Adriana Piñeiro

Adriana Piñeiro, was born in Costa Rica, raised in Panama and graduated with honors from the USMA University with a Bachelors Degree in Social Communications. She has 9 years of experience in the social entrepreneurship sector, first as entrepreneur herself and later on working for international organizations such as Global Brigades, Save the Children and Thinkimpact. Adriana's roles have included program development focused on micro-enterpreneurship in rural Panama with indigenous and non-indigenous communities, building partnerships and managing internal communications.

What position do you hold at ThinkImpact and why do you like working there?

Adriana: I am Country Coordinator for Panama and I like working in ThinkImpact because it promotes social entrepreneurship, cultural exchange and youth empowerment which are concepts that I am passionate about. There is nothing better than working in what you enjoy the most. It is fulfilling to be able to empower youth and community members to work together in social entrepreneurship initiatives.

How does your organization differ from other ones in the industry?

Adriana: ThinkImpact is about the relationships you build, the connection and the empowerment you can give to others by believing in their ideas and creating something together.

It's different because every homestay experience is unique on its own but also because it goes one step further enabling the community members and students to surpass any cultural barrier and create something together. Its unique because there is no other program like this that connects social innovation, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange in such a deep level.

What is one thing you would tell any future scholar?

Adriana: There is nothing more powerful than a smile and a positive attitude. Even if they can't understand you, they will feel you. Just by being present and coming all the way to their home, shows you care and that for them means the world.

How do you think learning abroad will change over the next 10 years?

Adriana: I really hope learning abroad will become not a trend but a norm for every university on the planet. These experiences promote the tolerance and open-mindedness of students allowing them to experience and more importantly understand other cultures and ways of thinking.

With more learning abroad opportunities in universities there will be more peace. I hope in 10 years we can realize how important learning abroad opportunities are as vehicles to peace and prioritize them in universities' curriculums.

What do you find most fulfilling about your interactions with scholars?

Adriana: When scholars start talking in Panamanian slang to community members, they make my day. It means they have truly immersed in the culture and that they are enjoying it!