Scholas was created by Pope Francis to bring young people from diverse backgrounds together to empower them to become active and engaged citizens committed to making a positive difference in their communities.
She is a renowned social entrepreneur whose innovative work bridges public systems, community needs, and the private sector. Entrepreneurship Advisor at Tufts University, she leads initiatives to enhance child development and school performance through nutrition science and innovative food systems. Jimena’s dedication has driven transformative projects in Latin America and the United States, improving the lives of children and empowering rural communities. Her achievements have garnered international recognition, including acknowledgment by President Barack Obama and accolades such as “Woman of the Year under 40” and “Top 5 Entrepreneurs of LATAM.
She earned her Degree in Education Sciences from the National University of La Plata (UNLP), Argentina. She also specialized in Pedagogy of Diversity at the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO). She is a pedagogist specializing in curriculum design and program implementation. Member of Scholas International coordinating programs in Mozambique, Argentina, Spain, Italy, and Liberia. Logistics Coordinator & Digital Media Advisor at Learning School Network, Argentina. Pedagogic Coordinator at San Luis High School, Argentina. Scholas USA Program Manager since 2023.
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Maria Luz, or Malu, is a passionate Visual Designer with 10 years of experience in Social Impact Image Development with several international organizations. Including event planning, communication strategy, and social media management for Social projects in Europe (Italy & Spain) and Asia (Philippines & Thailand).
She joins the communication team creating and being responsible for Scholas USA image, by the international organization.
Max brings more than 30 years of experience in educational theater and youth programming. For 25 years, he worked with Kaiser Permanente developing and facilitating curriculum on healthy living, literacy promotion, conflict management, bullying prevention, social media education, and more. He also directed a middle school intervention program that reached over 65,000 students annually. Formally trained as an actor and performer, Max has appeared on stage, television, and film, and now brings that creativity and energy to Scholas. Passionate about empowering young people, Max believes our youth are the future and is excited to continue his work with students across Southern California.
Ivan Florez is a marketing strategist with over a decade of experience in digital advertising, media buying, and campaign management. As Marketing Director at Scholas USA, he leads national campaigns that amplify the foundation’s mission, expand donor engagement, and promote dialogue and inclusion among young people across the United States.
By combining creativity with data-driven insights, he develops strategies that deliver measurable results while advancing Scholas’ commitment to education, community, and social inclusion.
We dream of an education that gives us contact with life, and from there, create a new world
Advisor at the Walton Family Foundation and visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Expert in economic mobility, technology policy, and workforce development.
Giulia is currently Sr Director of XPRIZE. Prior to join the XPRIZE, Giulia has served as CEO of Think Equal, a global foundation focused on early childhood partnered with Unicef.
Former Vice President at Ecoban Finance Limited and Deputy General Manager at Banco Mercantil Argentino. Currently, a shareholder in the Werthein Group.
Joseph M. Lumarda has been a director on the Board of The California Wellness Foundation since September 2014. Lumarda is senior vice president for Capital Group Private Client Services.
Luis Gonzalez Esteves is a top-level executive with more than 20 years of robust experience in communications and media and an expertise in the US Hispanic market.In 2001, he founded CCOM Group, Inc. headquartered in Miami, and what began as a consulting practice quickly became a full-service multicultural marketing and communications agency that has seen exponential growth by providing best in class solutions and services in the marketplace.
Anishiya has over 20 years of experience as an Investor, founder, entrepreneur and C-Suite level executive in technology and retail companies in Silicon Valley. She is currently an Investor and Advisor on product, technology & strategy at several technology, travel, sports & retail companies and non-profit organizations through her funds – Iconoclast Ventures, Iconoclast LLC and The Iconoclast Giving Fund.
In order to fulfill our mission of having students from the most diverse social backgrounds participating, Scholas offers its programs ENTIRELY FOR FREE for Students and Teachers.
If you are interested in donating for our programs in Africa and Latina America you can also make your donation here or visit www.scholasoccurrentes.org
Scholas USA was established in 2020 as a 501c3 Tax-Exempt NonProfit Organization. Tax ID 84-5101258
