Together, their dedication, experience, and shared vision make our mission possible.
Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bravo Family Foundation
Founder and Managing Partner of Thoma Bravo
Member of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Member of the Board of Directors and Advisor
Member of the Board of Directors
Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bravo Family Foundation
Founder and Managing Partner of Thoma Bravo
Orlando was born and raised in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. He has focused his philanthropic efforts on improving economic and educational outcomes for residents of the island. As Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bravo Family Foundation, he directs the organization’s strategies to promote entrepreneurship and economic development.
In the wake of Hurricane Maria in 2017, Orlando personally led a humanitarian mission to deliver resources to remote communities in Puerto Rico. The experience paved the way for the $100 million commitment he announced in 2019 to create the the Foundation.
In addition to his philanthropic involvements, Orlando is a Founder and Managing Partner of Thoma Bravo, one of the largest software investors in the world based in San Francisco, Miami, New York, Chicago, and London that makes investments in software and technology-enabled services companies. Today, Orlando directs the firm’s strategy and investment decisions in accordance with its principles of partnership, innovation, and performance. Forbes named him “Wall Street’s best dealmaker” in 2019, and he was part of Thomson Reuters “Eight Buyout Pros to Watch” in 2009.
Orlando graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Brown University in 1992 and earned a JD from Stanford Law School and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1998.
Member of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
Blanca Santos has over 24 years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. She has a proven track record in leading business initiatives and implementing organizational strategies focusing on social impact. She has held key roles such as COO, CFO, and Executive Director in educational, telecommunications, and environmental organizations, where she has optimized resources and ensured organizational sustainability.
As CEO & CFO of the Bravo Family Foundation, Blanca is responsible for executing Orlando Bravo’s vision of empowering young people and adults in Puerto Rico with the tools and resources to become top-tier entrepreneurs. Her ability to secure and leverage funding for impactful actions has been instrumental to the foundation’s growth.
A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Blanca holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a master’s in finance, and a certificate in Equitable Community Change from Cornell University.
Blanca is deeply committed to the belief that educational and business opportunities are key to individual and community empowerment. At Bravo Family Foundation, she is dedicated to transforming the lives of young people and adults in Puerto Rico, helping them become agents of change in their communities. Her focus on efficiency and sustainability has made the Foundation a thriving social and economic model.
Member of the Board of Directors and Advisor
Kyle, a certified public accountant and member of the California Bar Association, oversees all financial operations of the Bravo Family Foundation. He has more than twenty years’ experience in public accounting and tax law, most recently as founding partner of Golden Gate Associates, a San Francisco-based accounting firm that specializes in family office services including foundations and charitable entities. He previously worked at Deloitte & Touche for ten years.
Kyle was raised in Ohio and attended Wittenberg University, where he majored in business with an accounting concentration. He holds an LLM in Taxation from the Golden Gate University School of Law.
Kyle often cycles to the office on weekdays, and spends the other days hiking with his wife, two children and Kenna, a black Labrador — the Klopfer’s have been a host family for a breeder dog through the Guide Dogs for the Blind for five years.
Member of the Board of Directors
Jennifer James is managing director, chief operating officer and head of Investor Relations and Marketing at Thoma Bravo. Based in San Francisco, she is responsible for leading Thoma Bravo’s business operations strategy, supporting the needs of current and prospective investors, and directing the firm’s industry communications programs.
Jennifer is a recognized leader in private equity and investor relations, specifically. She has been named to PEI Group’s list of Women of Influence in Private Markets, recognized as one of the Women to Watch in Fundraising by The Wall Street Journal and WSJ Pro Private Equity, and honored as one of the Most Influential Women in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times.
Jennifer holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and an A.B. in history from Bowdoin College. Earlier in her career, she held several marketing and financial services leadership roles, including director of marketing and communications for Alta Partners. Directly prior to Thoma Bravo, she was a partner of investor relations and marketing at Sofinnova Ventures.
Project Manager
Alejandro (Ale) Bravo, a native of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, lends his talents and insight to the Bravo Family Foundation as its project manager. Immediately after Hurricane Maria struck the island, Alejandro was on the ground organizing the Foundation’s early relief efforts and working with community leaders and local residents to ensure supplies were delivered into the hands of those most in need.
Alejandro attended Southwestern Educational Society (SESO) for high school in Puerto Rico before enrolling in Brown University, graduating with a concentration in Modern Latin American History. He has done coursework at the United Nations Human Rights Commission’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and obtained his law degree from The George Washington University Law School.
A practicing attorney in South Florida specializing in criminal defense, Alejandro is a member of the Florida State Bar Association and the Federal Southern District of Florida.
Chief Strategy Officer
Bravo Media Hub
With over five decades of experience in journalism, nonprofit branding, and social impact communications, Nydia Suarez has dedicated her career to amplifying meaningful stories, shaping public narratives, and positioning organizations as leaders in their fields.
She began her career as a journalist covering social issues, travel, and gastronomy, and later served as Vice President at Trend Watchers Organization, where she developed expertise in branding and media strategy.
As the founder of her own communications firm, she spent nearly three decades crafting strategic messaging centered on social responsibility and community impact.
In her most recent role as Public Affairs Director at the Center for a New Economy, she championed sustainable development and economic transformation. A published author, blogger, and certified language coach in Neurolinguistic Programming, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hispanic Studies and Journalism. Her career has taken her across Washington, DC, New York, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, providing media and nonprofit organizations with valuable strategic insights.
Operations and Content Supervisor
Bravo Media Hub
Valeria Rivera is a young, distinguished professional with a robust academic and professional background in business and marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Marketing (BSBA) major from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez. While completing her bachelor’s degree, Valeria began her career in the business ecosystem of Puerto Rico in 2022 as a marketing intern. She continued exploring various opportunities, eventually joining the Rising Entrepreneurs Program as an intern. She has obtained several certifications, including Inbound Marketing, Email Marketing, the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate, and the SAP Technology Consultant Professional Certificate, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Valeria plans to continue her studies by pursuing a master’s degree in marketing and obtaining more certification. Her extensive knowledge and skills in these areas make her a versatile and qualified individual in marketing.
Graphic Designer
Claudia González Matos began her professional career as a freelance graphic artist while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Digital Animation Science at Atlantic University College. After graduating, she joined Novus Inc. as a graphic artist, where she worked for four years in the Marketing Department.
Senior Accountant and Human Resources Specialist
Frances has extensive experience in accounting and human resources, both in the private sector and nonprofit organizations. In the latter, she identifies the most, recognizing the importance of their contribution to society.
She is a passionate volunteer in various community-based organizations and activities, most focused on fundraising and pursuing social justice in all its forms.
Frances earned a Master’s in Human Resources and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration concentrating in Accounting.
In her free time, she enjoys exercising, with running being her favorite activity. In 2022, she completed her first marathon in Chicago. Additionally, she is a strong advocate and lover of animals: she has fostered several dogs and has adopted others.
Frances is a dedicated and committed professional, always seeking opportunities to contribute and make a positive difference in her community.
Accounting Associate
Leah manages the Foundation’s endowment as well as auditing processes. She joined the Foundation from Golden Gate Associates, where she had previously worked in Wells Fargo’s Social Responsibility department.
Born and raised in the Philippines, Leah moved to the United States when she was fifteen. She enrolled in San Francisco State University, where she graduated with a degree in business administration and accounting concentration in 2015.
She enjoys reading, playing guitar, and frequently volunteers with her local church’s Children’s Ministry program.
Field Operations Manager
Francisco (Paquito) Mendez was born in Puerto Rico and has spent much of his career in construction management in both the public and private sectors. He earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in business administration from Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Senior Advisor
Bravo Venture Fellowship
Veronica Mercado is a Senior Advisor to the Bravo Venture Fellowship. She is a Partner and Chief Operating Officer at a multi-billion-dollar venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, where she focuses on firm operations, investment strategy, and portfolio management.
Previously, she worked at Thoma Bravo in the Office of Orlando Bravo and in the private equity and technology practices at Bain & Company. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Virginia and earned her MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Program Director
Rising Entrepreneurs
Jaime has extensive experience as an economic development practitioner in leading managerial positions with local governments, business associations and nonprofit organizations. Before joining Bravo Family Foundation, he was a consultant on economic development and small business promotion, primarily for the Puerto Rico Manufacturing Extension Inc. (PRiMEX).
Jaime has managed and participated in several local and regional economic development and infrastructure projects with an investment of over $200 million. These include, the regional business incubation facilities financed by EDA; INOVA, the first network of its kind in Puerto Rico for virtual and traditional incubation; ODECUT, a Public-Private development that spearheaded a far reaching initiative to revitalize traditional town center; INTECO, a breakthrough regional, tech-based economic development organization that brings together academia, local governments and the private sector to commercialize new technologies and services; and Workforce Innovations for Regional Economic Development (WIRED), a $5 million regional initiative funded by the US Department of Labor to upgrade the talent development system.
Jaime holds a BSBA in Finance from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and a Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Affairs from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Operations Manager
Rising Entrepreneurs
Carlos is a seasoned professional with over twenty years of experience in sales, marketing, and human resources, both in the private and government sectors. His dedication to education, music, and community economic development sets him apart. He has overseen the direction and administration of federal proposals in universities in Puerto Rico, as well as the implementation of financial projects in critical sectors such as health, security, and education.
With a strong background in recruitment, training, payroll, conflict resolution, international sales, and commercial operations, Carlos is known for his skills as a speaker, motivator, producer, and event moderator. Furthermore, his passion for fine arts and music has led him to establish and lead two musical groups.
Carlos holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Carolina Campus, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. He is pursuing his doctoral studies in International Business Management, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to professional and academic growth.
Faculty in Residence
Rising Entrepreneurs
Dr. José Iván Vega Torres retired in June 2019 from the Business School of the UPR Mayaguez Campus (UPRM), where he held the positions of professor of marketing and entrepreneurship and director, since its inception in 1986, of the Business and Economic Development Center. Through the Center, he provided mentoring and technical assistance to hundreds of startups across diverse industries. In 2015, he was appointed to lead the UPR System Group for Entrepreneurship and Innovation by the President of the University. That same year, he co-founded the UPRM Eship Network, a support ecosystem for the campus innovation community, including alumni from a minor in entrepreneurship, and co-led the effort to obtain the designation in 2018 of UPRM as an NSF I-Corps site. In 2017, he was recognized by Echar Palante Allegiance as a national pillar for the agenda of entrepreneurial development because of his multidisciplinary endeavors and ecosystem contributions. Dr. Vega conducted research presented at international peer-reviewed conferences, co-authored books that are valued references for educators and practitioners, and served on the advisory board of key ecosystem players such as Colmena 66.
Dr. Vega likes to exercise outdoors, surf, fish with light tackle, and travel with his family, which includes his wife Canny, also a professor at UPRM, and siblings Kiara and Gabriel, both graduate students. His favorite book is “One Hundred Years of Solitude,” and his favorite artist is the Fiel a la Vega rock band. He was appointed Faculty in Residence for the Rising Entrepreneurs Program (REP) of the Bravo Family Foundation in January 2020, and since then, has led the deployment of REP’s educational curriculum. He believes his superpower is being a connector to opportunities for emerging and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.
Senior Programs Advisor
Patricia Valentín Castillo, PhD, is an academic and social innovator focusing on human resources, entrepreneurship, and community development. She holds a Doctorate in Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development with a specialization in International and Interregional Business.
She has over 25 years of experience designing and leading initiatives that connect academia, industry, and community. Her expertise includes social enterprise development, entrepreneurship , nonprofit management, workforce inclusion for people with disabilities, and sustainable economic projects.
Dr. Valentín actively collaborates with the Bravo Family Foundation to strengthen social impact and entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico, bringing her expertise and community vision to advance innovative and inclusive initiatives.
She has worked extensively with nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and businesses to develop and implement strategies that foster innovation, inclusion, and community impact. A dedicated mentor and speaker, Dr. Valentín combines research expertise with practical leadership, fostering initiatives that create measurable economic, social, and environmental value while empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.
Facilitator
Rising Entrepreneurs
Professional with 25 years of experience in administration and customer service in protected natural areas, museums, and informal education settings.
Since 2003, she has worked as an Environmental Interpreter in protected natural areas, offering guided tours in English and Spanish. From 2005, she was the Coordinator of Interpreters. Her role involved supervising staff, developing regional activities and events, establishing partnerships with community groups, government agencies, and private companies, and coordinating interpreter events and schedules. For five years, she managed and supervised all administrative aspects of purchasing, admissions, facility rentals, and events at one of Puerto Rico’s most prestigious museums.
Her qualifications include a Certified Interpretative Guide certification from the National Association of Interpreters (NAI), a Medical Billing and Coding certification from the University of Puerto Rico, and a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Biology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico.
Junior Program Instructor
Rising Entrepreneurs
Program Director
Empowering Young Entrepreneur
Dr. Pierette Bartolomei-Torres is the Program Director of the Empowering Young Entreprenuers Program (EYES) at Bravo Family Foundation, where she leads educational and talent development initiatives serving youth in Puerto Rico from high school through college. Her work focuses on integrating education, entrepreneurship, technology, and academic support through a strategic and impact-driven approach.
She holds a doctoral degree in Education from the University of Granada and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. Her background includes research, curriculum design, and teaching from elementary through university levels, including undergraduate courses in education, academic development, leadership, and critical thinking.
In addition to her academic work, Pierette has extensive experience in program leadership, institutional partnerships, and multidisciplinary team management. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Learningbp, an organization focused on academic enrichment and holistic student development.
Her leadership approach blends academic rigor with entrepreneurial thinking and social awareness, reflecting a strong commitment to creating transformative learning experiences that prepare young people for higher education, professional success, and purpose-driven leadership.
Operations Manager
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
Woman, mother, and professional, with over 15 years of experience in interpretation and environmental education in protected natural areas and historical sites in Puerto Rico. She is grateful for dedicating her time, skills, and knowledge in favor of environmental education and interpretation, conservation efforts of natural and historic areas, and social justice; these as powerful strategies to offer experiences that contribute to personal changes and sustainable lifestyles, which favor equitable development and a better quality of life for all.
As a biologist, she has the opportunity to collaborate with multiple professionals from different expertise and areas of study, government, private and federal organizations in conservation projects, education, environmental awareness, community participation, volunteering, citizen science, and more recently, social entrepreneurship. She is always willing to continue learning and sharing what she has learned, happy to work in dynamic, organized, proactive environments, and in contact with people.
Graduate of the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, a long trajectory as an NAI Certified Interpretive Guide and environmental & community project coordinator.
Program Coordinator
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
Maribel has over thirty years of experience, twelve in human resources and eighteen as a nonprofit organization administrator. Among her duties, she has worked in recruitment, hiring, training, payroll preparation, general office coordination, managing finances, permits, and customer service. She has had experience working with high school students in Vocational Rehabilitation Administration transition services workshops.
Maribel has a master’s degree from Vision International University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus.
Facilitator
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
Marisol has approximately 28 years of experience in different formal and non-formal education projects in Puerto Rico. Her interest in integrating the arts into the discipline of Education has led her to successfully design and implement innovative projects that significantly contribute to diverse communities.
She has worked in formal and informal education and environmental and scientific education programs. Among the projects she has worked on are museums, ecological organizations, secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, and community organizations. In academia, she has collaborated in teacher training projects, offering graduate courses in education, and creating informal and school curricula. What stands out in her career is the operationalization of the Criollo Center for Sciences and Technology Educational Program and the curricular development of the Escuela con Causa of the organization Caras con Causa. These two projects are still in operation.
Marisol M. Quiñones is an esteemed educator. In 2002, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages from the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras campus. She further honed her skills by obtaining a master’s degree in art integration in the curriculum from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2004, solidifying her expertise in the field.
Admissions Specialist
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
Lilliette M. Rivera Aponte is a Puerto Rican professional in the fields of communications, public relations, and marketing, with a strong academic background and experience in educational and organizational environments.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Gurabo Campus, where she also completed two master’s degrees: one in Public Relations and another in Digital Marketing. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a radio producer, strengthening her skills in communication, content production, and media management. She also holds a professional license in Public Relations.
She currently serves as an Admissions Specialist at the Bravo Family Foundation as part of the Empowering Young Entrepreneurs (EYEs) team within the Bravo Pathway subprogram, where she supports student admissions, orientation, and follow-up processes. She also collaborates as Team Support for Bravo Challenge for Youth subprogram, assisting students in developing tools, skills, knowledge, and training focused on entrepreneurial growth and mindset development.
Her experience includes institutional communication, digital marketing, public relations, educational project support, and administrative and operational management. She is recognized for her organization, attention to detail, and strong sense of responsibility, guided by values such as ethics, clarity, teamwork, and service.
Facilitator
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs
Kennett Marie Menéndez Rodríguez is a licensed educator and professional counselor, born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón and a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling. She has more than fifteen years of experience within the Department of Education, including eleven years serving as a professional counselor.
She currently serves as a facilitator for Bravo Pathway Subprogram, where she supports and guides 11th-grade students in their academic, personal, and career development. Her work focuses on strengthening essential skills, supporting informed decision-making, and preparing students for a successful transition to post-secondary education.
Her commitment, vocation for service, and passion for education continue to guide her contribution to strengthening Puerto Rico’s educational future.
Senior Programs Advisor
Dr. Francisco González was born in New York as part of the Puerto Rican diaspora and grew up on Puerto Rico, where he attended public schools and distinguished himself both academically and athletically. His early experiences in communities with limited resources shaped his commitment to advancing the educational, social, and spiritual development of underserved populations.
With more than 36 years of professional experience, he has led transformative educational initiatives in Puerto Rico. During his tenure at the Puerto Rico Department of Education, he advanced projects focused on integrating technology in classrooms, expanding internet access, and training educators in digital tools through federally funded programs.
He has also served as a consultant in the pharmaceutical industry, designing employee training programs and managing resources to strengthen professional development initiatives. His commitment to service has led him to participate in humanitarian missions in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Colombia, providing medical and social support to vulnerable communities.
At the Bravo Family Foundation, he serves as a Senior Program advisor, bringing his expertise and strategic vision. He is the first in his family to earn a college degree and holds a Master’s in Educational Supervision, two doctoral degrees, and certifications in neuroscience, leadership, and project management.
Senior Programs Advisor
José A. Santana González has a strong background in education and technology, along with valuable experience integrating technology into the curriculum. At Bravo Family Foundation, he serves as a program advisor, contributing his expertise and strategic vision.
Throughout his career, he has contributed to instructional design and organizational transformation projects for international firms such as McKinsey & Company, Ikon Group, and others. He has also collaborated with non-governmental organizations and government agencies in Puerto Rico.
In addition, he has enhanced his education with an International Diploma in Social Responsibility from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, and has completed leadership programs at The New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University and the Leadership, Strategy, and Execution Academy at Arroyo & Associates Management Consultants.