Meet the New Board Members!

A Warm Welcome to the Newly Elected Board Members!

Our Board of Directors unites leaders from the Partners network and international development community to guide our policies, programs, and strategy.

Nicolás Arízaga (Nico) is a consultant, researcher, educator, and international development professional CEO of Political & Legal Translation Ltd. and Tech Policy Strategy, LLC. Nico is pursuing a dual master's in public policy and international business, specializing in digital globalization at the University of Colorado Denver. He brings extensive experience in intercultural communication, fundraising, and policy analysis. His research at the University of Colorado Denver Center for Policy and Democracy focuses on technology policy, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, narrative policy framework, and public trust. At the same time, his work as a registered Spanish Court Interpreter for the Wyoming Supreme Court demonstrates his commitment to advancing language access, rights, justice, and political and cultural communication.

As International Board Director of Partners of the Americas (2025-2027), Nico leverages his academic background from the University of Wyoming (BA & MA in Political Science) and Universidad del Azuay (BA in International Studies) to strengthen hemispheric cooperation. His expertise in discourse analysis and political translation is recognized through his conference presentations for the American Translators Association (ATA) and his leadership roles in professional organizations. Nicolás's Nicolás'sn to fostering international understanding has earned him multiple distinctions, including the Partners of the Americas Emerging Leader and Life Changer Awards (2018) and a U.S. Department of State Youth Ambassador selection (2010).

Patricia Ferguson is a seasoned higher education professional with over 35 years of experience in public service. She specializes in supporting and empowering diverse and underserved communities through strategic planning, enrollment management, and policy development. Patricia holds a Master of Education in Adult Education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Pan American University. Her leadership and dedication have been recognized with awards such as the Alamo Colleges Leadership for Success and the NAFSA Academy for International Education.

Throughout her career, Patricia has excelled in various roles, including Coordinator of Recruitment-International Student Services at Alamo Colleges District and Outreach Coordinator at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Her innovative mindset and critical thinking skills have been instrumental in developing programs that promote multicultural values and create inclusive environments. Patricia's bilingual communication skills and experience as a certified workshop presenter further enhance her ability to connect with and support diverse populations, making her an invaluable asset to the board.

Kevin Virgilio Morales Chamorro is the founder and CEO of MedETechNi, a medical technology company specializing in UVC radiation therapy integrated with AI and IoT for infection prevention and wound care. Kevin holds a Doctorate in Medicine and Surgery from Universidad Católica Redemptoris Mater and is pursuing a Master's in Biomedical Innovation and Development at Georgia Tech. His groundbreaking work has significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections and hospital costs, earning him numerous accolades, including the MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 LATAM, the National Innovation Award from CONICYT Nicaragua, and the prestigious Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship.

Kevin's passion for developing sustainable technologies and conducting scientific research is reflected in his extensive leadership experience. He has served as President of the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society at IEEE and as a Research Mentor at the Scientific Caribbean Foundation Inc. Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit and global recognition, combined with his commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, make him a valuable addition to the Partners of the Americas Board of Directors.

Meet the International Board of Directors