From a young age, I’ve been passionate about travel & tourism in the Caribbean and Latin America, especially exploring the beautiful natural resources the region has to offer, such as rivers, waterfalls, beaches, mountains... I have an academic background in international development & cooperation, as well as 4+ years of experience working in a leading role of a Dominican DMC. I have been involved in several international projects related to tourism, climate change and poverty reduction throughout my career, and I hope to continue to be involved in creating a climate friendly tourism product in the Dominican Republic. I am also a proud recipient of a PG Diploma in Climate Friendly Travel scholarship through SUNx Malta and its collaboration with ITS Malta. As the Chapter Leader for my country, I hope to create an active community of climate champions so that we can foster and nurture partnership building and networking locally and across the region.

Blanca Maríñez is a leading professional from the Dominican Republic specializing in sustainability, environmental management, and organizational development. She currently serves as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) at Centro Electric and is a consulting partner at Barrancolí Consulting, leading strategic initiatives in electric mobility and the transition to low- carbon operations. With a solid background in consulting, she advises corporations on the design of environmental impact mitigation plans, regulatory compliance, and the alignment of internal culture with the Sustainable Development Goals. Committed to balancing profitability and responsibility, Blanca drives transformative business models that promote a sustainable future in the region.

Jenny Checo is a tourism industry leader and strategist with over 14 years of experience designing and leading high-impact travel experiences. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Destination Management and Innovation, a robust academic foundation complemented by multiple specializations in regenerative and sustainable tourism. Her commitment to social and environmental impact has led her to become an active member of the Un Litro de Luz Dominican Republic foundation, where she drives sustainable development projects within rural communities. As the co-founder of Chocolate Mountain, she has spent the last 5 years consolidating a pioneering model of regenerative and sustainable tourism that honors the artisanal cacao-making process. Her dedication ensures a future-focused vision where commercial tourism success coexists in perfect harmony with environmental preservation and social inclusion.