Demo Lab’s leadership brings together entrepreneurs, academics, philanthropists, and civic innovators who share a commitment to freedom and democracy.
Dr. Álvaro Salas Castro
FounderDr. Álvaro Salas-Castro is the Founder of Demo Lab Foundation, and has a deep background of fostering civic innovation through initiatives such as the BLISS Summit, Freedom Academy, and Freedom Accelerator, connecting activists, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs devoted to liberty and human dignity.
He is now President and CEO of The Reynolds Foundation, where he leads global initiatives advancing individual freedom, civic leadership, and responsible investment. A respected voice in the international freedom movement, he works with leaders and institutions across sectors to strengthen open societies.
He also serves on the Global Advisory Board of the Wilson Center and as a Board Member of the World Liberty Congress, and has served as Board Director in several regional investment funds bridging enterprise, governance, and strategy.
Dr. Salas-Castro is Visiting Professor at Cornell University’s Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and Faculty Member at INCAE Business School, where his work links strategic leadership, philanthropic family offices, and governance to the enduring pursuit of freedom and human flourishing.
Noemi Salas-Boyer
ChairwomanNoemi Salas-Boyer is a mission-driven strategist with experience building teams, partnerships and philanthropic networks. Her work has focused on guiding organizations toward coherent, high-integrity vision.
As Chair of the Demo Lab Foundation, Noemi safeguards the organization’s long-term mission and intellectual direction. She ensures alignment across all programs while stewarding the Foundation’s closest relationships. She also coaches senior leaders and represents Demo Lab in external environments.
Noemi's approach draws on years of entrepreneurial practice and strategic leadership development. Outside of Demo Lab, Noemi is an early riser and fitness enthusiast whose discipline and commitment to growth mirror the clarity and intentionality she brings to the Foundation’s mission.
Max Reynolds
Vice ChairmanMax Reynolds is the Director of Projects of The Reynolds Foundation, where he also serves as an active member of the Advisory Council. With a commitment to education, economic development, and sustainable practices, Max plays a pivotal role in advancing the foundation’s mission to empower communities and foster human flourishing.
Previously, Max worked as a researcher at Demo Lab in Costa Rica, leading a study on education, development, and the impact of the narco-economy on youth. His research has contributed valuable insights into the challenges facing young people and the importance of education and economic opportunity in breaking cycles of poverty.
Professionally, he remains a fierce advocate for innovations in medical research, education and the protection of freedom and democratic values. In his free time, Max enjoys playing chess, exploring new cultures, and learning Spanish.
Tim Reynolds
Tim Reynolds is the Founder and Chairman of The Reynolds Foundation, dedicated to advancing freedom, education, and medical innovation. A visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, he co-founded Jane Street Capital, one of the world’s leading quantitative trading firms, before devoting his life to empowering individuals through opportunity, creativity, and self-reliance.
Through initiatives like the ÁNI Art Academies, the Center for Spinal Stimulation, and the BLISS Summit, Tim champions freedom and democracy as the condition that makes all other progress possible, believing that when people are free to create, learn, and lead, they build a fairer and more flourishing world.
Céline Assaf-Boustani
Céline Assaf, President of the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), leads the organization's programs and campaigns with a focus on safeguarding freedom of expression in Arabic and French-speaking countries. Since 2014, she has driven legal and advocacy initiatives within HRF's Center for Law and Democracy.
Assaf holds a Master's degree in International Law from Columbia Law School and a Master's in French Law from Pantheon-Assas Paris II, France. She is a sought-after speaker at prestigious events like the Oslo Freedom Forum, where she addresses pressing global issues. Her writings appear in top international media outlets such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsweek, and L'Express.Through her leadership, Assaf continues to champion fundamental human rights and freedom of expression worldwide.
Dr. Roberto Artavia
Dr. Roberto Artavia is the President and Founder of Roberto Artavia Consultoría Internacional. With a distinguished career in academia and research, Dr. Artavia is the author of numerous books and academic articles on topics including development measurement, sustainable development, regional integration, competitive strategy, corporate governance, social responsibility, and agribusiness.
He holds a Doctorate from Harvard Business School (1992), an MBA from INCAE Business School (1982), and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point (1980).
Gabriel Baeza
Gabriel is a passionate tech enthusiast with a robust technical background and extensive business acumen. His career has been marked by collaborations with organizations across the spectrum, from small startups to large global enterprises, facilitating the achievement of business outcomes through the adoption of cutting-edge technology solutions.
He previously served as Head of Startups for Google North America, where he supported high-growth founders and helped scale transformative technologies across the region. He has also held leadership roles in strategic technology business advisory firms, guiding organizations on innovation, digital transformation, and long-term technology strategy.
Additionally, he is a Co-Founder and has served on the Board of Directors of Demo Lab Foundation since January 2016, showcasing his commitment to leveraging technology for positive societal impact.
Andrés Bruna
Andrés Bruna is a co-founder of Demo Lab and a young entrepreneur associated with the Bruna Group, a family company specializing in the international distribution of chemicals, packaging, and sourcing in Latin America. Passionate about business innovation and sustainability, he actively advocates for family businesses, participating as a speaker at international conferences and being a founding member of the Family Business Network in Central America.
Bruna holds a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) from Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, FL, and an MBA from the Sawyer School of Management in Boston, MA.
Stephanie Lips
Currently serving as a Philanthropy Advisor and Board Member of Demo Lab, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her roles. In 2018, she joined DonorsTrust as a philanthropy advisor focusing on planned giving.
Before her tenure at DonorsTrust, Stephanie played a pivotal role in the international expansion of the events department at the Atlas Network, organizing annual events across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. She also assumed major gift officer responsibilities and spearheaded the planned giving program at Atlas Network.
Dr. Thomas O´Toole
Dr. Thomas O’Toole is the Executive Director of Public Affairs Programming at Cornell University's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. In this role, Dr. O’Toole oversees the strategic direction and educational mission of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) programs. He is responsible for managing student professional development, maintaining key industry relationships, and organizing job and internship placements.
Dr. O’Toole is also the architect of the MPA Washington Externship Semester Program, which provides students with a unique, DC-based experience. In addition to his administrative duties, Thomas teaches courses on "Issues in Public Administration," "Strategic Planning in Public Administration," and "Comparative Public Administration."
Sergio Solera
Sergio Solera is a prominent attorney specializing in corporate and tax law. He boasts a robust academic background, holding a Master's in Corporate Law from New York University, a Master's in Tax Advisory from the University for International Cooperation, and a Bachelor's in Law from the University of Costa Rica.
As the Managing Partner of Facio & Cañas, Sergio leads large-scale legal projects and provides expert counsel across various legal domains. His skill and expertise have garnered international recognition, with inclusions in publications such as "Who’s Who Legal: The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers" by Law Business Research. Additionally, he has been lauded as a corporate and real estate lawyer by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. Alongside his experience in Costa Rica, Sergio is admitted to practice in the State of New York, enabling him to deliver high-quality legal services both domestically and internationally.
Rodrigo Soto
Rodrigo Soto is a seasoned coffee industry professional whose career is defined by performance, discipline, and long-term vision. With deep experience across the coffee value chain, he brings strategic thinking, operational rigor, and a results-oriented mindset to every challenge he takes on, from farm-level sourcing to global market execution.
As a member of the board, Rodrigo contributes a unique blend of private-sector excellence and personal integrity. His background in building systems, managing high-performance teams, and optimizing complex operations informs his role in safeguarding strategic clarity and organizational resilience. He approaches governance with the same focus he applies in business: clear goals, measurable outcomes, and a commitment to continual improvement.
Rodrigo’s philosophy is shaped by his life as an endurance athlete. He is a three-time Ironman finisher, two-time Boston Marathon qualifier, sub–3-hour marathon runner, and multiple 70.3 Ironman finisher. These milestones reflect not only physical endurance, but mental resilience, consistency, and long-term focus, the same qualities he brings to leadership and decision-making.
He believes the discipline, teamwork, and passion developed through sport translate directly into effective leadership and sustained success in the coffee world and beyond.
Leopoldo López
Leopoldo López is a Venezuelan opposition leader and prodemocracy activist. He founded the Venezuelan opposition party, Voluntad Popular, and served as mayor of the Chacao municipality in Caracas. In 2014, Leopoldo was arrested on trumped-up charges for leading peaceful, nationwide protests denouncing Nicolás Maduro’s regime. After a 19-month show trial, he was sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison.
He spent the first four years in solitary confinement in a military prison. He was subsequently placed under house arrest as a result of international pressure and outrage within Venezuela. Amnesty International named him a prisoner of conscience in 2015. Leopoldo escaped house arrest and was hosted at the Spanish embassy in Caracas. After a daring escape from Venezuela in October 2020, Leopoldo was reunited with his family in Spain, where he now lives in exile.
Today, he continues to be a leading voice in calling for democracy not only in Venezuela, but also across the globe. Leopoldo is a co-founder of the World Liberty Congress, which he strongly believes will be instrumental in unifying prodemocracy and human rights activists to combat the global trend toward authoritarianism.
Vanessa Lean
Vanessa Lean is a corporate governance specialist with 25 years of experience advising multinational companies and family enterprises in Latin America and Spain. She serves on several Family Business Boards, chairing the Compensation & Governance Committee.
Her expertise includes board governance, shareholder structures, succession planning, executive compensation, and the design of Family Councils, Family Offices, and philanthropic foundations. She is also a university professor in governance and family enterprise management.
Roya Mahboob
Roya Mahboob is Afghanistan’s first female tech CEO and entrepreneur, making a significant impact beyond the business world. She leverages her tech success to foster education and empowerment for Afghan women and girls and champions their rights. Mahboob founded the Digital Citizen Fund (DCF) to improve Afghan women’s technological and financial literacy. She is also the co-founder of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team and supports their endeavors while promoting robotics education through the Inoura platform. She is launching Zalla, an online platform to elevate the voices of Afghan women and journalists.
Roya Mahboob’s commitment to STEAM education and economic opportunities for women, with a strong emphasis on human rights, has earned her global recognition. She was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2013, received the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award in 2014, and received other prestigious accolades, such as the Advancement of Gender Equality through Education Award. She was a Young Leader at the World Economic Forum in 2015, an Asia Game Changer in 2019, and received the Doha Forum Award in 2022. Her contributions have been honored with the Lantos Human Rights Awards, the Presidential Leadership Scholarship, and an honorary Doctorate of Science from McMaster University.
Elena Vives
Elena Vives is a Colombian civic participant and cultural advocate focused on advancing freedom, democracy, and citizen engagement. She is a member of the Demo Lab board, where she contributes to projects and conversations aimed at strengthening democratic culture, protecting individual freedoms, and encouraging active citizenship in Colombia and the region. Her work reflects a particular interest in how democratic values are transmitted across generations and embedded in everyday civic life.
Alongside her board involvement, Elena is currently developing a documentary project that explores questions of freedom, democratic participation, and social responsibility in Colombia. Through this work, she seeks to create space for reflection and dialogue on the role of culture and storytelling in sustaining open and pluralistic societies.
Board of Directors
Emeritus Board Members
Steve Aronson
This dual-nationality agricultural economist is the founder of Café Britt and Teatro Espressivo, a theater production company that, for over two decades, has developed acclaimed stage productions such as “Mamita Yunai,” “La isla de los hombres solos,” and “Cabaret.” Since its inception, the company has staged more than 100 plays and conducted significant national and international tours with renowned artists.
He is also the president of the Asociación Cultural Teatro Espressivo (ACTE), a nonprofit organization created to support high-quality artistic innovation and promote the engagement of new audiences. ACTE has won several national awards, including the 2019 Cultural Management Award, and is responsible for the Human Rights Film Festival and Ediciones Espressivo (literature). Additionally, Aronson leads the Fundación Demain, which has been working for over a decade to support the performing arts, environmental care, and education in Costa Rica.
Abby Goldberg
Abby is a lifelong advocate, social entrepreneur, storyteller, and mother with over 20 years of experience in leading human rights organizations and over 15 years in producing, writing, and directing award-winning films and campaigns. In 2018, she founded Variant Strategies, a company that uses film to translate complex issues into compelling, actionable stories. Her work has mobilized millions, influenced over a dozen laws, prevented numerous deportations, and directed millions of dollars in public funding to underserved communities.
Before founding Variant Strategies, Abby co-founded several notable organizations, including the Global Justice Center, the New Media Advocacy Project, and A Human Right. She has led strategic advocacy campaigns across six continents, produced over 40 advocacy videos, and consulted for prominent international organizations such as UN Women, UNHCR, and the Nike Foundation. Her work has impacted clients like Brooklyn Defenders Service, the ACLU, and Hispanics in Philanthropy.
She is an alumna of the Coro Women in Leadership Program and American University's School of International Service.
Committed to lifelong learning and bridging divides, Abby believes in the power of visual storytelling to drive empathy and create a more just and equitable world. Her notable projects include the "We Have Rights" animated video series, which reached over 24 million immigrants and played a crucial role in preventing deportations, and a film that helped establish Armenia's first domestic violence law.
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Margarita Herdocia
Margarita Herdocia is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist known for her leadership in various industries. She manages a diverse portfolio through her Family Office, including investments in finance, technology, healthcare, and real estate. Margarita is also involved in running popular restaurant chains like TGIFridays and KFC. Committed to creating positive social impact, she actively supports numerous philanthropic initiatives and NGOs, focusing on education, democracy, and social harmony.
Margarita's academic background includes degrees from Duke University and Columbia University’s Barnard College. She is recognized for her leadership potential as a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a Moderator for CALI. Margarita's achievements have been highlighted in media outlets, including a feature on the cover of Forbes Magazine for her contributions to the food franchise industry.
Dr. Camelia Ilie
Leader with more than 30 years of experience in strategy, innovation and financial management in organizations in Europe, Latin America and the United States of America. Before her appointment as President of INCAE Business School, a leading business school in Latin America, she was Dean of Strategy and Institutional Affairs, Dean of Executive Education and Strategic Innovation, Chair of the Leadership Center and full-time professor at INCAE. During the last decade, INCAE's Executive Education area has been positioned in the Top 25 of the Financial Times world ranking. Likewise, in alliance with Emeritus, she led the creation of INCAE Online, an online education start-up. Over 6,500 participants from 15 countries attend the programs under her leadership each year.
As a professor of Corporate Governance, she leads programs that help presidents, CEOs, and board members improve their governance systems and manage digital transformation and innovation. She has also taught programs and advised multinational corporations such as Banco Santander, PWC, Inter-American Development Bank, Bankinter, Telefónica, Iberia, Maersk, and Copa Airlines.
Trained as an engineer and obtained a doctorate in business administration at the University of Comillas, she has worked at IE Business School and ESADE Business School in Spain. She was a research fellow at the Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies at Harvard University and regularly writes in the column "Perspectives in time of change" in the Harvard Review for Latin America. Dr. Ilie researches corporate governance, higher education, business school models, MBA programs, female entrepreneurship, and leadership. She was recognized as one of the 12 most influential women in business education by BlueSky Thinking. She received the Woman of the Decade award in Education and Leadership in Latin America from the Women's Economic Forum and is listed by Forbes magazine as the 100 most powerful women in Central America and the Caribbean.
Alberto Kader
Alberto Kader, the President and CEO of Genera Holdings and a board member of Demo Lab, brings over 25 years of expertise in investment and real estate development to the forefront. Holding a degree in Business Administration from the University of Austin, Texas, Alberto has significantly impacted the landscapes of both the United States and Costa Rica. Renowned for his role in projects like Forum 1 and Forum 2 office parks, Bosques de Lindora and La Hacienda residential condominiums, and Terrazas Lindora shopping center, he has played a key role in shaping Costa Rica's real estate sector.
As a founding President of the Consejo de Desarrollo Inmobiliario de Costa Rica (CODI) and an active member of organizations such as the Urban Land Institute, Alberto demonstrates a commitment to responsible land use and community development. His leadership extends to various roles, including Vice President of the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce and directorship in CINDE, Pizzerías LLC, and Glacier Global Partners. Beyond real estate, Alberto has diversified into renewable energy, showcasing his dedication to sustainable development in Latin America and the United States.
Dr. Tina Nabatchi
Tina Nabatchi is the Joseph A. Strasser Professor of Public Administration and Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, where she also serves as Director of the Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration (PARCC). An elected Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, Dr. Nabatchi's research focuses on collaborative governance, citizen engagement, conflict resolution, and challenges in public administration. Dr. Nabatchi has won several university, national and international awards for her research and teaching. She holds a B.A. from American University, an MPA from the University of Vermont and a Ph.D. from Indiana University.
Dr. Alberto Trejos
Alberto Trejos is the Chairman of the Board of the Cuestamoras Group, having served in that board since 2007.
Trejos holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. As an academic, he has been in the faculty of Northwestern University and INCAE Business School.
At INCAE he is currently emeritus professor and a member of the Board of Trustees, having also served as Dean and as Director of the policy think-tank, the Latin American Center for Competitiveness and Sustainable Development. He has also been a visiting scholar at the University of Michigan, the Institut d´Anàlisi Econòmica de Barcelona, the University of California at San Diego and the Federal Reserve System. He has published extensively both in academic technical journals and in venues for practitioners, mostly on monetary economics, macroeconomics, trade and development.
As a policy-maker in his native Costa Rica, he served as Minister of Foreign Trade, and in that capacity led the negotiation of DR-CAFTA, the trade agreement with the US. He was one of the original members of the Financial Supervision Board and, for nearly a decade, President of CINDE, the Investment Attraction Agency. He also participated in the design and negotiation of the comprehensive reform of the national pension system.
Trejos has worked for governments, international organizations and companies in over 60 nations across the Americas, Europe and Africa. He participates in the governance bodies of BAC-Credomatic Bank and the Arribada Group, and is a senior partner of the consulting firms CEFSA and DRP.
He is a founding director of South Africa´s Brenthurst Foundation, the Democracy Lab, and the Advisory Board School of Global Public Health of New York University; he also chaired the Arias Foundation for Peace and Democracy. He has also been a panelist (judge) in disputes at the World Trade Organization.
Enrique Uribe
Enrique has an M.A. in Sustainable Development from the University for Peace and a B.S. in Political Science & Global Sustainability from the University of California, Irvine. Since his graduation from university in 2014, Enrique began his endeavors in business through the acquisition of real estate opportunities. By 2022, this endeavor has grown into a multi-property real estate family fund. Simultaneously, Enrique joined specific programs of the family business, Cuestamoras, which were closely related to his formation. Cuestamoras is a leading multi-business corporation with investments across several industries. As an active member of the family business, Enrique has been part of the strategic development of innovative business units such as Cuestamoras Bosques and the implementation of specific sustainability strategies for ongoing businesses.
Enrique also serves on the Board of Directors of the Costa Rican non-profit organization Misión Tiburón, which recently created Costa Rica’s first Shark Sanctuary in Golfo Dulce as part of a community-based conservation model. Additionally, Enrique serves on the assembly of Fundación CRUSA and Friends of Cocos Island Foundation.
On his free time, Enrique is a sporadic columnist in national newspapers and an underwater marine photographer.
José Víquez
José R. Víquez is an accomplished executive in corporate affairs, communications, and public policy, with extensive experience driving strategic initiatives across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors in Latin America. He has a proven track record in strengthening institutional reputation, fostering stakeholder engagement, and promoting sustainable development and governance practices.
Throughout his career, José has successfully led projects that bridge business, government, and civil society, creating partnerships that drive economic growth and social impact. He combines deep expertise in strategic communications, policy advocacy, and corporate strategy with a passion for innovation and positive change in the communities he serves.
Recognized for his leadership, José is committed to leveraging his knowledge and networks to advance organizational goals while fostering long-term value and resilience. His work reflects a strong dedication to integrity, collaboration, and building meaningful connections that deliver measurable results.
Operating Team
Nia Demming
CEONia Demming brings a cross-sector background that spans NGOs, private equity, and executive advisory, giving her a rare blend of strategic, operational, and partnership-building experience. She has worked on institution-building, leadership development, and organizational transformation projects in multiple international contexts.
As CEO of the Demo Lab Foundation, Nia leads the institution’s strategic roadmap and ensures all programs deliver with excellence. She oversees the refinement and scale of Freedom Academy, guiding its academic standards, platform experience, and expansion into a regional civic education model. She also directs programming and ecosystem growth for the BLISS Summit, strengthens Demo Lab’s stakeholder ecosystem, and represents the Foundation publicly as a voice for civic engagement, freedom, and democratic renewal.
Nia holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham and is pursuing an MPA at Cornell University. She is deeply committed to building freer, more self-sustaining societies and building opportunities for people to take action in their communities.
Alejandro Rivas
PresidentAlejandro Rivas is an experienced operator with roots in finance, operations, organizational sustainability, and the execution of complex, multi-stakeholder projects across both nonprofit and private-sector environments.
He is known for building systems that scale and for bringing structure, discipline, and precision into growing organizations.
As President of the Demo Lab Foundation, Alejandro leads internal operations, team performance, and the systems that power Demo Lab’s growth.
Alejandro holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Universidad Central de Venezuela and an MBA with a focus on finance and sustainability from INCAE Business School. Alejandro brings steadiness, discipline, and a systems-building mindset to Demo Lab’s most ambitious goals.Andrés Bruna
CFOAndrés Bruna is a co-founder of Demo Lab and an entrepreneur with deep experience in international distribution, operations, and family enterprise leadership. As part of the Bruna Group, a regional company focused on chemicals, packaging, and sourcing, he has developed expertise in cross-border supply chains, financial oversight, and high-stakes commercial negotiations. He is also an active advocate for the role of family businesses in economic development, speaking at international conferences and helping launch the Family Business Network in Central America.
At Demo Lab, Andrés serves as Chief Financial Officer, where he oversees the Foundation’s financial strategy, transparency, and long-term sustainability. He manages financial controls, budgeting, donor reporting, and multi-year forecasting, ensuring the organization grows with discipline and maintains the trust of its philanthropic partners. His strategic and analytical approach supports Demo Lab’s expansion across civic education, events, and regional programming.
He holds a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) from Florida International University and an MBA from the Sawyer School of Management in Boston.
Misha Pacheco
Director of Operations & Strategic ManagementMisha Pacheco is an executive and creative entrepreneur with roots in law, business operations, and cultural innovation, with a track record of building systems and teams that scale.
He is known for bringing structure, discipline, and precision to fast-moving environments, bridging strategy and execution to turn complex initiatives into repeatable operations.
As Director of Operations and Strategic Management at Demo Lab, Misha leads internal operations, cross-functional execution, and the management systems that support Demo Lab’s growth. He brings a strong operator’s mindset to planning, process design, and performance, ensuring the organization runs with clarity, cadence, and accountability.
Misha holds an Executive MBA with Honors from INCAE Business School and has completed executive programs at ESADE, Babson College, the National University of Singapore, and Berklee College of Music. Earlier in his career, he worked at Pacheco Coto advising on M&A, corporate structuring, and international taxation.
Valeria Gallegos De Oña
Deputy Chief of StaffValeria Gallegos De Oña is a graduate in Political Science and International Studies from Indiana University and is currently completing an MPA at Northwestern.
From an early age, she has been driven by a strong sense of the common good and a desire to help others. Valeria’s background includes roles at CINDE in Costa Rica and Habitat for Humanity in Australia.
At Demo Lab, Valeria serves as Deputy Chief of Staff, carrying out special projects across the organization with a focus on fundraising, partnership management, program management, and team development.
Mila Segura
Project Manager and Executive AssistantHolding dual degrees in Electrical and Electromechanical Engineering, complemented by studies in Sociology, Mila excels at the intersection of project management, partnerships, and community impact. She integrates technical expertise with a passion for public-private collaboration to drive community impact.
Mila's commitment to community development is reflected in her background of work with organizations such as TECHO and PANI.
At Demo Lab, Mila wears many hats. Within the Freedom Academy, she leads the Freedom & Community programs, which bring civic learning into communities through experiential activations that connect identity, civic agency, and practical problem-solving. Her work ensures that Demo Lab’s educational model is not only scalable, but deeply rooted in real communities and lived experience.
Elena Sobrado
Academic Lead & TeacherElena Sobrado is an academic leader and educator with a strong background in learning design, educational leadership, and program development.
She is known for shaping high-quality learning experiences—bringing structure, clarity, and a user-centered approach to curriculum, pacing, and outcomes.
As Academic Lead and Teacher at Freedom Academy by Demo Lab, Elena leads the end-to-end learning experience, overseeing curriculum design, user journey, and continuous improvement across programs to ensure they are engaging, rigorous, and effective.
Jimmyr Centeno
Marketing and Data AssociateJimmyr Centeno is an international relations professional with a focus on youth leadership, education, and community engagement. As an Operations, Marketing, and Data Associate at Demo Lab, he applies his expertise in research, data analysis, communications, and digital operations to strengthen program delivery across the organization.
Jimmyr has been part of Demo Lab since the launch of the Freedom Academy, contributing essential operational and infrastructural support that enables scale, quality, and learner experience.
His experience also includes work with respected UN agencies such as UNICEF Costa Rica and IOM Costa Rica, where he supported initiatives for children and young people. From an early age, Jimmyr has been committed to equipping youth with the tools, confidence, and opportunities needed to grow, lead, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.