World of Work Career Day
2026
TIMINGS
TIMINGS
OUR SPEAKERS
OUR SPEAKERS
About:
Olga Oliver, DVM is a veterinarian with dual U.S. and European licenses, specializing in surgery, internal medicine, and veterinary oncology. Her passion for animal care began at age 14 when she volunteered at Jerez de la Frontera Zoo, an experience that shaped her lifelong dedication to veterinary medicine.
She earned her veterinary degree from Murcia University, where she spent four years in t\he surgical department. After graduating in 1997, she completed a wildlife externship in Florida and later an internship at the Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary in Sarasota. In 2003, she obtained her U.S. veterinary license (ECFVG program), making her one of the few veterinarians licensed in both the U.S. and Europe.
For over 25 years in the U.S., Olga worked as an independent contractor, performing surgeries and internal medicine across multiple clinics in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. In 2015, she launched Animaldrvideos, a YouTube channel offering pet care advice in Spanish and English.
In 2022, Olga returned to Madrid with her husband and son (an ASM student), and in 2024, she completed a master’s specialization in Veterinary Oncology. She now runs Vets in the City Madrid, a mobile veterinary practice bringing expert pet care directly to clients’ homes.
Session Description: A Global Career in Veterinary Medicine
Join Dr. Olga Oliver, DVM, as she shares her journey from studying in Spain to practicing veterinary medicine in the U.S. and launching her mobile veterinary practice in Madrid. She will discuss the challenges and rewards of taking her education abroad, earning a U.S. veterinary license, and working in surgery, internal medicine, and oncology. This session is perfect for students interested in medicine, animal care, or building an international career.
Fernando Lopezmalo
Fernando Lopezmalo
Vice President Global Market Access at Kyowa Pharmaceuticals
Biotec
University: Medical Doctor, Masters in Health Economics
About:
Fernando Lopezmalo MD, MSc CEO DISIT Pharmaceuticals Inc
A medical doctor with advanced training in health economics and pharmaceutical business, Fernando bridges the gap between clinical care and the strategic realities of healthcare systems. He has held senior global and regional roles at leading pharmaceutical companies, including Merck and EMD Serono, driving market access, pricing, and commercial strategies across specialties and rare diseases. Throughout his career, he has focused on expanding patient access, launching innovative therapies in diverse markets, and delivering sustainable value to healthcare systems worldwide.
Session Description:
"The Mission of Saving Lives and Improve Quality of Life: Biotec & Health Economics"
Being in a hospital isn’t the only way to work in medicine. Fernando will explain the complex world of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, from research to patient access, pricing and public policy. Learn how science and effective treatments are translated into economic impact for healthcare systems and economies bridging the mission to ensure patients get the medicine they need.
Rhiannon Bettivia
Rhiannon Bettivia
💻 Technology, Science & Innovation
Information Science, Academia
University: BA in philosophy and astrophysics, MA in teaching, PhD in info science
About:
Dr. Rhiannon Bettivia is an associate professor of information science. What she does all day: preserves the digital cultural record for futures we cannot yet imagine. What she used to do all day: teach math and science, run an independent cinema, care for postpartum moms, start education non-profits, and restore computational artwork. What she will do tomorrow: who knows? But the real point is: there are lots of possibilities in those futures we cannot yet imagine.
Session Description:
Data Storytelling & The Truth vs. AI
In a world of AI hallucinations and "fake news," how do we know what is real? In this interactive session, you will explore "Data Storytelling"—the skill of using data to tell the story of who you are to future employers.
Hands-on Activity: You will verify cryptographic hash values to learn how professionals ensure data integrity.
Martin Garcia
Martin Garcia
🎮 Business, Venture Capital & Entrepreneurship
General Partner/COO/CFO
Venture Capital / Private Credit
University: Undergraduate in Antonio de Nebrija Univ. (Spain) and Tampa Univ. (US). MBA - University of Chicago (US)
About:
Martin Garcia General Partner, BITKRAFT Ventures (Gaming & Interactive Media)
An ASM Alumni, Martin is a General Partner at BITKRAFT, a Venture Capital firm focused on the gaming industry. He has invested in massive companies like Twitter, Palantir, and Coinbase. With experience spanning Spain, the US, Japan, and beyond, he manages the financial and strategic growth of the next generation of gaming companies.
Session Description:
Investing in the Future: Gaming & Venture Capital
How do you turn a love for gaming into a high-stakes business career? Martin will discuss how to break into hard-to-join industries like Venture Capital and the differences between doing business in the US versus Spain.
In addition Martin will share the specific elements that shaped his career and the three things ASM taught him that set him apart from day one:
Speak Up: The importance of public speaking and sharing ideas in a group.
Think Critically: How to provide answers that are supported by facts.
Master the Tools: Using cutting-edge technology to produce more output than the competition.
The Secret Sauce: Why "Common Sense and Humility" are the most important skills for adding value from your very first day on the job.
Jeff Arias
Jeff Arias
#Previous Owner of Swimways Corporation #Manufacturing #Global Sales #Marketing #Distribution
University of Colorado
About:
Jeff Arias is a business leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the water recreation industry. As the former owner and operator of Swimways Corporation, he helped establish the company as the global leader in pool toys and water recreation products.
Under his leadership, Swimways expanded its manufacturing and distribution worldwide, reaching markets in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America, with production in both the United States and Asia. Known for bringing the "fun side of owning a pool" to families worldwide, Jeff’s expertise spans product development, global expansion, and brand leadership in the consumer goods industry.
Session Description:
From Idea to Global Market: The Journey of a Product
Join Jeff Arias as he takes you through the exciting process of turning a simple idea on a napkin or sketch into a global product. From design and manufacturing to marketing and distribution, Jeff will share insights on what it takes to bring a concept to life and succeed in international markets. This session will engage students in exploring different aspects of product development, helping them discover where their interests may lie in the world of entrepreneurship and business.
Jennifer Crossland
Jennifer Crossland
Clinical Psychologist/private practice
University: M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Post-Doc-Developmental Psychology
About:
Dr. Jennifer Crossland Clinical Psychologist Bio: Dr. Crossland is a licensed clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. from UT Southwestern Medical Center. She has worked at prestigious institutions like Boston Children’s Hospital and in private practice, specializing in autism, anxiety, and family therapy. She is also a published author who writes about the journey of parenting and psychology.
Session Description:
"Inside the Mind: A Career in Clinical Psychology"
What does a Clinical Psychologist actually do all day? Dr. Crossland will walk you through her journey from college to private practice. She will discuss navigating graduate school, the reality of working with children and families, and how the mental health industry has changed post-pandemic.
Julio Gomez
Julio Gomez
About:
Julio Gomez started his journey studying Theoretical Physics to answer big questions about the universe. That curiosity led him to the energy sector, where he helps companies use technology to solve complex problems. He holds an MBA from Rice University and specializes in connecting science with real-world business challenges.
Session Description:
Energy, Earth & The Future: Inside the Oil & Gas Industry
How do hydrocarbons form, and how do they actually power our daily lives? In this workshop, Julio will take you on a journey through the energy industry—from the initial search for resources deep underground to the final products we use every day.
The Science: Discover how oil and gas are formed and where we find them.
The Big Picture: An overview of the industry cycle—from exploration to the consumer.
Future Careers: A look at the variety of roles available in the energy sector and where the industry is heading next.
Peter Hosharian
Peter Hosharian
Attorney/Hosharian Law Firm
Legal / Attorney
University: Juris Doctor Western State University California
About:
Peter Hosharian Attorney, Hosharian Law Firm
Peter established his own law firm in 1995 and has spent 30 years representing clients in personal injury, medical malpractice, and criminal defense cases. Beyond the courtroom, he is a writer, a musician, and an athlete.
Session Description:
"Law & Order: The Reality of Being an Attorney"
Forget what you see on TV—what is it really like to represent a client? Peter will break down the process of becoming a lawyer, what to expect in law school, and the true impact attorneys have on society. Ideal for anyone considering a future in the legal profession.
About:
Cristina is an award-winning licensed psychotherapist and the founder of Ready Talk Grow, LLC. Originally from Venezuela, she brings over 25 years of mental health experience across corporate, educational, and clinical settings. Cristina specializes in individual therapy and parent coaching, helping clients navigate anxiety, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Her therapeutic approach eclectic and holistic, integrating mind, body, and lifestyle factors—like nutrition and stress management—to support overall well-being.
Session Description:
The Science of Behavior: A Career in Psychology Psychology helps us understand the complex links between our brains, emotions, and actions. In this interactive Q&A session, Cristina will explain how mental health professionals use this science to understand human motivation, help individuals navigate challenges, and contribute to a healthier society.
Bring your questions! Cristina will cover:
The Path: Why she chose psychology, what university classes to expect, and how to get licensed.
The Skills: Developing active listening, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity.
The Future: Exploring the wide variety of career opportunities and work settings available to psychology graduates.
Matt Hibbard
Matt Hibbard
About:
Matt Hibbard is a finance and hospitality expert with over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality asset management. A graduate of Florida State University with degrees in Finance and Hospitality Management, he began his career at Universal Parks & Resorts before holding key financial roles at Marriott International, Hilton Hotels, and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts at The Carlyle in New York City.
In 2023, Matt expanded his expertise by providing CFO services and asset management to leading luxury hospitality brands, including the internationally acclaimed NIHI Hotels. His ability to navigate the complexities of high-end hospitality finance has made him a trusted partner in sustainable financial growth for luxury assets.
Session Description:
Lessons Beyond the Classroom – A Global Career in Hospitality
Matt will discuss his decision to leave Central Florida to chase a dream working internationally, the challenges and rewards of adapting to new cultures, and what it takes to build a career abroad with a U.S. hospitality brand.
The session will focus on real-world lessons that aren’t taught in school—insights Matt gained through intuition, experience, and common sense. In a dynamic and engaging keynote, he will share priceless life and career lessons, aiming to leave a lasting impact that students will remember decades from now. If you're looking for inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on navigating life and work, this session is not to be missed.
Michael J. Willisch
Michael J. Willisch
#law #partner
BA, BS - University of Utah; JD - Northwestern
About:
Michael J. Willisch is a leading U.S. corporate lawyer specializing in capital markets transactions, mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, and finance transactions. He is the Head of the Madrid office at Davis Polk & Wardwell, a leading global law firm based in New York City.
With extensive experience advising Spanish, U.S. and international companies, Michael provides strategic legal counsel on complex financial and business transactions, helping clients navigate the global legal landscape.
Session Description:
Building a Global Career in Law and Business
Michael will discuss strategic planning in building a successful career, and the importance of geographic flexibility and seizing opportunities, even in uncertain circumstances.
This hands-on session will focus on developing a framework to build a successful career. Participants will receive practical advice and learn to approach their career development by thinking like a lawyer. They will also consider the skills a lawyer needs. Whether you’re interested in law, finance, or international business, this session will provide valuable insights to help shape your professional journey.
Jason Horowitz
Jason Horowitz
Reporter
Journalism
New York University
About:
Jason Horowitz is the Madrid bureau chief for The New York Times. In is the former Rome bureau chief for the paper and was part of the team that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in international reporting. He previously wrote about presidential politics and national politics in the paper's Washington bureau. Prior to joining The Times in 2013, he was the roving political features and profiles writer at the Washington Post, and he has written for The New Yorker, GQ, Vogue, The New York Observer and other publications. The Italian Job, his memoir about living and reporting in Italy, will be published in October by Macmillan.
Session Description:
A Career in Journalism or Writing
What is it like to report on the world’s most critical events? Join Jason Horowitz, Madrid Bureau Chief for The New York Times and Pulitzer Prize finalist, for an inside look at international journalism. Jason will share his experiences covering U.S. presidential politics, living abroad as a foreign correspondent, and writing for major magazines. Whether you are interested in breaking news, deep-dive profiles, or writing your own book, this session will show you how to turn your curiosity into a thrilling career.
Mónica Mir
Mónica Mir
Best Buddies Spain Executive Director and VP.
Non profit sector
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management, with a major in Marketing.
About:
Mónica leads the Best Buddies Spain Foundation, dedicating her work to building a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She began her career in marketing and innovation at multinational companies like L’Oréal, Diageo, and Mahou-San Miguel. Driven by personal experience, Mónica pivoted to the non-profit sector, using her corporate expertise to drive social change. Today, her mission is to transform how society perceives disability—replacing prejudice with empathy and celebrating every person's unique strengths.
Session Description:
Marketing for Good: Turning Business Skills into Social Impact
In this session, Mónica Mir will connect the dots between business, purpose, and leadership. She’ll share how her background in marketing and innovation at multinational companies (Diageo, L’Oréal, Mahou-San Miguel) taught her skills that transfer to any career—understanding people, communicating ideas, leading teams, and turning insight into action. She’ll then use Best Buddies’ One-to-One Friendship Program as a real-life case study of those same skills in action: how designing and supporting meaningful peer friendships builds empathy, leadership, confidence, and belonging in a school community. Students will leave with practical takeaways on career exploration, transferable skills, and how business and marketing can be a force for positive impact.
Francisco Javier SAN JUAN MARTIN
Francisco Javier SAN JUAN MARTIN
#Ex LATAM President/L'Oréal Group #Board Director
Bachelor of Law, Bachelor in Economics, Diplome HEC Paris
About:
Francisco Javier San Juan Martín is a seasoned executive and board member with over 35 years of corporate experience, including 25 years as a CEO in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. He currently serves on the boards of various organizations across Europe and the Americas, advising on digital innovation, transformation strategies, and organizational effectiveness.
With a career spanning 12 countries, Francisco is deeply committed to diversity, people development, and building agile, high-performing organizations. Passionate about startups, digital transformation, and AI, he continues to drive innovation and strategic growth in evolving industries.
Session Description:
Building a Global Career: Working and Living Abroad
Join Francisco Javier San Juan Martín as he shares insights from his international career spanning 12 countries and 35 years in corporate leadership. He will discuss the opportunities and challenges of working abroad, how to adapt to diverse cultures, and the skills needed to succeed in a global business environment. This session is ideal for students interested in international careers, leadership, and navigating the global job market.
Francisco Garcia Blanch
Francisco Garcia Blanch
About:
Francisco Blanch is the Head of Global Commodities, Equity Derivatives, and Cross-Asset Quantitative Investment Strategies at Bank of America Global Research. Overseeing a global team of analysts, he has been ranked the #1 Commodity Analyst worldwide seven times by II/Extel. Before joining Merrill Lynch in 2005, Francisco worked at Goldman Sachs as an energy economist. Throughout his career, he has developed groundbreaking investment strategies tied to over $90 billion in assets. A frequent expert voice on CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and the Wall Street Journal, Francisco holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Complutense University of Madrid and an MPA from Harvard University.
Session Description:
Building a Career in the Investment World
Think you need a perfect, straight-line resume to succeed in finance? Think again. In this session, Francisco will explore how seemingly unrelated life experiences can actually make you a more well-rounded and successful professional. Beyond the technical skills, this session highlights the "human element" of building a career in the highly competitive investment world.
Join this session to discuss:
Connecting the Dots: How unexpected experiences and non-traditional paths can build a unique, powerful skill set.
The Power of People: Why building authentic human relationships and finding the right mentors are crucial for long-term career progression.
Acing the Interview: Insider tips on what hiring managers are really looking for during a job interview in the financial industry.
Navigating the Industry: Practical advice on how to grow and sustain a successful career in the investment and finance sector.
Calum James Mitchell
Calum James Mitchell
Senior Associate, Octopus Energy Generation
Renewable energy investments
Bachelor degree. BSC economics with German. Chartered Accountant - ICAEW
About:
Calum is a Senior Associate at Octopus Energy Generation, specializing in renewable energy investments. An ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) with a BSc in Economics with German, he brings over 11 years of financial experience—spanning five years in professional services and six years in private equity. Calum excels at identifying key value drivers to inform operational planning and growth strategies. He has a proven track record of working with a diverse range of companies, from agile scale-ups to established market leaders, translating complex financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights.
Session Description:
A Global Journey in Finance & Private Equity What does it really take to build an international career in finance? Join Calum as he shares his honest, non-linear career story from university to today.
The Journey: Navigating the ups and downs of building a career across the globe.
Global Insights: Lessons learned from working in Shanghai real estate, London accountancy, and private equity throughout Europe and the Middle East.
The Future of Finance: An accessible, high-level look at how the industry is evolving and where it is heading next.
Stephen Liston
Stephen Liston
#Retired US Diplomat #Government Relations executive # Retired international relations; volunteer work
UC Berkeley BA, Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University, MA
About:
Stephen Liston is a former U.S. Foreign Service officer with 25 years of diplomatic experience, serving in Mexico, Sudan, Peru, Brazil, Spain, and Chile, as well as at the U.S. Department of State. Throughout his career, he specialized in international relations, diplomacy, and global policy engagement.
Following his government service, Stephen transitioned to the private sector, where he spent 10 years as an international government relations executive, focusing on Latin America. Since 2020 he has managed Liston Alto Associates, a U.S.-based consulting firm specializing in international government relations, stakeholder engagement, and foreign affairs training. His expertise bridges the worlds of diplomacy, global affairs, and international business strategy.
Session Description:
Careers in Foreign Affairs & Defining Your Own Success
Ever wondered what it’s like to work in a U.S. embassy or the State Department? Stephen will discuss the paths into foreign affairs, the role of government relations in the private sector , and how to prepare for an international career. This session is ideal for students interested in global diplomacy, politics, and international business.
What does success mean to you? In this engaging exercise, students will explore personal definitions of success using insights from What Game Are You Playing? by Robin Moriarty. Through this discussion, Stephen will help students reflect on their own goals, values, and career aspirations as they begin shaping their future paths.
Luis Felipe Díaz Galeano
Luis Felipe Díaz Galeano
CEO / Atmósfera Literaria, SL
Publishing
Business Administration/ Financial Management
ASM Class 69 graduate.
About:
Luis Felipe Díaz Galeano is the CEO of the publishing house Atmósfera Literaria, SL. Born in Havana, Cuba, his family relocated to the U.S. and later settled in Spain. This international upbringing gave him a multicultural perspective that deeply influences his work. With a strong background in Business Administration and Financial Management, Luis Felipe built a successful career as a Financial Controller and Advisor specializing in the publishing sector. Beyond his sharp financial acumen, he is a passionate creator of novels, short stories, and poetry. Today, he uniquely bridges the gap between the financial realities of publishing and the creative soul of a writer.
Session Description:
The Business of Books: Profits, AI, and Writing from the Heart
What does it really take to survive in the modern publishing industry? Luis Felipe brings a rare dual perspective to this question: the sharp, analytical mind of a Financial Controller and the creative soul of a Cuban-born writer. In this session, he will pull back the curtain on the literary world to show you what happens after a manuscript is finished.
Join Luis Felipe to discuss:
The Path to Profits: The financial realities of running a publishing house and what actually makes a book successful in a competitive market.
Writing from the Heart vs. AI: As Artificial Intelligence attempts to write stories, discover why authentic, human experiences (like culture, exile, and raw emotion) are more important to literature than ever before.
How to Create Readers: The crucial, personal relationship between authors and editors, and the strategies they use to not just sell books, but build loyal audiences.
Gonzalo Salvador
Gonzalo Salvador
Flight Instructor
Aviation
BSC Computer Science, Master Degree Telecommunications
About:
Gonzalo Salvador is an Independent Flight Instructor who brings a uniquely technical background to the world of aviation. Before taking to the skies, he built a strong foundation in technology, earning a BSc in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications. As a highly experienced flight instructor and telecommunications engineer, Gonzalo combines his deep understanding of complex technical systems with a passion for teaching the next generation of pilots how to safely navigate the skies.
Session Description:
Aviation Career Orientation: Your Roadmap to the Skies
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a pilot? In this session, highly experienced flight instructor Gonzalo Salvador will guide you through the exact steps needed to turn that dream into a reality. You will learn the crucial differences between European (EASA) and American (FAA) flight certifications, and how to choose the right path based on where you want to live and work in the world and in addition the costs involved. Gonzalo will also break down the training roadmap, explaining how you can start preparing right now—even before you turn 16—using flight simulators, ground school, and online training to get a massive head start on your Private Pilot license.
Jacki Brick
Jacki Brick
Teacher
Education
About:
Jacki Brick has dedicated her 40-year career to fostering the next generation of leaders through education. She has taught both regular and special education, in various settings, ranging from a university, to a large public elementary school in Atlanta, GA to her current position at the American School of Madrid. Jacki is a passionate educator and life-long learner who empowers all students, especially students with neurodiversity, to reach their full potential. She believes teaching is the foundational profession, essential for driving all future progress. She currently serves as a Learning Support teacher and a 9th-grade Math Co-teacher.
Session Description:
Join Ms Brick as she discusses what profession makes all others possible? Teaching! What Would They Do Without Us?
Ready for a career that genuinely matters? This presentation reveals the dynamic world of teaching. Discover how to become a leader who shapes minds, inspires potential, and builds the future. We'll explore:
A Dynamic Career: The exhilarating daily life of a teacher: innovative curriculum, classroom leadership, and mentorship.
Your Path: Guidance on study and work settings—public, private, specialized—and qualification for roles across subject areas.
The Ultimate Payoff: Understanding the profound rewards of student success and the challenging, significant nature of the job.
Skills for Success: Essential traits for a transformational educator: creativity, resilience, powerful communication, and adaptability.
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