Get ready for an inside look at the exciting developments within our organization.
In this edition, we're thrilled to kick-off with the incredible strides made in our FWD Tech + Freedom Academies program. Discover how we are equipping individuals with the essential skills and knowledge to flourish in today's digital landscape. We will also update you on key events that we have participated in, and takeaways from the global conversations regarding the defense of democracy.
Index
Latest Updates from DemoLab
1.1 Exciting Updates in the FWD Tech + Freedom Academies Program
Demo Lab proudly announces its partnership with CRC Endurance to launch the FWD Tech and Freedom Academies, bridging education, empowerment and employment. This innovative initiative offers a free 6-month engineering course by CRC Endurance, complemented by DemoLab's Freedom Curriculum covering personal development, entrepreneurship, civic liberties, and financial literacy.
Our mission is to educate, empower, and engage young individuals, providing opportunities for prosperity and community contribution. By researching and working with the 65 successful graduates from the first cohort of the software engineering course, we have developed our Freedom Curriculum to align with the reality and needs of the student population.
Beyond education, the FWD Tech and Freedom Academies stand as pillars of support post-graduation, offering access to job opportunities, coaching, mentorship, and professional development through our extensive partnership network. The program encourages students to explore entrepreneurial avenues within their cultural and economic contexts.
Having worked alongside our growing network of academic institutions, we have been able to draw upon the expertise of renowned institutions such as Cornell University, Oxford University, Human Rights Foundation, Saylor Academies, and Per Scholas. Working closely with our academic partners, Mi Primer Bitcoin and Universidad Francisco Marroquín, we are proud to present the first iteration of our Freedom Curriculum.
New Academy in Santa Ana
Intending to reach as many young disadvantaged young people, as quickly as possible, the expansion of FWD Tech and Freedom Academies is a key objective for DemoLab this year and we are delighted to unveil our new FWD Academy in Santa Ana. This vibrant hub marks the first expansion of the FWD Tech and Freedom Academies from its pilot Academy in Chacarita.
Freedom Curriculum Launch in Chacarita and Santa Ana
On Monday, April 29th, 2024, Demo Lab proudly initiated the Freedom Curriculum for two student cohorts in Costa Rica. Set in Chacarita and Santa Ana, participants embarked on a transformative journey starting with sessions exploring personal development and life aspirations.
Our ultimate goal is to equip young citizens with the knowledge, competencies, and resources for voluntary engagement in society, ultimately inspiring the resilience of democracy through the empowerment of its youth.
Success at FWD Academies in Chacarita
We are thrilled to share our latest video showcasing the impact of FWD Tech and Freedom Academies in Chacarita, Puntarenas. Watch the video here:
Here, we show members of Demo Lab and CRC Endurance leadership meeting the operators and children residing in the Cobano orphanage.
In April, DemoLab's CEO Mimi Boyer, CFO Andres Bruna, and CRC Endurance founder Phil Garnier embarked on a trip to Cobano, Santa Teresa, to explore a potential new site. The site, owned by one of our partners, currently hosts an orphanage sheltering vulnerable women and children escaping violent households.
During the visit, the realization of establishing an Academy on the same grounds, offering these children a path to progress in life, deeply moved our representatives. This opportunity extends our mission of empowerment and education to communities in dire need, providing a viable option for the children's future development.
1.2 Resonating Success at Latin America Liberty Forum 2024: Demolab Shines as Co-Host
1.2 Resonating Success at Latin America Liberty Forum 2024: Demolab Shines as Co-Host
The Latin America Liberty Forum 2024, co-hosted by DemoLab, Atlas Network, and IDEAS Labs, took place from March 21st to 22nd in San Jose, Costa Rica. Among its captivating highlights was a workshop led by DemoLab's CEO, Noemi Boyer, titled "Exploring New Partnerships for Liberal Movements." Boyer's insightful contributions enriched the event, sparking meaningful discussions on fostering collaborations within liberal movements.
At a recent event, our political and social researcher, Camila Carmona, collaborated with Juan Pablo Rodríguez, CEO of Fundación P!ensa, Chile, to lead a workshop on Chile's constitutional change. Their session, attended by over 150 participants, emphasized community involvement in decision-making processes, yielding significant conclusions.
Meanwhile, our CFO, Andrés Bruna, shared insights into DemoLab's mission and operations as a featured speaker. He also served as a judge for the Shark Tank competition, awarding a $15,000 prize to the top project proposal.
The forum was a dynamic gathering of thought leaders, experts, and think tank leaders committed to advancing freedom and democracy throughout Latin America. Key discussions focused on economic development, protecting the rule of law, and defending individual rights, sparking impactful dialogues and initiatives.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all attendees, collaborators, and speakers whose dedication made this event a success. As we persist in promoting liberty and progress in Latin America, we look forward to your continued involvement in future initiatives driving positive change in our communities.
In this photo, DemoLab team members Matías Guillen, Gabriel Arguello, Noemi Boyer, Camila Carmona and Jimmyr Centeno, glowing after a successful event.
BLISS Summit 2025 is proud to announce its full suite of Platinum Sponsors. Hosted by DemoLab and co-hosted by K Squared Capital, this transformative event champions freedom, democracy, and the rule of law throughout Latin America. Costa Rica's unwavering democratic commitment provides the ideal backdrop for BLISS, attracting diverse stakeholders — family offices, business leaders, philanthropists, academics, and more – to collaborate and drive positive change in the region.
We're delighted to highlight our esteemed Platinum Sponsors for BLISS Summit 2025. Their generous support fuels our shared mission to create a prosperous and sustainable future for Latin America:
The Reynolds Foundation
Sebastián Lombardo, Owner and Co-Founder of La EcoVilla
1.4 DemoLab Chairman's and Vice Chairman Participation in Key Global Events
1.4 DemoLab Chairman's and Vice Chairman Participation in Key Global Events
In a remarkable display of DemoLab's dedication to fostering global dialogue and upholding democratic values, Dr. Álvaro Salas Castro, our esteemed Chairman, and Tim Reynolds our Vice Chairman recently played a pivotal role in international events that resonated on an international scale, including: Wilson Center By the Beach in Palm Beach, the World Liberty Congress in Washington D.C, and Platform for African Democrats Conference in South Africa. Salas-Castro is now part of the Board of Directors of World Liberty Congress and a member of the Global Council of the Wilson Center.
1.5 World Liberty Congress Meeting: Championing Freedom and Human Rights in Washington, D.C.
1.5 World Liberty Congress Meeting: Championing Freedom and Human Rights in Washington, D.C.
In order of appearance from left to right: Garry Kasparov (Russian democracy advocate), Tim Reynolds (Chairman of The Reynolds Foundation), Álvaro Salas Castro (Chairman of The Democracy Lab), Leopoldo López (Venezuelan Freedom Fighter and co-founder of the World Liberty Congress), and Félix Maradiaga (Nicaraguan Freedom Fighter and Council Member of the World Liberty Congress).
In March, DemoLab representatives attended the World Liberty Congress Leadership Council Meeting in Washington, D.C. The focus was strategic planning for regional initiatives, youth empowerment, political prisoner advocacy, technological solutions, and nonviolent communication. This gathering strengthened DemoLab's global solidarity in defending human rights and democratic governance.
1.6 Wilson Center Event: Engaging in Crucial Global Dialogues in Palm Beach
1.6 Wilson Center Event: Engaging in Crucial Global Dialogues in Palm Beach
DemoLab leaders joined prominent figures at the Wilson Center event in Palm Beach, Florida, addressing complex international challenges. Discussions centered on foreign affairs, geopolitical tensions, threats from Colombia and Venezuela, and strategies for upholding democracy amidst authoritarianism. DemoLab's participation highlights its dedication to fostering global cooperation and stability
1.7 Platform for African Democrats Conference in South Africa
1.7 Platform for African Democrats Conference in South Africa
This groundbreaking conference united African leaders for discussions on democracy throughout the continent. Democratic leaders from across the world, and opposition leaders in at-risk democracies and autocracies were also present.
As we navigate complex global landscapes, DemoLab remains steadfast in its mission to empower citizens, strengthen democratic governance, and advocate for a future built on the principles of liberty and progress.
1.8 Introduction of Nia Demming as Chief of Staff:
1.8 Introduction of Nia Demming as Chief of Staff:
We are excited to welcome Nia Demming as our new Chief of Staff. Nia brings a wealth of experience in operations and project management across various sectors, including not-for-profit organizations, technology startups, and private-equity-backed/listed companies. Her expertise in fundraising operations and communication will be invaluable in driving our mission forward and optimizing our organizational efficiency.
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