Team size: 32

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

My responsibility is to lead the compliance and data protection function, compliance is competitive advantage and promotes sustainable growth by having a very strong compliance management system that ensure that the company continues to stand out as highly ethical company, by implementing the right policies, controls and constantly train our people, we make sure that we continue to be trusted partner for our customers.

We conduct annual risk assessments in nominated countries across the region, we have implemented a strong vendor compliance program, ensuring that our business partners comply with the law, regulatory requirements and our policies (Screening for Human Rights, Sustainability practices, Contract Management). We also train our employees and vendors. We also conduct Legal Privacy Impact Assessment in all our IT applications that process personal data.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

In my opinion, one of the most significant trends is that companies are investing in sustainable solutions to have a positive impact on the environment. Costa Rica has a long history of prioritising environmental and nature conservation, but now more private companies are deciding to incorporate initiatives to lower gas emissions, use alternative power sources like solar panels, adopt more electric vehicles, and promote greater awareness of how to contribute to protecting the environment. I’m very proud of the company that I’m working for, because a very strong commitment for sustainable growth.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

I care about the value of good education for girls and women, especially young girls. In many countries around the world young girls do not have access to education (low-income class or even middle-income class especially in rural areas). Although we see an increase in diversity initiatives and more opportunities for women to become leaders in companies, which have had impactful and positive effects, we cannot ignore the fact that this still represents a small percentage. The need to give young girls and women the opportunity to learn and thrive must still be seen as a priority.

I value those organisations that run programs that promote quality of education and most importantly access to it by giving alternatives, from building schools in remote locations to teaching women how to start a small business. This can break the cycle of poverty they live it not only for them but for their families. Furthermore, I belief that technology can play a significant role in bridging the education gap. Online learning platforms and digital resources can provide access to quality education for girls in remote areas.

One of the main causes that affect the access to more inclusive education for women is poverty and/or traditional gender roles, families who cannot afford school prefer to send boys to instead of girls or even if girls start going to school and the completion rates are lower than men. I belief education is more than a right because it gives opportunities to improve their lives. This is why is so important to keep addressing cultural barriers, to continue to help marginal communities and to inspire young girls to learn. When young girls are empowered and believe that they contribute, they can achieve great things, and this can have a ripple effect in our society.

The education of girls and women is not just a matter of equity but a critical driver of sustainable development. For girls and women, education can be particularly transformative. It can delay early marriages and improve health outcomes for themselves and their children. Educated women are more likely to earn higher incomes, which can lift entire families out of poverty and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

As individuals who have benefited from educational opportunities, we have a responsibility to advocate for and support initiatives that promote access to quality education for girls and women everywhere. This creates a positive cycle where each generation of educated women encourages the next, fostering a culture of learning and aspiration. By doing so, we can inspire the next generation of young girls to dream big, work hard, and achieve their full potential, creating a brighter future for all.