The CALI team is proud to announce the graduation of the self-proclaimed ‘CALIente’ class this past Thursday, October 27th in Panama. Prior to graduation, the CALI V group attended The Promise of Leadership seminar moderated by Stace Lindsay, Harry Strachan and Sylvia Gereda. The seminar took place in Playa Bonita, a short car ride away from Panama City.

During the seminar, Fellows discussed the challenges faced by the region and the need for immediate change. All readings, for example, “Aristotle’s Theory on Happiness” provoked profound and meaningful discussions amongst the group. Fellows also supported and provided feedback during each other’s project presentations.

Panamanian Fellows, Gabriela Saiz and Andy Ferrer proved to be great hosts throughout CALI’s stay in Panama. Andy invited all of CALI V and staff to a private presentation of his personal project, the Biomuseo. The much anticipated inauguration of the Frank Gehry designed museum is set to for 2012. Gabriela Saiz also kindly provided Fellows with a private tour of the Panama Canal expansion site—hard hats and all!

The CALI V graduation was held in Casco Viejo’s Interoceanic Canal Museum, followed by a lovely dinner. In attendance were also several founding partners and previous CALI Fellows. The CALIentes organized a moving and inspirational ceremony for the spectators. Amongst the highlights, were a great slideshow created by Fellow Adrian Chinchilla and keynote speaker, Jordan Kassalow’s motivating speech. Kassalow, CEO and founder of VisionSpring, stressed on the importance of turning ideas into actual initiatives. He is a 2008 McNulty Prize Winner and AGLN Fellow. His project, VisionSpring, has made a marked impact in several nations, including El Salvador, India and South Africa.

CALI V proved to be a diverse and promising bunch!The group, composed of politicians, psychologists, lawyers, teachers and other professions, proved to be a strong and valuable addition to CALI and the AGLN. We are very proud of the graduating class and want to congratulate them on their impressive efforts. We look forward to their projects and future accomplishments!