Women in Tech® Founder and CEO Ayumi Moore Aoki will lead a comprehensive diplomatic and educational mission to Panama, culminating in the inaugural Women in Tech LATAM Awards. The week-long agenda combines high-level government engagement, academic collaboration, and community outreach to advance digital equity across Latin America.
Strategic Objectives
This mission reinforces Panama’s position as a regional technology hub while expanding Women in Tech®’s impact across Central and South America. Key focus areas include AI governance, STEM education access, and public-private partnerships for digital transformation.
Monday, August 25
Innovation Ecosystem Engagement
Morning: Ciudad del Saber Partnership
10:00-11:30 AM: Strategic tour of City of Knowledge innovation hub
Meetings with Laru Linares (Operations Manager) and Janelle Castrellon
Focus: Technology acceleration and international trade opportunities
Afternoon: Government Relations
2:30-3:00 PM: SENACYT leadership meeting
Partners: Dr. Eduardo Ortega, National Secretary for Science, Technology and Innovation; Dr. Maria Heller, Lic. Luis Pimiento
Agenda: National science and technology development programs
Tuesday, August 26
Community Outreach: Indigenous Tech Access Initiative
Full-Day Embera Wounaan Community Visit
8:00 AM-4:00 PM: Cultural immersion and technology education
Programming includes:
- Women in Tech empowerment workshops
- AI accessibility demonstrations via Amazon partnerships
- Educational resource sharing and mentorship frameworks
- Technology donation ceremony (laptop and projection equipment)
This initiative demonstrates Women in Tech®’s commitment to bridging digital divides while respecting cultural heritage.
Wednesday, August 27
Academic Leadership & Canal Diplomacy
Morning: University Strategic Session
10:00 AM-12:00 PM: “Building the Future with Women and AI Leadership” – USMA
Audience: STEM students, WeGrow program participants, regional universities
Afternoon: Infrastructure & Innovation
2:00-4:00 PM: VIP Panama Canal Miraflores Locks visit
Host: Ilya de Marotta, Panama Canal Authority Deputy
Focus: Maritime technology and logistics innovation
Evening: Founder’s Forum
6:00-8:00 PM: “The Power of One Voice” – Exclusive fireside chat with Ayumi Moore Aoki
Venue: Hotel W Panama
Special feature: Osaka Protocol signing ceremony with strategic partners
Thursday, August 28
Government Relations & Awards Ceremony
Morning: Public Sector Engagement
8:30-10:00 AM: Attorney General’s Office presentation
Topic: “Panama’s Digital Future: Equity, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence”
Co-presenters: Amazon and FreeBalance executives
Midday: Academic Panel
11:30 AM-12:00 PM: USMA AI Conference expert panel
Format: University leadership dialogue on AI’s role in education
Evening: Awards Ceremony
6:00-10:00 PM: Women in Tech LATAM Awards inaugural event
Venue: Hotel W Panama
Recognition categories: Innovation, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Tech Diplomacy
Friday, August 29
Cultural Exchange & Networking
Panama City cultural tour or Isla Bolaños retreat
Informal networking with award recipients and regional partners
Key Partnerships
Government: SENACYT, Attorney General’s Office, Panama Canal Authority
Academic: Universidad Santa María la Antigua (USMA), WeGrow Initiative
Private Sector: Amazon, FreeBalance, Fiserv, CAF
Community: Embera Wounaan Indigenous Community
Strategic Outcomes
This mission establishes Panama as Women in Tech®’s Latin American operational center while creating sustainable partnerships for digital inclusion.
Contact Information:
CEO Office: pa@women-in-tech.org
Panama Operations: Wanda Pinzon (wanda.pinzon@women-in-tech.org)
Regional Coordination: Jessica Freundt (jessica.freundt@women-in-tech.org)