José M. Santana

About José M. Santana

As a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in public service, education, technology, and international relations, I have a proven track record of driving transformative initiatives that empower communities and advance global development. I have expertise in strategic leadership, policy formulation, and cross-sector collaboration, with a history of managing multimillion-dollar budgets, fostering international partnerships, and implementing innovative programs in education, renewable energy, and human rights.I am passionate about leveraging education, technology, and social impact to address global challenges such as environmental justice, human rights, and sustainable development. I have been recognized for my work as an Ambassador and Executive Director at the International Advisory Commission on Science & Technology of the Presidency, where I directed an international government agency focused on improving access to – and evolving – educational tools and programs for underserved students. I also founded Genius Academy, a nontraditional educational institution that increases access to digital opportunities for learning, international travel, and exploration of STEAM topics for youth across the globe.

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Genius Academy

   Jan 2014 — Present · Santo Domingo, DO

   After a prolific tenure as Ambassador, I launched an exciting new chapter in my career that allowed me to put my entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy to use. My passion for my country and empowering youth coalesced and the nontraditional educational institution Genius Academy was born. The Genius Academy increases access to digital opportunities for learning, international travel, and exploration of STEAM topics including robotics, environment, forensic science, astronomy, photography, cinema, democratic education, permaculture, urban gardens, chess, yoga, and many more for youth across the globe. As Chief Executive Officer, I built and grew the organization from the ground up. I define, direct, and execute strategies and initiatives to build on the foundational programs and improve access to Family Psychological Assistance, National and International Student Tourism, and Summer Camps. KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS INCLUDE:• Established partnership with NASA and led international trips to space facilities to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation for STEM.• Engineered and launched exciting supplemental educational programs with over 15 customized curricula that introduced 300+ children to STEAM educational opportunities. Created scalable program and infrastructure to further educational initiatives and reach year after year.• Generated excitement around programs for students and promoted research and innovation within academic programs – inspired students to break through perceived limitations and fostered collaborative environment ripe for solution generation.

Education

• Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo

  Bachelor of Business Administration - BS, Economics

• MASHAV | Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation

  Diploma , Science, Technology and Society

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Research Affiliate - Internship, Technology

• Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo

  Master of Science - MS, Renewable Energy Technology