2025 Conference

April 10–11, 2025

Agenda
Speakers
Sponsors
Conference Team

Thursday, April 10 4:00–6:00 p.m.

4:00–4:50 p.m.	Innovative Business Models in Latin America Panelists: Andres Bilbao T’13 (Rappi), Luis Blanco (NOVA), Daniel Bilbao T’13(Truora) Moderator: Daniela Moreno Gomez Location: Borelli
5:00–5:50 p.m.	Clean Energy & Renewables in Latin America Panelists: Dan Ioschpe T’91 (Iochpe-Maxion) & Pablo Rión (Solara) Moderator: Willian Bezerra T’25 Location: Borelli
6:30–8:30 p.m.	Networking Happy Hour Location: Tacos y Tequila, 3 Lebanon St, Hanover, NH 03755

Friday, April 11 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

9:30–10:20 a.m.	Fintech & Financial Inclusion in Asia Panelists: Akash Agarwal (Noise) & David Whitelaw T’07 (Visa) Moderator: Aljouni Leen* T’25* Location: General Motors
10:30–11:20 a.m.	Powering the Future: Clean Energy & Renewables in Africa Panelists: Chibueze Ekeh (CeeSolar Nigeria), Tombo Banda (CrossBoundary Energy), & Sifa Kinoti (Octavia Carbon) Moderator: Ebun Ojekunle, T’25 Location: General Motors
11:20–12:00 p.m.	Break
12:00–1:00 p.m.	Lunch and Learn: Impacts of New US Trade Policies in the Emerging Countries Panelists: Ambassador Erica Barks (Formwe Ambassador for Rwanda) Moderator: Professor Emily Blanchard Location: General Motors
1:10–2:00 p.m.	What are Investors Looking for When Investing in Emerging Markets? Panelists: Alice Lepique (OneVC), Kosen Kenta (Antler), Alexandre Thiollier (Brookfield Asset Management) Moderator: Lachlan Macdonald T’25 Location: General Motors
2:10–3:00 p.m.	Future of Fintech: Unlocking Growth for MSMEs in Africa and Bridging Cross-Border Payments Panelists: Dennis Munyua (MPESA), Peter Oriaifo T’22 (Moniepoint), Ugoo Obi (Perchstone & Graeys) Moderator: Lily McCarthy T’26 Location: General Motors

Moderated Lunch & Learn

Ambassador Erica Barks Ruggles, Retired U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda

Ambassador Barks Ruggles served for 33 years in senior leadership and diplomatic positions; most recently leading the successful U.S. effort to rejoin UNESCO, setting up the U.S. Mission from scratch and re-establishing U.S. leadership in the U.N.’s lead institution on AI and emerging technology ethics, education standards, and cultural preservation especially in conflict areas. She served as the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of Rwanda. Earlier in her career as a diplomat and civil servant, she served as the Deputy to the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations serving on the Deputies Committee of the National Security Council, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor overseeing international human rights, and democracy programming in the Middle East and South and Central Asia.  

Marc Mealy, Executive Vice President, US – ASEAN (Association of SouthEast Asian Nations) Business Council

Marc Mealy is a distinguished expert in international trade, investment, and economic policy, with about three decades of experience shaping business strategies across emerging markets. As the Executive Vice President of Policy at the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, he has played a pivotal role in fostering economic partnerships between the U.S. and Southeast Asia, advising policymakers, multinational corporations, and investors on navigating complex global markets. His insights on trade policy, economic development, and geopolitical trends make him a sought-after speaker at global forums. With a career spanning government, diplomacy, and private sector engagement, Marc brings a wealth of knowledge to discussions on economic growth, trade facilitation, and sustainable business practices in emerging economies.