About

The Team

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

Bárbara Rivera Chinea (she)

Bárbara Rivera Chinea has an extensive track record promoting economic development and entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico. For over 15 years, she worked at Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce, where she supported small businesses as a Federal Contracting Consultant and Interim Manager of the federal Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) program. Additionally, she was part of establishing the Puerto Rico IT Cluster and has led agricultural development initiatives such as Agricultural Recovery and Re-Grow Puerto Rico.

As Director of Fase1 and Colmena66, she works to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting individuals and teams from the earliest stages of their projects through their growth. For Bárbara, entrepreneurs are “the brave ones in the movie,” and this conviction drives her commitment to developing new businesses in Puerto Rico. In her free time, she enjoys dining out with friends, cooking, reading, and going to the beach—always with plenty of sunscreen.

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

Amanda Laguerra (ella)

Amanda Laguerra has been part of Puerto Rico’s business ecosystem for over four years, where she has supported more than 100 startups in early development stages. As General Manager of Fase1, she leads the program’s operations and works closely with entrepreneurs, mentors, and strategic allies to drive innovative initiatives. In addition to coordinating the program’s functioning, she facilitates workshops, mentors teams, and designs learning experiences focused on strengthening projects with high potential.

A proud native of Caguas, she finds her greatest motivation in creating a positive impact in Puerto Rico, beginning with those who decide to pursue their dreams and turn their ideas into reality. She firmly believes in the power of people to transform communities through innovation.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, and exploring Puerto Rico, discovering new corners of the Island.

A quote she loves:
“Do what you can, with what you have, that will be enough.”

Andrea Sofía Alemañy

Andrea Sofía Alemañy has over 15 years of experience in education, where she has worked as an educator, mentor, and creator of learning experiences in Puerto Rico and internationally, including Colombia, Lebanon, and Kuwait. She studied Journalism and Sociology at Syracuse University and holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University at Buffalo, integrating these disciplines into her approach to communication and human development.

As Outreach & Communications Coordinator of Fase1, she leads the program’s communications and outreach initiatives, developing content strategies, campaigns, and events that connect more people with the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Andrea is passionate about integral well-being and was part of the fourth generation of Fase1 Intensive. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, trying new exercise classes, and discovering new restaurants.

Favorite quote:
“Build a life you don’t have to escape from.”

Laura V. Figueroa Morales (she)

Laura V. Figueroa Morales has experience in advertising, marketing, and business development, with a strong commitment to the growth of startups and businesses in Puerto Rico. Throughout her professional journey, she has collaborated with community initiatives, nonprofit organizations, and local and international companies, contributing to the development of projects with economic and social impact.

As Startup Entrepreneurship Specialist at Fase1, she supports entrepreneurs from the earliest stages of their ideas through validation and business development, connecting them with resources, mentorship, and opportunities that drive their growth. Her main motivation is to strengthen the country’s business and technology ecosystem, promoting innovation as a tool for transformation.

Laura describes herself as a disciplined, resilient, and dreaming person. She enjoys music, cinema, Formula 1, traveling, reading, skincare, and continuing to learn about technology and programming.

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

Eliam Berríos

Recently graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Eliam Berríos supports the development of startups in Puerto Rico. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management and a minor concentration in French. His ease in connecting with people and his charisma distinguish the way he accompanies entrepreneurs during their early growth stages.

As Startup Entrepreneurship Specialist at Fase1, he contributes to the development of emerging businesses, providing support and creating spaces where ideas can become real opportunities. He is passionate about strengthening the country’s business ecosystem and contributing, through his work, to the growth of those who decide to pursue entrepreneurship.

In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, writing in his journal, traveling to unknown places, staying current with pop culture, and creating memorable experiences with others.

Favorite quote:
“So much working, reading, thinking, living to do! A lifetime is not long enough.”
— Sylvia Plath