The American Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panama (AmCham Panamá) celebrated 15 years of its leadership program for school directors in San Miguelito. The program has benefited 80 principals and vice-principals from more than 51 educational centers, impacting better administrative management and innovative projects. This year's winner was Professor Dexter Aranda, Director of the Jerónimo de la Ossa Educational Center, for his passion and dedication. The Executive Director of AmCham Panamá, Susana Uranga, also presented an award to the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Education of San Miguelito for its invaluable constant support and institutional leadership in benefit of Panamanian public education. The member companies that supported the 2025 program were: UPS, Petróleos Delta, ENSA, Ricoh, United Airlines, Grant Thornton, RSM, Michael Page, Quality Leadership University, Icaza, González-Ruiz y Alemán, LLASO, IFX, Norton Lilly, Arias, Ábrego, López y Noriega, Arias Law Firm, Universidad del Istmo, BDO, Fundación Estudio TAC and ITS by TAC, in addition to Alfaro, Ferrer y Ramírez. These companies provide pro-bono training and mentorship to the directors, focusing on reducing the gap between school management and good organizational leadership practices. The President of AmCham Panamá, Niurka Montero, highlighted the program's impact: “Programs like this not only provide knowledge, but create a network of multiplying leaders who spread enthusiasm and commitment to quality education”. The Mayor of San Miguelito, Irma Hernández, commented: “This program demonstrates that when we form educational leaders with purpose, the entire ecosystem improves: the students, the families, and the community”. During the ceremony, the fifth “Rotary Cup of Educational Leadership” was awarded, a recognition given to the director who multiplies the impact of the trainings in their community. These efforts have resulted in better administrative management, innovative educational projects, and a school community more committed to excellence and inclusion. The Vice Minister of Education, Agnes de León de Cotes, celebrated this fifteen-year alliance, stating that the program sows leadership, innovation, and hope in the schools.
