About Us

About ICON Institute

Founded in 2021, the Puerto Rico ICON Institute is a non-profit organization created to promote entrepreneurship and facilitate the island’s economic development. Our team believes in the power of people and their ideas. By connecting individuals and organizations to the adequate resources, we can create a stronger Puerto Rico full of business and investment opportunities.

mission

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

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.
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.
Puerto Rico ICON Institute was created - 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.
ICON Conference ‘22 + 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.
ICON Conference ‘23
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.
ICON Summit ‘24
Gearing up for ICON 2024, our think tank platform has transformed from a traditional conference into a powerful summit. This exciting new format invites all guests, including panelists and participants, to deeply engage in transformative discussions that are making waves in the realms of business, innovation, and leadership. Join us in shaping the future and driving impactful change.

MEET THE FACES BEHIND ICON

Valeria Santana Rivera

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Team

Valeria Santana Rivera

Community Outreach Coordinator

Alondra Prieto Martinez

Communications Director

Richard Santana

Co-founder – Puerto Rico ICON Institute

The Colectivo Group

Karla Barrera

Co-founder – Puerto Rico ICON Institute

Goodwinds & Island&Key

Happy Walters

Co-founder – Puerto Rico ICON Institute

Catalyst Sports & Media

Board

Rodolfo Sánchez Colberg

Managing Partner

Parliament Capital Management

Richard Santana

Co-founder – Puerto Rico ICON Institute

The Colectivo Group

Linda Vester

Award-winning Filmmaker & Journalist

Karla Barrera

Co-founder – Puerto Rico ICON Institute

Goodwinds & Island&Key

Carlos Garcia

Founder & Managing Partner

Trip Ventures

Happy Walters

Co-founder – Puerto Rico ICON Institute

Catalyst Sports & Media

Ambassador

William Rossellini

President

CytoImmune Therapeutics

Iván Zavala

Founder & CEO

In Realta Grupo Inmobiliario

Gustavo Díaz Skoff

President

BĀSED, LLC

Franco Mondo

Executive VP

BMA Group Global

Brian Bourgerie

Co-Founder

Uncommon EntrePReneurs

Alberto Bacó

Partnership for Modern Puerto Rico

past ICON speakers

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previous supporters

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Stay in the loop with ICON

Puerto Rico ICON Institute
425 Carr 693 Pmb 408
Dorado, PR 00646