Center for Latin American Issues (CLAI)

We have dedicated more than thirty years to promoting growth and development in Latin America by providing executive education programs in the public and private sectors. These programs cover economics, anti-corruption, regulatory policy, entrepreneurship, health, and tourism.

In memory of James Ferrer

James Ferrer founded and directed the Institute of Brazilian Issues (IBI) in 1992 and later founded and directed the Center for Latin American Issues (CLAI). For a six-year period he was also Director of the Latin American and Hemispheric Studies program (LAHSP) at GW's Elliott School of International Affairs.

James Ferrer was born in a steel town in Pennsylvania. A natural student, an opportunity arose for him to attend St. Fidelis seminary. The focus and discipline experienced at St. Fidelis laid the foundation for his future successes. During the summer after his graduation while working at a steel mill, a near death experience cleaning a blast furnace and a disappointing paycheck convinced him that college was for him.

With the support of his parents, Mary (Kubic) Ferrer and James Ferrer Sr., high school teachers helped him successfully apply to Alliance College where he received a B.A. in History. James continued his education at the University of California at Berkley, receiving an M.A. in Latin American Studies and PH.D in Latin American History. He capped his education with an M.P.A in Economics from Harvard University.

By that time James had already begun his first career as a U.S. diplomat. He served in Argentina, Chile, Portugal, the United Nations and Brazil (twice). Arriving in Portugal in the midst of a revolution, James, as the Director of Economic Affairs at the US Embassy, worked with the embassy team to overcome a communist threat and then financially secure the first democratically elected government of Portugal. As he said, he went with hat in hand asking for money from European and others countries until there was a billion dollar fund to assist Portugal.

James Ferrer also served as Director of the Office of Aviation Affairs at the Department of State, conducting or overseeing negotiations with more than 50 countries, traveling extensively to expand US airline operating rights. He then served as Alternate US Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Council where he met daily with representatives of other countries, debating the world's principal economic issues.

For gaining a commitment of economic reform from the nations of Africa which would have a profound national and international ramification for the remainder of the century, he was awarded the State Department's Distinguished Honor Award for recognition of exceptionally outstanding service or achievements of marked national or international significance. He was one of three non-Ambassadorial rank Foreign Service Officers to have ever received this award.

James Ferrer's last overseas assignment was as Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d'affaires (Acting Ambassador) to Brazil.

Retiring from diplomatic service after returning from Brazil, James began his second and third career as an airline executive and professor/director at the George Washington University. As Director of US, Canada and Asia at VASP Brazilian Airlines, he established the airline's offices in various US cities and Korea.

James enjoyed singing, music, dancing, old movies, tennis, skiing (when not falling!), visiting family in Spain and Poland, and friends in Portugal and Brazil. He enjoyed choral directing. While in Portugal he founded a choral charity that raised funds for orphanages.

Programs

The Minerva Program

Founded in 1994, the Minerva Program is CLAI’s flagship executive education initiative for senior executives from both the public and private sectors. Over a 16-week residential course in Washington, D.C., participants learn about economics, finance, economic policymaking, regulation, and public ethics. The program offers a unique opportunity for Latin American executives to enhance their administrative skills and acquire interdisciplinary expertise necessary to foster public-private alliances, partnerships, and collaborations.

After completing the program, participants return to their agencies more knowledgeable and better prepared to perform their duties, having mastered the tools needed to drive economic progress in the 21st century. Nearly all “Minervistas" quickly advance in their careers, with some reaching the highest levels in their respective agencies.

The program can be tailored to a specific policy domain and delivered in an intensive three-week version for students who cannot spend a whole academic term living in Washington, D.C.

More information about The Minerva Program

The Minerva Program is a 90-day executive-education program in market economics. Created in 1994, the program is designed for public- and private-sector executives from Latin America.

A Focused Curriculum

The Minerva Program offers participants a unique curriculum that combines the best of economic theory and practice with special emphasis on the economic challenges facing Latin America.

Designed to fit the learning styles of adult professionals, the Program provides four different types of learning experience to the students, presenting the material in a variety of formats and contexts.

First, the substantive core of the curriculum is presented in five modules:

Principles of Microeconomics (8 sessions)
Principles of Macroeconomics (8 sessions)
International Trade Theory (6 sessions)
Public Finance (4 sessions)
The Austrian School of Economics (4 sessions)

These three-hour sessions are presented in a traditional small-group lecture format by a prominent GWU professor in the discipline; later, the students meet in discussion groups to review the concepts presented and offer specific examples from their own experiences.

Second, a series of seminars and presentations focuses on current topics in economic theory and its application, with special attention paid to the current economic challenges facing Latin America.

Recent seminar topics have included:

The Costs of Corruption
Public-Private Partnership in the Provision of Infrastructure
Intellectual Property Rights
Measuring Government Performance
Public Sector Dealings with the Media.

Third, participants take advantage of the many opportunities for site visits during their stay in the U.S. Several institutions and organizations have welcomed the Minerva participants as observers and have offered presentations by their managers and experts. Recent site visits have included:

The World Bank
The U.S. Federal Reserve Bank
The International Monetary Fund
Inter-American Development Bank

Finally, each Minerva participant writes a substantial research paper that applies his or her theoretical studies to current Latin American policy issues. This exercise offers the students an opportunity to integrate the knowledge acquired in the Program with their professional experiences and expertise.Since their papers are placed on the web site of the Center for Latin American Issues, their research provides a wealth of information to the public.

Participant Selection Process

Participants in the Minerva Program are chosen through a rigorous screening process. The program draws participants from all levels of government and industry. Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, at least five years of professional experience, command of oral and written English, and potential for superior performance in their chosen career paths. The typical candidate is between 30 and 40 years of age.

Interested candidates should contact Kevin Kellbach (ibigwu [dot] edu (ibi[at]gwu[dot]edu); (202) 994-5205), to initiate the application process. Candidates are urged to contact the human resource department of their employers, as some organizations have special arrangements for nominating candidates for the Minerva Program.

Applicants are then carefully screened in an interview with Mr. Kellbach to determine their suitability for the demands of the program. Candidates for the Fall Semester (late August – early December) should apply by March 31; candidates for the Spring Semester (mid-January – late April) should apply by August 31.

The success of the Minerva Program has been evident in the career advancement of the participants. Competitive standards in the admissions process have led to highly qualified program participants, who then return to their home countries with an improved understanding of the roles of both the public- and private-sectors, and with an awareness of the policy measures necessary to promote economic development.

Corporate, Individual, Nonprofit, and Government Sponsors

Since its inception, the Minerva Program has relied on the generous support of numerous corporate, individual, nonprofit, and government sponsors. Support has come from the private sector, public-private partnerships, the public sector, foundations and individuals, reflecting the philosophy of the program itself and its focus on public-private cooperation to promote Latin American economic progress.

The corporate sponsors, from both Latin America and the U.S., value the results of this training program and the benefits it provides to the program participants, their home countries, and the global economy. Their support demonstrates that they recognize the importance of an efficient, transparent public sector to the continued growth of the private sector.

The Minerva Program gratefully acknowledges the support of these donors and appreciates the contributions they have made to its continuing success:

Alcoa Foundation
Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL)
Arminio Fraga Neto
AT&T
Banco do Brasil
Banco Liberal
Banco Opportunity
Banco Real
Brahma
Caixa Econômica
Carlos Moacyr Gomes de Almeida (GAFISA)
Coca-Cola Foundation
Companhia Suzano de Papel e Celulose
Confederação Nacional de Indústria
Confederação Nacional de Comércio
Construtora Andrade Gutierrez
Controladoria Geral da União (CGU)
Eletrobrás
Fundação Getúlio Vargas
Fundação Moreira Salles
Fundación BBVA Bancomer
General Electric
Grupo Gerdau
Instituto Filantrópico e Cultural Safra
Instituto Social Itaú
Kellogg Foundation
Ministério da Fazenda
Ministério do Planejamento, Orçamento e Gestão
Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado da Bahia
Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado de São Paulo
Telemar
Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU)
Universal Empreendimentos
Veracel
White Martins S.A.

Facts & Figures

Year Founded: 1994
Program Location: The George Washington University, Washington, DC
Program Format: Academic lectures and courses, panel and roundtable
discussions, site visits
Program Delivery Language: English
Program Frequency: Twice a year, Spring and Fall Terms
Program Length: 90 days
Program Graduates: 524

Advanced Program on Economics, Politics and Policy in Latin America

A one-week course for emerging public leaders and graduate students interested in gaining expertise, developing leadership skills, and strengthening their professional networks in the US, Latin America, and Europe.

The APEPP Program combines lectures, simulations, and technical visits tailored to the specific interests of CLAI partners – such as macroeconomics, policy design, regulation, behavioral policy, or sustainability. Topics covered in this program include: "Latin American Economies: Challenges and Opportunities," "The Political Economy of Policymaking in Latin America," and "Business Development and International Finance in the Americas," among others.

Participants will be invited to engage in simulations, role-plays, group exercises, and other team-based activities centered on real and fictional cases. These activities will enable participants to apply their learning in practical situations involving strategic negotiation, scenario planning, communication, influence and persuasion, innovation, and crisis or change management.

Participants also visit strategic business consulting firms for Latin America (e.g., LLYC, McKinsey and Co., BCG), public affairs offices of transnational companies (e.g., Microsoft, Meta), business associations, unions, lobby groups (to be defined based on the class profile), political leaders in the Capitol (to be determined based on the class profile), and mainly, multilateral organizations based in Washington, D.C., such as the World Bank Group, and the Inter-American Development Bank.

After completing this program, participants return to their home countries with a deep understanding of the region's economics, politics, and policy dilemmas, enabling them to apply many of these ideas locally.

The APEPP Program can be implemented in Washington, D.C., and delivered in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. It can also be delivered locally in Madrid, Spain, and throughout all Western Hemisphere countries – in collaboration with local academic partners.

For detailed information: Dr. Silverio Zebral Filho (APEP Academic Director): szebralgwu [dot] edu

Advanced Program on Corporate Diplomacy

A one-week program designed for senior and emerging corporate leaders and practitioners interested in gaining expertise, developing relational leadership skills, and expanding their professional networks in the US within the fields of corporate affairs, business-government relations, ESG, and public affairs.

The ACDP combines lectures, simulations, and technical visits tailored to the specific interests of CLAI partners. Topics covered in this program include: "The Future of Stakeholder Capitalism," “The Future of Government," “The New Corporate Activism," “Policy Complexity and Wicked Problems," “Issues Management," "Effective Narratives: Influence and Persuasion," “Strategic Communications," “Strategic Negotiations," “Open Innovation”, “Scenario Building and Anticipatory Governance”, ESG Strategies and Implementation”, and “Crisis Management". Participants also visit U.S. government agencies (i.e., Environmental Protection Agency, the Farm Bureau), business associations, unions, lobby groups (to be defined based on the class profile), political leaders in the Capitol (to be determined based on the class profile), and mainly, multilateral organizations based in Washington, D.C., such as the World Bank Group, and the Inter-American Development Bank.

After completing this program, participants return to their home countries with a comprehensive understanding of corporate diplomacy strategies, techniques, and skills—and are better equipped to apply many of these ideas locally.

The ACDP can be implemented in Washington, D.C., and delivered in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. It can also be delivered locally in Madrid, Spain, and throughout all Western Hemisphere countries – in collaboration with local academic partners.

For detailed information: Dr. Silverio Zebral Filho (CDP Academic Director): szebralgwu [dot] edu

Integrity, Compliance, and Anti-Corruption Program

A one-week course to build government personnel's knowledge of how to combat corruption. Topics covered in this program include: "The American System of Criminal Justice," "The Social Costs of Corruption," and "Implementing the Inter-American Convention on Corruption." Participants also visit U.S. government agencies and non-governmental organizations dedicated to combating corruption, such as the Department of Justice, the Office of Government Ethics, the Government Accountability Office, and TRACE International, Inc.

After completing this program, participants return to their home countries having strengthened their knowledge by studying anti-corruption methodologies and policies used by government agencies and NGOs in the U.S. They can apply many of these ideas in their own countries.

For detailed information: Kevin Kellbach (CLAI Director)): claigwu [dot] edu

Regulation, Competition, and Anti-Trust Program

This one-week intensive course enhances the understanding of government officials regarding regulatory requirements and procedures. The course teaches officials about the fundamental principles and practices of regulation, competition, and antitrust policies. Participants attend lectures and presentations by experts on regulatory topics. Topics include “Combating Corruption in the Regulatory Process” and “U.S. Antitrust Policies.” Participants also visit government regulatory agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as private organizations that handle regulatory issues.

After attending this program, participants return to their countries having received practical advice and an international perspective on different regulatory philosophies and policies that they can apply in their own countries.

For detailed information: Kevin Kellbach (CLAI Director)): claigwu [dot] edu

“In Company” Courses

The CLAI Team can design a Washington-DC-based residential executive education program tailored to your needs in several business and policy domains. Please email us at claigwu [dot] edu for consultation.

MBA Capstone Courses

MBA capstone courses for Latin American business schools.

For detailed information: Kevin Kellbach (CLAI Director)): claigwu [dot] edu

CLAI Working Paper Series

We welcome submissions to the series. Contact Kevin Kellbach (CLAI Director): claigwu [dot] edu