Miguel Fuentes

Brainstormer, Business leader, Connector, Idea generator, Inventor, Producer, Technologist

Miguel Fuentes Durán is a Senior Management Executive with over 17 years of experience in the non-profit sector, focusing on technology, environment, and education projects. As a specialist in User Experience (UX), he has a keen eye for creating engaging and intuitive digital interfaces, enhancing user satisfaction and accessibility. In his role as the Costa Rica Program Director for Ecology Project International (EPI), Miguel has significantly increased participant numbers and developed a new curriculum recognized by the Ministry of Education. His leadership has resulted in outstanding financial results, including a 100% increase in local fundraising. In addition to his professional achievements, Miguel is a two-time TEDx speaker and has been a co-curator and producer of TEDx events for four years, contributing to the spread of impactful ideas and community engagement. He holds a Master of Science in International Cooperation Projects Management from the National University of Costa Rica and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the International University of the Americas. Fluent in Spanish and English, with beginner-level French, Miguel is committed to leveraging technology, creativity, and user-centered design principles to improve organizational efficiency and drive social change.

My passion lies in the realm of TEDx and the mission of disseminating ideas. I have a profound love for event production and am particularly fascinated by applying technology and technological solutions to everyday challenges. My work is driven by a desire to innovate and make a tangible impact on society.

An idea worth spreading is teaching prompting to 1st graders. In an era dominated by artificial intelligence and digital communication, the ability to effectively interact with technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity. By introducing the concept of prompting to young learners, we equip them with a fundamental skill that will serve as a cornerstone for their future interactions with AI and digital platforms. This early exposure fosters not only technological fluency but also critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills. As we prepare our children for a future where technology is intertwined with every aspect of life, teaching prompting to 1st graders is a forward-thinking approach that ensures they are not just consumers of technology but also competent navigators and innovators in the digital landscape.

Data visualization, Event Production, Financial planning, Project Management, Technology

A defining moment in my life was when my first child was born two weeks before my inaugural TEDx talk. The closing slide of my presentation was a picture of him, symbolizing the future I envisioned through the lens of technology in education. Fast forward to 2020, amidst the pandemic, I took on the role of content curator for TEDxPuraVida. Despite the cancellation of all physical events, we swiftly adapted and hosted our first virtual event in April that year. This experience not only showcased our resilience but also marked the beginning of my journey as a producer for both virtual and live events.

Dancing