Our dedicated team at the Ismael Cala Foundation is committed to transforming lives and creating brighter futures for children and communities across the Americas and beyond. Our staff bring a wealth of experience and expertise, working together to implement impactful programs in education, personal development, and community empowerment. United by a shared vision, we focus on nurturing future leaders and fostering sustainable, positive change. Meet the team driving our mission and learn more about the work we do.
Executive Director (consult)
Javier Torres is a visionary cultural leader and arts manager whose career embodies the transformative power of creativity, education, and social purpose. Originally from Cuba, and celebrated as one of the most accomplished Cuban dancers of his generation, Javier has built a distinguished international trajectory that merges artistic excellence with a deep commitment to community impact.
With more than 22 years of experience performing across 29 countries in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Javier has inspired audiences worldwide through the unifying language of dance and culture. Beyond the stage, he has dedicated his career to expanding access and opportunity in the arts — using culture as a tool for education, emotional development, and social change.
Javier’s work bridges philanthropy, innovation, and education. Drawing on his experience directing charities in the UK and US he continues to champion initiatives that nurture talent, promote emotional wellbeing, and strengthen cross‑cultural collaboration. His approach aligns closely with the Ismael Cala Foundation’s mission: to empower individuals — especially youth — through education, leadership, emotional intelligence, and conscious global citizenship.
Deputy of Strategic Planning & Development
Venezuelan, Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, with a Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility from Simón Bolívar University. She is responsible for supporting and overseeing the development of social projects from their inception, with a focus on fundraising, strengthening administrative processes, and planning and organizing events.
Deputy Marketing Lead
Advertising professional with over 17 years of experience in digital marketing and 20 years in creative copywriting. She leads the content and digital marketing area of the Ismael Cala Foundation, coordinating strategies, campaigns, design, and web presence. “I have been telling stories since I discovered that a great idea can change everything. Today, I transform brands into digital protagonists by combining strategy, creativity, and content that truly connects.”
Deputy Programme Coordinator
Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages, graduated with honors from Universidad Metropolitana in Caracas. Venezuelan and bilingual, with experience in administrative roles, supporting the management and organization of processes. She currently contributes to the expansion and development of El Vuelo de la Cometa in Latin America, coordinating facilitators, managing pre-implementation processes, and translating materials from Spanish to English. She also collaborates in the planning of new projects and initiatives to strengthen the program’s impact across the region.
Digital & Design
Bachelor’s degree in Arts, major in Graphic Design, graduated from Universidad Católica Cecilio Acosta in Maracaibo, Venezuela. With a strong track record in creating graphic materials for a wide range of companies and organizations, both nationally and internationally, her work stands out for its ability to transform concepts into clear and recognizable visual communication. Currently, as a designer for the Ismael Cala Foundation, she is the creative mind behind the foundational documents and presentations of the El Vuelo de la Cometa program. Her expertise goes beyond aesthetics, encompassing the ability to align each design with the organization’s vision and brand identity, enhancing its growth and recognition through visually compelling and professionally executed formats. Her commitment is to strategic design that advances the mission of every project.
Web Developer
Alejandro Ramos is a digital communicator specializing in web development, automation, and digital marketing. His focus is on creating strategies, content, and digital experiences that connect brands with their audiences, strengthen their online presence, and generate growth opportunities.
Digital Strategist
Digital Strategist with experience in defining, executing, and optimizing digital strategies focused on growth, conversion, and brand positioning. He brings a holistic perspective that connects marketing, e-commerce, digital analytics, and business objectives, relying on data analysis, consumer behavior, and KPIs to inform strategic decision-making. He has led campaigns on platforms such as Meta Ads, Google Ads, and TikTok Ads; coordinated teams and vendors; and participated in projects focused on the transformation and optimization of digital channels, user experience, and conversion processes. His profile combines strategic thinking, a results-oriented approach, and the ability to turn data and trends into growth opportunities for businesses.
Philanthropic Ambassador
Venezuelan professional with a strong background in law, human development, and project management. A lawyer graduated from Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB) and a Certified Ontological Coach from the Metropolitan University of Caracas (UNIMET), she brings to her work a deeply human, strategic, and service-oriented perspective. As the Philanthropy Ambassador of the Ismael Cala Foundation, she promotes educational and socio-emotional initiatives that benefit young people and communities across Latin America and the United States. Her work is distinguished by her approachable nature, active listening, and ability to build meaningful relationships with partners, donors, and program participants. Her professional experience includes strategic communication, project coordination, personalized support, and guidance through personal transformation processes, combining structure, sensitivity, and a genuine vocation for service. Her approach integrates clarity, empathy, and vision, allowing her to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and support decisions aligned with growth and wellbeing. Based in Spain and maintaining professional ties across the Americas and Europe, she is recognized for her warmth, professional integrity, and commitment to initiatives that transform lives and expand opportunities.
Philanthropic Ambassador
Gabriela Peña is an Ecuadorian professional with an international career in the insurance, talent consulting, and wellness sectors. Trained in Business by the Paris Chamber of Commerce, she has complemented her business perspective with a holistic, human-centered approach as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Coach and holds a diploma in Thanatology. Throughout her career, she has led strategic initiatives in several countries, promoting personal and professional development through empathy and talent management.
Philanthropic Ambassador
Certified Public Accountant, graduated from UCAB Guayana. Certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming by Cala Academy. I enjoy helping people become better every day and making a meaningful contribution to their personal and professional development and growth. Over time, I have continued studying to become a motivational coach.
Philanthropic Happiness
Venezuelan, proudly from Aragua, and guided by a deep resilience, I view every challenge as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. My experience spans customer service across various fields—where I learned the value of empathy and effective problem-solving—as well as the world of beauty pageants, a stage that strengthened my public speaking, presence, and authenticity. Driven by a strong work ethic and a creative approach, I am dedicated to offering solutions and boosting productivity, fully convinced that success is built on maturity, responsibility, and a commitment to service.
Deputy logistics coordinator
Journalist with more than 15 years of experience across television, radio, podcasting, and digital media. Experienced in live broadcasting, interviewing public figures, producing engaging multimedia content, and connecting with diverse audiences across multiple platforms. Professional on-camera host and voice-over talent.
Sign up for the latest news, research, and perspectives from Cala Foundation.