About

The Team

Fase1 is led by a women’s group experienced in entrepreneurship and with the ability to contribute positively to those who participate in the program.

Bárbara Rivera Chinea (she)

The executive director of Fase1 worked for more than 15 years at the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce, where she supported small businesses as a Federal Contracting consultant and Acting Manager of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (aka FeCC). Bárbara also worked in the establishment of the Puerto Rico IT Cluster and has led agricultural development projects such as Recuperación Agrícola and Re-Grow Puerto Rico. For her, entrepreneurs are “los bravos de la película” so she is excited about working with them since the beginning of their initiatives. In her free time, Barbara enjoys dining out with friends, cooking, reading, and going to the beach with lots of sunscreen.

A quote she likes:
“Do what you love, and love what you do.”

Evy Collazo Muñoz (she)

Evy has been immersed in the business ecosystem for many years. She has collaborated with programs such as the Sila M. Calderón Foundation, Colmena66, and Grupo Guayacán. As Operations Manager, she hopes to positively impact people who go through Fase 1 by finding the best resources and tools for the program. In her free time, Evy visits museums and craft markets, cooks, watches movies, and hangs out with her friends.

A quote she likes:
“Every interaction matters.”

Amanda Laguerra (she)

Amanda began her journey in the entrepreneurial ecosystem as a market and social media researcher. In this role, she had the opportunity to mentor and provide workshops to teams with innovative projects. As a Fase1 Startup Executive, she hopes to serve as a resource and motivator for all who need her during their entrepreneurial journey. In her free time, this inveterate creative likes to paint her nails depending on her mood, do yoga, and read.

A quote she likes:
“Haz lo que puedas, con lo que tienes, eso será suficiente.”

Laura V. Figueroa Morales (she)

Laura is an advertising professional committed to the development of startups. Her personal and professional journey has empowered her to make a positive impact on community initiatives and both local and international businesses. She is motivated to contribute to the economic and technological development of Puerto Rico. As Fase1 Startup Entrepreneurship Specialist, she aims to be a source of guidance and inspiration for individuals embarking on their entrepreneurial ventures. She describes herself as disciplined, tenacious, and a dreamer. Laura finds joy in music, cinema, Formula 1, traveling, reading, skincare, and self-taught programming.

A quote she likes:
“Believe in yourself and your abilities, and the world will open up to you.” – Katt Williams

Alexis Chamorro Ortiz (he)

Alexis has experience in education and program coordination. He describes himself as a cultural researcher and educator committed to the development and holistic success of emerging entrepreneurs. As a Startup Entrepreneurship Specialist, he hopes to contribute to the success of new ideas and projects, transforming ideas into tangible realities. Alexis is passionate about the history of Puerto Rico and other countries. He enjoys fashion and music, attending drag shows with his friends, and visiting museums.

A quote he likes:
“No hay pasión más fuerte que el deseo de hacer que otros crean en lo que tu crees.” – Virginia Woolf