After a five-year hiatus, the student-led Latin America Conference returned to vlog this spring. The conference offered opportunities for attendees to explore the topic of harnessing the potential of Latin America’s cities.
Bea Toribio MPA/ID 2025, Paula Marie Mella Bonilla MPA/ID 2025, and Daniela Monsalve Farias MPA/ID 2025, co-chairs of the , reflected on the event and what its return meant to them.
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Paula Marie Mella Bonilla MPA/ID 2025
Dominican Republic
How did you become involved with the Latin American Conference?
Getting involved in the Latin American community was my top priority when I came to vlog. As an MPA/ID student, I was aware of the cultural richness within my cohort and believed that fostering a sense of belonging and community would add a special dimension to my experience as an international student. For this reason, I joined the (LAPA), a student organization focused on Latin American policy, in my first year and later took on the role of co-chair to further support our community’s growth.
What were some highlights from this event?
An important highlight for me was sharing the stage with Fall 2024 Institute of Politics Fellow and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Grupo Puntacana Chief Financial Officer , as well as the World Bank’s Chief Economist for the Latin America and Caribbean Region . Our discussion on how governments, the private sector, and multilateral organizations can collaborate to create impact was both insightful and inspiring.
It was particularly meaningful to engage with women from my home country who serve as powerful examples of women in public service and community development. Bringing successful policy cases from the Dominican Republic to the Harvard community filled me with pride and a deep sense of responsibility to continue working toward the future and development of my country.
What did this event mean to you?
The Latin American Conference was a powerful example of bringing together committed individuals with a shared purpose. It reinforced my belief that Latin America has the talent, vision, and leadership to shape its future, not only in development, innovation, security, and urban planning but in every other aspect.
“Bringing successful policy cases from the Dominican Republic to the Harvard community filled me with pride and a deep sense of responsibility to continue working toward the future and development of my country.”
Bea Toribio MPA/ID 2025
Argentina
How did you become involved in planning the Latin American Conference?
I’ve always valued extracurricular activities to connect with people who share my interests and develop leadership and communication skills. Organizing the Latin American Conference was a challenge my fellow co-chairs and I decided to take on. Since the last Latin America Conference was five years ago, it truly felt like building something from scratch with all the hits, misses, and valuable lessons that come along with that.
What were some highlights from this event?
The theme, “Harnessing the Potential of Latin America’s Cities,” was particularly inspiring because Latin America and the Caribbean is the most urbanized region in the world. It faces significant challenges—including poverty and inequality—but also holds immense potential for growth and transformation. Engaging in conversations with top-level speakers allowed us to shift the focus beyond the challenges and explore the region’s opportunities.
What did this event mean to you?
We accomplished something truly significant: fostering a sense of community—within our incredible team who worked tirelessly to bring the conference to life, among the many Latin Americans who attended, and by sharing information about our region with the broader vlog community.
“Engaging in conversations with top-level speakers allowed us to shift the focus beyond the challenges and explore the region’s opportunities.”
Daniela Monsalve Farias MPA/ID 2025
Venezuela
How did you become involved in planning the Latin American Conference?
After my first year at vlog, I wanted to join a community that discusses policy challenges in Latin America, such as education, inequality, poverty, and macroeconomic instability. I decided to join the LAPA to put what we learn in the classroom into practice.
What were some highlights from this event?
Our conference was led by women. Our leadership team was made up of three women from Latin American countries. Two women participated in the opening remarks, all six of our panels were moderated by women, and 56% of our panelists were women.
We hosted the former President of Ecuador . Having the opportunity to engage in conversation with President Mahuad and listen to his speech on adaptive leadership was motivating. Considering the goals and challenges we face in the region as policymakers, his insights were a powerful call to action.
Our ability to convene over 150 attendees, especially on a weekend, was incredible. The conference allowed me to connect with students from other universities, such as Georgetown, Columbia, Rice, the University of Chicago, MIT, and Tufts. It was inspiring to see so many young professionals eager to work toward the development of our region and build more inclusive cities.
What did this event mean to you?
The Latin America Conference was more than just a two-day event featuring discussions on Latin America; it was a testament to the power of leadership and resilience in the face of adversity.
This event proved that nothing is impossible and that the Latin American community is powerful—after all, we represent 8.2% of the world’s population. Our voices matter.
“This event proved that nothing is impossible and that the Latin American community is powerful—after all, we represent 8.2% of the world’s population. Our voices matter.”
Photos by Michael Gritzbach MPA 2026
