Carmen Irene Alas is executive director of the Central America Leadership Initiative, as well as the founder and executive director of Grupo E&N, which publishes Estrategia & Negocios, the leading business magazine for Central America. The publication is part of a series of printed and electronic products of E&N Editorial Group, all of which have become the fundamental decision-making tools among regional entrepreneurs and investors. In the last year she has organized dialogues and round tables amongst governments and social civil society in the region in an effort to identify challenges and possible solutions for Central American. She has interviewed prominent leaders such as Bjorn Lomborg, Donald Trump, David Rubenstein, Roger Noriega, and ex-president Alvaro Uribe from Colombia. In partnership with other investors, she acquired the Group’s products in February 2006. She graduated in economics and business administration from Universidad Dr. José Matías Delgado in El Salvador with honors. She is part of INCAE'S National Council, and leads VitalVoices as president for El Salvador´s chapter. She was named "Distinguished Professional 2008" by Universidad Dr. José Matías Delgado. Outside of her profession, she shares her free time with her three children, Maria Jose, Juan Diego, and Javier, who live with her in San Salvador. She has a first-degree black belt in Kenpo Karate. She is a Fellow of the second class of CALI, a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.