Francisco Martinez is senior associate at AS/COA Miami. His work helps facilitate dialogue between the private sector in Miami and the public sector in Latin America, with the ultimate goal of promoting economic prosperity and social development in the region. He also leads the Young Professionals of the Americas (YPA)—the young leaders initiative of COA in Miami.  Francisco’s work in the YPA initiative focuses on uniting future leaders who share a passion for business, policy, and culture in Latin America, by providing a unique opportunity for Miami’s rising stars to develop professional and social networks and to share ideas, advice, and experiences, under COA’s umbrella. Previously, Martinez worked for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the world’s largest trade association, as well as Purple Strategies, an award-winning reputation management and strategic communications firm. He is on the the board of Santa Marta Progresa, a nonprofit he co-founded in 2012, whose mission is to educate young people on civic tools to counter political corruption, and foster their involvement in local political activity. Martinez is also President of PorColombia Miami, a professional network of exemplary young Colombians seeking to connect and empower Colombian communities both at home and abroad. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science. He also studied at Miami Dade College and the National University of Singapore.