PUERTO RICO ICON INSTITUTE

Our Mission

Learn about ICON Institute

At the Puerto Rico ICON Institute, our mission is to be a visionary hub for business excellence, innovation, and thought leadership. Our think tank platform promotes global business dialogue while showcasing Puerto Rico’s unique opportunities and intellectual capital. By sparking insightful conversation and fostering connections among industry leaders and pioneers, we aim to ignite creative ideas,  drive disruptive innovations, and lead transformative changes that empower sustainable growth in Puerto Rico and beyond.

OUR HISTORY

Audience members sit attentively, facing a speaker who is presenting at a conference, with a presentation displayed on a screen in the background.
OZ19: Opportunity Zones Investors Conference 2019
In 2019, the Opportunity Zone Investors Conference marked a significant milestone in showcasing Puerto Rico's investment potential and served as a foundation for future efforts. The event united the financial community to explore how Opportunity Zone funds could help catalyze the island's economic recovery. Attendees connected with local partners and gained insights from expert speakers on leveraging these unique opportunities and advantages for potential investors.
Audience members sit attentively, facing a speaker who is presenting at a conference, with a presentation displayed on a screen in the background.
Audience members sit attentively, facing a speaker who is presenting at a conference, with a presentation displayed on a screen in the background.
Puerto Rico ICON Investors Conference 2020
The first ICON event, originally named the Puerto Rico Investors Conference, celebrated Puerto Rico's resilience in the wake of challenges like Hurricane Maria and recent earthquakes. The event aimed to promote the island’s tax incentives and unique business opportunities while fostering a sustainable financial ecosystem. It positioned Puerto Rico as a destination for global business conferences, laying the groundwork for our evolution in the years to come.
Audience members sit attentively, facing a speaker who is presenting at a conference, with a presentation displayed on a screen in the background.
"The president of the Icon Institute smiles warmly at the camera, exuding confidence and friendliness.
Founding of the Puerto Rico ICON Institute 2021
Formally established in 2021, the Puerto Rico ICON Institute has evolved from an annual event into a dynamic nonprofit entity, actively shaping the island’s future through impactful initiatives. With Karla Barrera and Happy Walters on board, we’ve built a committed team dedicated to seeing Puerto Rico thrive. Our partnerships with esteemed organizations and visionary leaders have united a community focused on uplifting the island and contributing to its progress.
"The president of the Icon Institute smiles warmly at the camera, exuding confidence and friendliness.
Audience members sit attentively, facing a speaker who is presenting at a conference, with a presentation displayed on a screen in the background.
ICON Conference 2022 + Mentorship Day
Celebrating our first event as an official organization, ICON 2022 highlighted key business topics in Puerto Rico. This milestone year also introduced Mentorship Day, a free event dedicated to empowering rising professionals, startup entrepreneurs, and university students. By offering invaluable opportunities to grow their businesses, forge meaningful connections, and raise capital, we aim to inspire and uplift the next generation of Puerto Rican leaders.
Audience members sit attentively, facing a speaker who is presenting at a conference, with a presentation displayed on a screen in the background.
speakers who are presenting at a conference, with a presentation displayed on a screen in the background.
ICON Conference 2023
Expanding our horizons to a global stage, our conference evolved to captivate an international audience. We delved into a wide array of topics beyond finance, featuring a diverse lineup of panelists. This powerful shift not only spotlighted business in Puerto Rico but also resonated with global trends, offering profound insights and inspiring connections across the world.
speakers who are presenting at a conference, with a presentation displayed on a screen in the background.
The job group of the Icon Institute smiles warmly at the camera, exuding confidence and friendliness.
ICON Today
Today, our think tank platform has evolved from a traditional conference into a powerful summit that fosters deep engagement among all attendees, including panelists and participants. This dynamic format encourages transformative discussions that are making waves in business, innovation, and leadership. Our dedicated team has grown to include a Board of Members and a strong roster of ICON Ambassadors, all united in amplifying our mission and driving meaningful socioeconomic change in Puerto Rico. Join us as we shape the future and create lasting impact.
The job group of the Icon Institute smiles warmly at the camera, exuding confidence and friendliness.