• For 15 years, AmCham Panamá, in partnership with the San Miguelito Regional Education Office and more than 114 of its member companies, has worked steadily and on a voluntary basis to strengthen the leadership skills of 80 principals and assistant principals from more than 51 schools.
• The results of this program are reflected in better administrative management, innovative educational projects and a school community more committed to excellence and inclusion.
• The fifth “Rotating Cup for Leadership in Education” was presented to Professor Dexter Aranda, Principal of Centro Educativo Jerónimo de la Ossa, for being the principal who replicated the greatest number of the training sessions received.

Panama, November 20, 2025. AmCham Panamá today held the closing ceremony of the School Leadership Program of San Miguelito 2025, at an event attended by the Regional Director of the Ministry of Education of San Miguelito, Aymeth Espinosa; the Mayor of San Miguelito, Irma Hernández; the President of AmCham Panamá, Niurka Montero; authorities, principals, teachers, representatives of the private sector and member companies, media and special guests.

This year the ceremony marks a very important milestone: 15 years of educational impact and sustained work to strengthen leadership and management capabilities in the District’s public schools. Since it was created in 2010, the School Leadership Program has been a model of public-private collaboration between AmCham Panamá, the Ministry of Education and the Chamber’s member companies, which provide pro bono training and mentoring to school administrators.

The President of AmCham Panamá, Niurka Montero, said: “Programs like this one not only provide knowledge, they also create a network of multiplying leaders who spread enthusiasm and commitment to quality education. This has been possible thanks to the support of 19 AmCham member companies, which once again demonstrated their commitment to education. Thank you for opening your doors, sharing your experience and supporting school administrators in the development of their projects. You are an example of how the private sector can contribute actively to the country’s progress.

Over these 15 years, the program has benefited more than 51 schools, 80 principals and assistant principals, and has had an impact on more than 43,200 students in the district of San Miguelito. In the 2025 edition alone, 18 school administrators and 18 schools took part, with more than 56 lead teachers and supervisors trained, 15 hours of training, 81 hours of personalized mentoring and 19 member companies that took part in building the leadership skills of school administrators and in carrying out school projects that help improve education in Panama. These figures reflect the power of collaboration between the private and education sectors, and show the transformative value that strengthened school leadership can have. Through in-person and virtual training and a mentoring program for the development of school projects, results have been achieved that are

reflected in better administrative management, innovative educational projects and a school community more committed to excellence and inclusion.

A very special component that has been a milestone of the program since 2021 is the Rotating Cup for Leadership in Education. This recognition is a symbol of the commitment of the school administrator who multiplies the impact of the training received within his or her school community. This year the Cup was awarded for the fifth time, honoring Professor Dexter Aranda, Principal of Centro Educativo Jerónimo de la Ossa, for taking on this challenge with passion and dedication, showing leadership that inspires the entire education community. During the ceremony, the Executive Director of AmCham Panamá, Susana Uranga, presented a recognition to the Regional Office of the Ministry of Education of San Miguelito for its invaluable and constant support of the program and for its institutional leadership on behalf of Panamanian public education.

The Mayor of San Miguelito, Irma Hernández, said: “San Miguelito is a vibrant district, full of talent and commitment. This program shows that when we train education leaders with purpose, the entire ecosystem improves: students, families and the community. We thank AmCham and MEDUCA for keeping alive this effort of educational transformation that today reaches its 15th year.”

The member companies that supported the program this year 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; ITS by TAC; Alfaro, Ferrer y Ramírez. The contribution of the San Miguelito Regional Office and the coordination provided by Glasswing also position them as invaluable allies in carrying out this initiative.

AmCham Panamá extends special thanks to its member companies, which provide entirely voluntary training and mentoring, sharing their knowledge and experience with the administrators of the participating schools. This business-education link helps narrow the gap between school management and good organizational leadership practices. Likewise, the Ministry of Education, through the San Miguelito Regional Office, has been a key ally in implementing the program, giving school administrators access, coordinating with the schools and providing the institutional framework for the project to be consolidated year after year. AmCham Panamá reaffirms its commitment to continue strengthening educational leadership in Panama, promoting alliances between the business sector and the education system in order to build a more competitive, inclusive and sustainable country.