María Inés Feliciano

From left, Miguel Ferrer '59, MBA '61; Ingrid Vila-Biaggi '96; and Jose Suarez, MMH '96.

Puerto Rico can overcome its challenges by forming partnerships between the private sector and the government, Cornell alumni stressed Jan. 30 when more than 120 people, mostly alumni, gathered at the Art Museum of Puerto Rico for the program, “Cornellian Thought-Leaders Shaping the Future of Puerto Rico.”

For example, panelist Miguel Ferrer ’69, MBA ’61, chairman of UBS International in Puerto Rico, reminded attendees that Puerto Rico was once the center of the world in the 1940s. He made a passionate call to action to work toward achieving that status again by solving Puerto Rico’s current problems through innovative alliances.

Ingrid Vila-Biaggi ’96, chief of staff for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, agreed, noting the moral obligation she felt toward Puerto Rico and future generations, which helped her accept her current position. She expressed optimism that working together would offer solutions to current challenges.

When faced with difficult times, companies must adapt and change, added Alberto Ferrer ’69, a managing partner with SCR Architects. His architectural firm, for example, has invested in technology and diversified by working in other countries, he said.

And panelist José M. Suárez, MMH ’96, president of International Hospitality Enterprises Inc., explained that when his company faced a lack of skilled service industry workers, they invested in their most important assets – their employees – by creating an academy to offer training.

The event was sponsored by the Cornell Entrepreneur Network (CEN) in partnership with the Cornell School of Hotel Administration and the Cornell Club of Puerto Rico. Amanda Christofferson, assistant director of CEN, moderated the panel.

Ana Martel ’89 lives and works in Puerto Rico.