Los Angeles – Day 1

Lights…camera…action! After weeks of preparation, Global Ambassadors and mentees met face-to-face for the first time in L.A., ready for an intense week of mentoring, training workshops and networking designed to strengthen their leadership, organizational management and business acumen.

Mentees are drawn from the greater L.A. area, Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Suriname and Uruguay, representing a range of industries and sectors, including design, marketing and communications, consumer goods, industrial equipment, technology, education and health care. They are paired with an impressive cohort of Global Ambassadors from the U.S., Mexico and UAE who will work side-by-side with them on strategy, financial and human resources management, marketing and communications, and more. Together, they will build an arsenal of tools needed to adapt to changing economic landscapes, consumer behaviors and technology to better position themselves for growth. 

Each mentee brings her unique set of challenges, and the mentors and trainers are eager to get to work. Here is a snapshot of what’s to come:


Ariela Suster is founder and creative director of Sequence Collection

Mentee Ariela Suster is working with Global Ambassador Gabriela Leon on a new marketing and sales strategy for Sequence Collection, an innovative social enterprise whose mission is to break the cycle of violence in El Salvador by providing training and income generating opportunities to youth at risk for gang recruitment. The products they make are exquisite, handcrafted accessories that have attracted the attention of major buyers and partners. “My challenge now is to expand awareness outside the circle of people who know me and my work,” said Ariela.


Mentee Agustina Fainguersch is U.S. managing director and partner at Wolox

When you’re a 27-year-old software engineer from Argentina with a rapidly expanding tech start-up, the program’s leadership development and mentorship comes at just the right time. “I’m here to focus on market strategy and storytelling,” said Agustina Fainguersch. “When approaching a new market, you have to effectively communicate the vision and constantly re-think what can be done better to help both the client and your team.”


Mentee Amy Friedman is co-founder and executive director of POPS the Club in Los Angeles

Amy Friedman heads a nonprofit organization that supports students impacted by the prison system. Fundraising is a priority to keep pace with its expansion. “One thing I’m hoping to get out of our week together is the ability to continue to balance on a pin while juggling twelve balls while keeping both our organization and myself healthy, mentally, physically and spiritually,” she said.

Stay connected to #GlobalAmbassadors this week:

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram.

Watch the program’s YouTube playlist.

Visit the Global Ambassadors page at Bank of America and learn about their other women’s empowerment programs.


Photography: David Hume Kennerly