Vip Members

Carlos Hernan Robles graduated with his Masters Degree in International Banking Law in 1988 from American University. Mr. Robles became an attorney in 1982, and has over 35 years of professional experience working as a partner for Lara Legal Corporativo. Carlos feels that one of the keys to his success is working and studying hard and having passion for what you do. One of his greatest accomplishments is being appointed in the Latin American Banking Association. He is also a member of a nonprofit foundation that helps inmates after they are released from prison. It helps them to become self sufficient, and be productive members in society. In joining the WANA Carlos is looking forward to connecting with like minded professionals in order to share ideas, open new opportunities and gain exposure.

Joseph Petito is a successful business owner and Professional Land Surveyor. Mr. Petito graduated from Manhattanville College, with Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Philosophy. Joseph utilizes his experience and education in his business and hopes to expand his brand exponentially throughout Long Island and the five boroughs. He is a part of the Long Island Association and the New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors.

Daniella takes pride in being the bridge of communication for the needs of the customer between the companies perspective and the clients as well. Activa Research provides consulting for different companies looking for accurate consumer feedback. Understanding the importance of her work, she takes care of evaluating the client and using the data to provide complimentary adjustments. Her passion takes her far but she's happy with her work and plans to get better at doing it.

Arla Wilding is a distinguished alumni that graduated top of her class, her 10 years experience in the music field has made the her a valuable asset to her employer which earned her the award of "Outstanding Faculty Staff Member" for the Schenectady County Community College, where she is also the Musical Director. Through her kindness and humanitarian efforts she has given her time to volunteer at the "Eastwyck Village Retirement home" where she plays the piano for its members..

Insaf Abbas has made a name for herself through creating and advancing education through technology. With the advances that are constantly happening in this field she is continuing to show the benefits that are created when we use the advanced systems to help people who struggle to learn from language barriers. Working in an open university has allowed her to diversify and quickly elevate the level and availability to students in need. In addition, Dr. Abbas participated in designing books and materials for e learning for some English courses at Al-Quds open University. Furthermore She participated in writing English textbooks for public schools in Palestine for grades 10,11& 12: a series of textbooks titled "English for Palestine" Working at present as the Director for a newly established translation center for Al-Quds Open University Insaf is still extremely active in many different levels of the research and has comprised a number of research materiel into a book that has been published recently to reach a larger audience to show the benefit of using technology through education. It is titled "Studies in using Modern Technology in Teaching English (Noor Publishing) Insaf has an intense connection to the work which leads to a great relationship with all the students that work with her, Her love for the craft allows others to flourish around her. She also still conducts online lectures, in person lectures and has become an outside examiner. On her down time she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and reading.. Insaf is looking to network and create business contacts with other passionate scholars on educating the next generation on what is most likely the future of teaching education.

Francesca Fiecconi is the National Judge for Milan and has over 30 years of experience in her profession. Ms. Fiecconi started out studying law and always was fascinated about learning new things. Being awarded the President Award for her service was an honor for Francesca. In the upcoming years Francesca is looking to take her experience to another level and become a Supreme Court Judge or working in a high position. Through hard work, discipline, being conscientious and passion Francesca believes all things are possible.

Sandra K. Crawford Wood is a highly dedicated and accomplished Social Worker/Program Developer at the non-profit Full Life Center. Sandra is instrumental in assisting in the area of guardianship, nursing home referrals and court filings. She has over 30 years experienced and has also been involved in child advocacy issues as well. In her free time, Sandra enjoys spending time with her 11 grandchildren and attending all their activities. She and her husband enjoy traveling and she is an avid reader. Sandra looks forward to connecting with her alumni and to help others in her area of social work through networking and making lasting connections with members.

Carlos R Cerezo graduated from Florida Institute of Technology. He has been a Pilot for 16 years. He has a passion and genuine interest in flying around the Caribbean for years. He initially wanted to be a lawyer and follow his brother's foot steps but decided to pursue aviation instead. Since then Carlos has been elevating in his career and has aspirations on becoming a captain within the next 3 years. He believe his success is because of his education and early beginnings in the field. Carlos' biggest accomplishment is to be a pilot for jet blue which was a major goal of his before he was given the opportunity. Carlos' day as a pilot is very busy making 1-4 flights per day. Often times he is away from his home in about 3 days per week. He is also apart of the Gateway program which is associated with his job and its a new program that helps new pilots get jobs working with Jet Blue. Carlos hobbies includes mountain biking and traveling.

Sidney Mello holds a degree in geology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ and a master's degree in science from the same University in cooperation with Lamont Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University in NY, USA. He holds a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Leeds in the UK, class 1999 and post Doc from the University of Western Brittany in Brest, France. Professionally speaking Sidney is currently a Vice-Chancellor ( Rector ) with Universidade Federal Fluminense, where he has been for the last 6 years. Sidney has been a professor for the last 33 years prior to that a Vice Chancellor , also a VP for graduates studies and VP for undergraduate studies. Sidney main role is to receive fund from the government, work with foreign people, produce knowledge, make strong graduate programs, provide internal mobility-research staff mobility and provide means for a better society. He is an active member on the Executive Committee of CAPES (Ministry of Education) to the Brazilian participation in the International Ocean Drilling Program - IODP. Member of the Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE), encouraging Higher Education Institutions and affiliated partner organizations to promote HE mobility in the Americas. And yet Member of Brazilian Academy of Education. He received the Medal of Naval Merit from the Brazilian Navy and the Medal of Aeronautical Merit from the Brazilian Air Force for his engagement in national projects in the area of ​research and training of personnel. Sidney was prompted to get involved in this profession as he as he always has been motivated to understand the changes of the earth, always able to work with people, for him it was a natural progression. In the next few years Sidney plans to work with foreign universities in Miami to form leadership institutions in South America, work with MBA students and Masters degree students, however continuing to grow and make a difference is very important to him. At this stage in Sidney's career he is seeking to network with other like minded professionals, connect and collaborate to share ideas, areas of skill and expertise, and be recognized for the work he has done thus far. Sidney bases his success on his consistency and passion for what he does.

Ivan Brent Hutchings has approximately 40 years of professional experience. He began his studies and career interested in Sociology with a desire to "save the world," but he says he soon realized that "the world did not want to be saved." Yet, he wanted to do work that would make a measureable difference. He went back to school and studied manufacturing engineering. He found he had a knack for it, enjoyed it and saw that with it he could make a difference. He graduated from Brigham Young twice, as a member of the class of 1973 (sociology) and again as a member of the class of 1978 (manufacturing engineering). He went on to have a stellar and impactful career of nearly 30 years as a manufacturing engineering during which time he invented products and improved processes which gained 55 patents for NASA. He built rockets and invented greatly improved nozzles, as well as many other materials products., working for great institutions like NASA and companies like Aerojet. Ivan left manufacturing engineering to return to his home town of Ely, Nevada to help his aging parents. His leadership ability and great innovative mind led the mayor to ask his to serve as the City Manager of Ely when he returned. He spent 6 years in service to the town before he went on to become Vice President of Operations for Blue Diamond for 6 years. Ivan is now generously helping the nonprofit agency, "Useful Glass," accomplish its mission of helping people with barriers to employment have an opportunity to work and train in a production environment. He serves in the role of Director of Human Resources but his duties and contributions go well beyond the traditional functions of an HR Director. For instance, he also helps with the agency's clients monitoring and placements. Ivan also authored the article: Barcoding & Semi-conductors published by IM & Peer Review Journal in 1989. Ivan counts his greatest professional achievement as the improvement he made to processes and operations from which programs and people benefitted. He says his keys to success was his determination and desire to make a difference and entering a field that he liked. His goals for the next few years include retiring once again and dedicating himself to the local service mission of the Mormon/LDS to develop family history. The project can be found at familysearch.org. Ivan looks forward to exchanging knowledge and information with like-minded peers.

Herbero Ferrer Duchesne graduated from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign with a Masters in Art, and theater direction, class of 1974. He received a full scholarship to the University, and graduated with honors. Professionally speaking Herberto is currently a Theatre Director, Full Professor with the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon in Puerto Rico where his main role and responsibilities include conducting theater classes and produce for the theater. Overall Herberto has more than 33 years of experience in his career. Herberto was prompted get involved in this profession as being interested in theater which was developed at a young age around 16, after years passed Herberto's professor put him in touch with platyng , Herberto became very stimulating and since then it all has been a very natural progression for him. In the next few years Herberto plans to continue his education, and obtain a PhD in theater. He also plans to continue to grow individually and professionally and make a difference in his profession. In joining the WANA he would like to gain more exposure and allow others to learn of his upcoming projects. At this stage in his development process Herberto would like to network with other like minded professionals, share different ideas and areas of expertise with others, see what others are doing. Herberto bases his success on his passion and love for art, loving what he does and his family support. Herberto is most proud of having at least 4 places different moments of Puerto Rican history.

Demetres Xiourouppas spent many years in management and spent some of those years as an auditor as well. At the present time Demetres has partnered with his wife in the management of an educational institution. Demetres attributes his education in the states as a factor in his success, he enjoys spending time with the youth. Engaging with students, helping them to be present and working toward their educational goals are something that Demetres and his wife are passionate about. Demetres is busy consulting financial institutions due to his years of experience in the banking field. He enjoys spending time with the family and the management of the educational institution allows him the flexibility enjoys any free time he receives outside of his work. He obtained his degrees from Baruch and St. John University; he has a Bachelor Degree & MBA. Demetres has been a blood donor for over 30 years; he serves as a treasurer and VP on a High School alumni association, and also in the Society of Large Families where he gives back to the community. He has four children of his own and has traveled the world; he is excited to connect with alumni from Baruch and any additional connections, as well.

Maria Chevalier Lewis graduated with a BS degree in Accounting from Roosevelt University in 1977. Maria is President (CPA) of Chevalier Lewis Tax Service P.C. She has had this business for 15 years. Maria has offices in Chicago and the surrounding areas. Previously, Maria also worked as a teacher at a University while simultaneously working as an accountant and running her business. Maria Chevalier Lewis published a newspaper geared towards the Hispanic community in the north side of Chicago. She was prompted to enter the accounting profession because that is what she wanted to do ever since she was little. In the next 3-5 years, Maria would like to expand her business and open more offices. Maria contributes the key to her success to finding something that she loves to do which is accounting and helping small businesses. She considers her greatest professional accomplishment or achievement to helping quite a few business with tax audits because they initially received the wrong professional advice before retaining her services, including one client who she helped save $400,000. In her spare time, Maria enjoys traveling and swimming. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Edward A. began his professional career over 20 years ago as a Managing Director for RGP. Mr. A. manages the office and practice in Portland, and works with consultants and delegates projects to consultants and clients. He was given this offer and believed that he could bring improvement into the facility. Edward graduated with a Bachelors in Engineering from United States Military Academy in 1988. He sees himself 3 to 5 years from now working as a regional managing director, so continuing to grow and make a difference is important to him. He believes the key to his success is good leadership, staying focused and staying humble. Edward's greatest accomplishment is when he was the president of the board of directors for a nonprofit organization and his greatest achievement is raising his kids to be productive and having goals. Despite his successful career, Edward is also spontaneous. He loves to travel and has been to China and India. He also loves to read as well.

Cesar Cevallos has almost 20 years experience in both National and International business projects as an Engineer and in the development and implementation of projects both within Ecuador as well as abroad. Mr. Cevallos is dedicated to the provision of inputs and services on the market oil, gas, and industry in general. In order to meet the demands of the domestic market, he along with his team are constantly developing and seeking new alternatives that contribute to the continuous improvement of their service. Initially, the activity was related to the representation of companies and oil supplies. Subsequently Cesar began marketing directly, and has a wide network of business abroad, which allows the convenient purchase of any provision related to the business. In January 2011 Mr. Cevallos generated "Special Works Division and Services" for the construction and assembly of oil camps. The division demands strict compliance with deadlines, quality requirements, and safety which aims to respond to the growing demand for related construction and renovation of civil and industrial works distinguished services. Cesar believes that it is important to highlight the company’s foray into the area of construction, marketing different products with the highest quality standards as well as in the area of distribution of lubricants of a brand recognized worldwide as GULF.

Anderson Antoine graduated with his PHD from the University of Southern Caribbean in 2010. Mr. Antoine started out teaching and counseling from an early age. He has been a college instructor since 2008. Anderson teaches physiological courses and career counseling. He is a part of the American Counseling Association and has been honored as best teacher of the year. In the near future Anderson wants to publish books and practice therapy. His friendly and professional personality is what he believes to be the key to his success.

Irene De Marchi Zaharija received her Bachelor’s Degree from Catholic University of Chile with a major in Translator in 1980. Irene has a passion for learning and a specialty in translating French and English languages. Irene said her experience at the Catholic University of Chile was memorable and she learned a lot of valuable information that she incorporates at work daily. Irene works as an Assistant Manager of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Quineco S.A. Company. Irene has been working at the company for eighteen years. Irene's current job duties involve interacting with colleagues at meetings and assisting them with French and English translations. The business is an investment company and Irene interacts with many individuals on a global scale. Irene's motivation, inspiration, and passion for her job go back to her earlier years in life; Spanish is a second language for Irene and a daughter of immigrants. She strives to help other clients and people in general succeed in their daily endeavors. In the next three to five years Irene wants to continue translating with her current company in which she finds very rewarding. Irene's success at work stems from the many positive character traits she possesses; some of the highlights include organization, responsibility, devotion, loyalty, etc. Irene enjoys traveling, reading and writing. She is a member of AMICAM- a charitable organization for a children's hospital. Irene is proud of her charitable contributions and helping children in need.

After retiring from a very successful career with the Department of Social Services, Cynthia Smith became the Program Director of St John Community Development where she manages a vocational program for at risk youth between the ages of twelve and seventeen. These are young teens who are academically and socially challenged, and may be involved in the court system. Cyntia manages a year long program where behavioral management skills, life skills and communication skills are taught. She is well known for her dedication and passion to young teens and in need of direction. She looks forward to networking with others and discussing best practices.

Diego Figueroa has always had a passion for dealing with numbers and accounting. He also has a passion for furthering his education receiving a Master’s Degree at Texas A&M. Upon Graduation, Diego took a position at Development Bank, which is one of the largest banking institutions in Ecuador. Diego's focuses on his core values, staying on task while remaining humble as he continued to learn which enabled him to provide opportunities to others because being fair to all people is part of what makes Diego's move to Deputy General Manager so important to the growth of Development Bank. His consistent work ethic provides him with one of his greatest accomplishments of becoming the Youngest CFO of Development Bank. After 18 years of dedicated service to the company Diego embarked on a new opportunity as CFO of CONTINENTAL TIRE ANDINA a Global Major Tire Plant Company based in Germany with over 20 locations worldwide and 5 other divisions related to the automotive industry. Diego's handles all treasury and accounts for the plant location in Ecuador and remotely in Venezuela, Columbia, Chile, Peru and Bolivia, bringing his outstanding experience in all accounting, business and bookkeeping helping CONTINENTAL TIRE ANDINA continue to be profitable and financially responsible. In the future Diego's goal is to be the first Ecuadorian CEO of a major international company.

After obtaining her Master of Science in Structural Engineering, Virginia Andrade Martino has been a leader in her industry for the past 25 years. Most recently she was a Consultant and Commercial Engineer with General Consultant at Directory Board for Ivan Bohman CA. She is a visionary who is also an entrepreneur and Real Estate Investor. Virginia just launched a new Software/Application Development company where she is working on developing the first of its kind in Ecuador, Cinema Mobile Application. Virginia is active in the Civil Engineering Association and believes that Education and learning through travel has been a major key to her success. Virginia wants to connect and network with other members in order to expose her new business, develop more business contacts and share her knowledge and experiences with others.