him to effectively engage with international stakeholders and bring a global perspective to his work.

Diplomacy Officer

Camila Insuasti, born in Ecuador in 2003, is a 21-year-old and holds dual nationality, both Ecuadorian and Australian. Currently in her final year at the University of Canberra, Camila is pursuing a degree in Politics and International Relations along with a bachelor's degree in Business. She had the unique opportunity to study abroad in Sweden for a semester, broadening her global perspective. Camila is the founder of MPOWER, an initiative aimed at empowering and supporting young Latinos in Australia by fostering community connections, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Passionate about bridging the Latino culture with the broader Australian community, she has dedicated much of her life to volunteer work, starting at a young age. Camila's commitment to giving back to the community drives her actions and aspirations for the future.

Graphic Designer

Karin is a Venezuelan creative thinker, performing artist and graphic designer. With an Architectural Design Diploma and a Bachelor of Communication. Have been working as an independent/remote Graphic Designer for startups and non-profit international organizations. Her strengths are designing logos, branding and creating social media templates. Her experience has given her a skill set teaching her the importance of communication, concept, use of color and passion for what she do. She is also strive to ensure the work is delivered above the standard expectation, with a few laughs on the way. Driven to make a positive contribution and impact through her work. And she always loves to keep learning about her careers, flamenco, other cultures and languages!

Communications Officer

Nícolas Buitrago holds a BA in International Studies and French from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. His passion for travel, photojournalism, and international development has shaped his focus on post-conflict reconciliation, migration, sustainable peace, and child literacy, particularly in Bosnia, Colombia, India, and Australia. With a strong background in communications, marketing, and entrepreneurship, he has led digital strategies, content creation, and public relations for private and not-for-profit organisations across these regions, managing social media campaigns, branding initiatives, and engagement-driven outreach.

Communications Officer / Latam Link Editor

Lina Preciado has a diverse professional background. With a Bachelor of Arts in Language Teaching and a Specialisation in Translation from Colombian universities, and a Master of Publishing from The University of Sydney, she has a solid academic foundation. Her professional experience spans over 15 years, including roles as a copywriter, translator, and proofreader. Lina has worked with organisations such as Semana, a major publisher company in Colombia, and Vinnies in Australia, where she held positions in both Retail Operations as a manager, and the Communications Department as an intern. Additionally, she has been working for the International Confederation of Midwives, located in The Netherlands, as a proofreader and translator. Her passion for writing is evident through her published fiction stories in digital anthologies and Spanish academic journals like Microtextualidades. Her work has also been featured in books published by Elipsis Editores in Colombia and Ediciones Alquimia in Mexico.

Social Media Manager & UX

Cynthia is a Sociologist and UX Designer with over ten years of experience studying human behaviour across field research, retail, and digital product design. Born in Venezuela, with professional roots in Colombia and her adopted home of Sydney, she brings a cross-cultural perspective shaped by working across Latin America and Australia.
Her career spans qualitative research, field supervision, customer experience, and UX design — including leading research teams at a national consulting firm in Colombia, and completing a UX/UI Design Bootcamp with TripleTen where she built a portfolio of user-centred digital products. She specialises in understanding how people from diverse backgrounds navigate systems, make decisions, and interact with the world around them — translating those insights into research, design, and communication that is clear and human-centred.
As a Social Media Manager and UX Officer with ALELD, Cynthia is committed to strengthening the bridge between Australia and Latin America — amplifying emerging voices, translating cultural insight into meaningful communication, and helping build the relationships that shape tomorrow's leaders.

Partnerships Officer - Corporate

After two years at Barrack Broking—a now thriving insurance brokerage operating in Sydney and Queensland—Harry embarked on a 15-month journey across Latin America, traveling through Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico and Guatemala. During this time, he immersed himself in the Spanish language, built meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds, and gained a deep appreciation for the rich cultures and traditions that define the region. Through his work with ALELD, Harry hopes to give back to the communities that welcomed him by strengthening the relationship between Australia and Latin America. He aims to achieve this by fostering strong relationships with the corporate sector to empower future leaders and entrepreneurs to create a better future for all. Outside of ALELD, Harry enjoys surfing, practicing and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and taking road trips along Australia’s east coast.

Partnerships Officer - Corporate

Passionate about the impact of law on society, Andrea Matus is a Chilean lawyer with a background in the Chilean judiciary. She has long been involved in voluntary settings, gaining extensive experience with the Guides and Scouts Association of Chile, and has always been deeply committed to the positive impact of volunteer work. Although Andrea has been living in Australia for three years, she remains highly engaged with the development of her home country and the broader Latin American region. Her recent research addresses the complexities of incorporating algorithms into justice systems and their ethical implications for both Australia and Chile. She is confident that her future work will influence policies on artificial intelligence in Latin America and Chile. Beyond her professional pursuits, Andrea describes herself as a kind and friendly person, always eager to help. She is steadfast in her commitment to leaving the world better than she found it.

Partnerships Officer - South America

With a background in International Relations and Business Administration, Irlon is a Government Affairs and Public Policy professional with extensive experience in consulting, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement across the Legislative and Executive branches at the federal, state, and municipal levels in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. He has led Public Policy portfolios for companies in the banking and technology sectors, focusing on platforms, content providers, and data centers. Irlon also has significant experience in team management and navigating complex policy challenges. A curious, self-driven, and adaptable professional, he is passionate about connecting ideas and developing impactful Government Relations strategies. Based in Brazil, Irlon has maintained a strong connection with Australia since his early career, when he interned at the Australian Embassy in Brazil. Now, as part of the Partnerships team, he aims to strengthen ties between the Brazilian public and private sectors and their Australian counterparts.

Partnerships Officer - North and Central America, Caribbean

I am a dedicated volunteer committed to strengthening ties between Australia and Latin America. With a background in economics and research, I bring extensive expertise in labor policies, economic narratives, and cultural discourses to my volunteer work. I earned my Master’s degree in Economic Sciences from Lund University and my Bachelor’s degree from UNAM, where I developed strong analytical skills and a passion for policy evaluation. In my professional roles—ranging from assessing housing policies at SEDATU to conducting ethnographic research on labor unions in Mexico—I have refined my ability to bridge diverse perspectives and foster meaningful collaborations. I leverage my experience in both quantitative and qualitative research to support initiatives that promote sustainable development and cultural exchange. I am driven by a commitment to social progress and innovation, continually seeking opportunities to connect communities across continents.

Partnerships Officer - Universities

Joey has a passion for international development and relations, especially in the public policy space. She recently graduated with her Master of International Development at the University of Western Australia in December 2023. She is currently the company secretary for the ASEAN-Australia Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP) which aims to build stronger ties between ASEAN and Australia through the engagement of youths in the field of ASEAN-Australia affairs. Having completed Western Australia's Parliamentary Program in 2023 and Co-founded Young Women Against Sexual Violence in 2021, her interests and skills align with the not-for-profit space by creating a safe space for communities locally and internationally - particularly those disadvantaged.

Community Engagement Officer

Patricia, born in Australia with Peruvian heritage, is deeply passionate about her culture and is committed to helping Latin Americans thrive in Australia. She holds a degree in law and social science and has over six years of experience working in the legal field, serving in various roles across government, non-profits, private law firms, and financial services. Additionally, Patricia has established strong connections within the Latin American community in Australia.

Community Engagement Officer

Cecilia is an accomplished Public Affairs and Corporate Communications strategist, adept at navigating complex interactions with public officers, high-profile politicians, and executives from top-tier corporates. Her career spans the automotive industry and beyond, significantly contributing as Government Affairs Manager at global giants, like Renault and Toyota. In Australia, she was sponsored in PR and communications, which catalysed her through advocacy and strategic campaigning, paving the way for her to forge a career around her deepest passion. Committed to her work, Ceci excels in crafting cohesive communication strategies, fostering robust stakeholder relationships, ensuring brand consistency, and applying a keen operational perspective. Her knowledge of supply chain management enhances her team leadership towards strategic goals. With degrees in Political Science and Integrated Marketing Communications, she offers unique insights. Currently, she leads as PR & Communications Manager at myDRIVESCHOOL®, a tech start-up, driving education and road safety campaigns across Australia.

Grants Officer

Lydia is a recent graduate of the University of Tasmania, holding a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Relations and Public Policy. Lydia has six years of hospitality experience and is currently working in medical administration. She is of Chilean decent and is passionate about sharing her family’s culture. Lydia is interested in international relations, in particular foreign policy and international development, and hopes she can meaningfully contribute to strengthening the relations between Australia and Latin America. Additionally, she is also actively involved with Latin Spring, a volunteer Latin American dance group in Hobart. Latin Spring is committed to promoting community values and multiculturalism in Tasmania through regular performances and activities at community events across the state.

Grants Officer

I am originally from Colombia and have been living in Australia for almost one year now, currently based in Melbourne. With a background in international business, I have extensive experience in multinational companies, specializing in procurement, logistics, supply chain, and international commerce. Throughout my career, I have developed strong negotiation skills with suppliers, leadership abilities, and expertise in stakeholder management and strategic sourcing. My global perspective and analytical skills help drive sustainable funding opportunities, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to create a lasting impact. I am passionate about collaboration and community-driven initiatives. My experience in dynamic, fast-paced environments has shaped my ability to adapt and deliver results, making me a valuable asset to the ALELD team. After completing my English studies, I am now pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Procurement in Melbourne to further enhance my skills. I thrive in multicultural environments, enjoy volunteering, and am committed to supporting and uplifting the LATAM community.

Finance and Operations Officer

José Guilherme Oliveira is a seasoned senior manager in the mining and resources sector with 18 years of experience in the Brazilian and Australian markets. He has held leadership roles in Operational Management, Contracts Execution, Corporate Governance, and Business Development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign trade from Salgado University (Brazil), a bachelor’s degree in commerce, and a master’s in finance from Curtin University (Western Australia). He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Minerals and Energy Economics. With a proven track record in planning and execution of shutdowns, maintenance, and sustaining capital projects for blue-chip iron ore producers, José focuses on business scalability, growth, strategy, governance, and operational execution. He is committed to identifying emerging opportunities, driving business growth, and strengthening client relationships. Originally from Brazil and based in Perth since 2009, José joins ALELD as a volunteer, driven by a commitment to fostering connections and opportunities between Latin America and Australia.

Digital Operations Officer

Pita is the new Digital Operations Officer at ALELD, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and customer-centric solutions. With a background in Customer Success Management (CSM), she specializes in optimizing digital processes, enhancing client experiences, and fostering long-term relationships. Her experience spans across the tech and hospitality industries, where she has successfully led remote teams and collaborated on innovative projects. Pita’s global perspective is enriched by her volunteer work in Australia, the US, and Mexico, reflecting her commitment to community engagement and cross-cultural collaboration. She is passionate about leveraging technology to drive operational efficiency while maintaining a human-centered approach. She thrives in dynamic environments, where she can apply her problem-solving skills and collaborative mindset to support business growth and customer satisfaction. Outside of work, Pita loves traveling, dancing and reading, constantly seeking new experiences and knowledge.

People and Culture Officer

I am a Chilean Biology and Science teacher, with over 15 years of experience in education. My journey brought me to Sydney, Australia, nine years ago, where I pursued a Master of Policy Studies and a Master of Education by research at the University of Sydney. My passion for education and public policy led me to the not for profit sector in Australia, where I have gained extensive experience in community organising, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. As a migrant woman with English as a second language, I have navigated challenges that deepened my commitment to supporting diverse communities. These experiences have fueled my passion for equity, inclusion, and social mobility. Now, I am eager to bring this background to ALELD as a People and Culture Officer, fostering an environment where all individuals, especially migrants, feel empowered and valued.

Events Lead - Melbourne

Riley is a Melbourne-based public servant working in project management for the Department of Defence. He has previous experience the container shipping industry working for T.S Lines Australia. Riley has also been an intern with the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), engaging Australian and foreign diplomats to take part in AIIA Victoria’s diplomacy program. Riley holds a Bachelor of Arts (History, Politics and International Studies) and about to complete a Master of International Relations (International Security) at the University of Melbourne. Riley is passionate about fostering stronger Australian-Latam relations, and has a strong interest in international security, diplomacy, intelligence and defence technologies.

Events Officer - Melbourne

Emma is an Australian lawyer working international trade and customs focusing on enhancing trade compliance and optimization across a wide array of industries. Her work includes with LATAM businesses and the utilisation of Free Trade Agreements to ehnace Australia-LATAM trade relations. Emma holds a Law and International Studies degree, specializing in Chinese Studies, from the University of Adelaide. Her academic journey further boasts a completed Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies.

Events Officer - Melbourne

Carlos "Samuel" García is a passionate storyteller constantly seeking ways to create meaningful experiences and bring ideas to life. Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, he holds a degree in Business Management with a specialization in Marketing. Over the years, he has worked with media, marketing, and creative agencies, developing a versatile skill set in project coordination, team leadership, and client relations. His expertise spans brand activations, event management, social media content creation, and, more recently, freelancing in digital media and producing his own podcast.

Four months ago, he embarked on a new journey in Melbourne, Australia, to study for a Diploma in Social Media. Always eager to learn, he earned certifications in Bartending and Barista skills, quickly immersing himself in the hospitality scene. Shortly after, he had the incredible opportunity to manage his first event in Melbourne—proving that adaptability, research, and teamwork can turn challenges into achievements.

Energetic and adventurous, Carlos thrives in dynamic environments where innovation and collaboration lead to remarkable results. Whether discovering new places, exchanging stories, or taking on new challenges, he is always seeking new experiences, connections, and creative outlets.

Events Lead - Sydney

Jacob is deeply passionate about fostering international relations and cultural exchange, particularly between Australia and Latin America. With a solid background in government relations, he is currently the Media and Parliamentary Advisor to the Deputy Chair of the Intelligence Committee, where he plays a pivotal role in managing critical government committees, including the prestigious Australian-US Friendship Group. Jacob's extensive experience in navigating government landscapes and fostering diplomatic ties has equipped him with a unique insight and a robust network of government contacts. Armed with a Bachelor of Communications from Western Sydney University, specialising in Public Relations, Jacob is dedicated to leveraging his expertise to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration between emerging leaders from both regions. His commitment to building enduring partnerships perfectly aligns with the mission of the Australian Latin America Emerging Leaders Dialogue.

Events Officer - Sydney

Adam is an early career professional who works in a First Nations legal and consulting firm. He has a keen interest in Latin American affairs, with a particular focus on Indigenous rights, the environment, and international development. His passion stemmed from his Bachelor of Arts, where he majored in International Relations and Spanish, and completed a first-class honours thesis investigating democratic decline in El Salvador. Adam fell in love with Latin America and its diverse cultures after travelling through Central America after university. He is excited to leverage his strong analytical and communications skills to look for new ways to foster strong partnerships between Australia and Latin America.

Events Lead - Brisbane

With a strong background in business consulting, project management, and community engagement, Valeria Garcia Lopez thrives at the intersection of strategy and impact. Originally from Colombia and now based in Australia, she has spent over a decade helping organizations and entrepreneurs develop sustainable business models, build strategic partnerships, and create spaces for meaningful connections. Her career began in business consulting, where she coordinated strategic and financial planning initiatives for financial institutions and cooperatives, supporting over 100 organizations in driving growth and efficiency. However, her passion for multiculturalism and community-driven initiatives led her to focus on designing programs that empower diverse communities in Australia. As Events Lead at ALELD, Valeria will design and execute high-impact events that foster collaboration, leadership, and cross-cultural dialogue. She believes multiculturalism enriches society and is committed to building bridges that empower individuals, businesses, and communities in an interconnected world.