OUR INTERNATIONAL JURY
The HIRMINA PRIZE™ is guided by a distinguished international jury composed of experts in education, sustainability, business development, diplomacy, and cultural stewardship.
MEMBERS OF THE JURY
Carolina Alfonso
President of the Jury – 2025
Visual Artist & Creative Director │ Ecuador
Carolina Alfonso, an Ecuadorian artist, began painting at an early age. She studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti Pietro Vanucci in Perugia, the University of San Francisco in Quito, and earned her Master’s degree in Studio Art with Magna Cum Laude honours from New York University. She also pursued further studies at the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid and the Sorbonne in Paris.
She has held solo exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Maison de l’Amérique Latine in Monaco, the Palais des Nations (United Nations, Geneva), UNESCO in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in Cuenca, the Municipal Museum in Guayaquil, and the Guayasamín Foundation in Quito.
Her works form part of permanent collections including the Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco, UNESCO in Paris, the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Canning House in London, the Museum of Arts in Hanoi, and the National Museum of Marrakesh, among others.
She has successfully participated in the Salon des Artistes Indépendants at the Grand Palais, the Salon of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, and in group exhibitions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In 2007, her work was nominated to represent Ecuador at the Venice Biennale.
Marlene Nidecker, OLY
Ambassador of “Peace & Sports” – RUNNER UP HIRMINA PRIZE™ 2023
Olympic Medalist, Knight of the National Order of Merit and MBA graduate
Marlene Nidecker is an Olympic athlete and international leader recognised for a career defined by passion, perseverance, and global cooperation. She earned an Olympic medal at the London 2012 Games and later served as mentor to the first-ever Olympic gold medallist in the history of Ivory Coast at the 2016 Games.
An MBA graduate with honours in Business Administration, she strengthened her ability to analyse complex cases, design strategic approaches, and make effective decisions aimed at sustainability and shared development.
Throughout her career, Marlene has been distinguished for her professional ethics, philanthropic commitment, and leadership in international initiatives. Her honours include being appointed Knight of the National Order of Merit by the President of the French Republic, receiving the International Peace Medal from the United Nations Soldiers for Peace Association, and serving as a “Champion for Peace” Ambassador for the organisation Peace and Sport, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Prof Dr Issamary Sánchez Ortega
Academic, Jurist & Former Ambassador of Panama to France, Monaco & Liechtenstein │ Panama
Lawyer and Compliance Specialist / PhD / Former Ambassador and Consul of Panama in France (2020–2024)
Issamary Sánchez Ortega holds a Doctorate in Law and is a distinguished lawyer and consultant specialising in anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), prevention of the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (PFADM), and corporate governance. She served as Panama’s Ambassador to France, Liechtenstein, and Monaco, as well as Consul General in Marseille (2020–2024). Notably, she was the first Panamanian to co-chair both the OECD Development Centre and the SIGI, President of the Network of Latin American Women Diplomats in France, and a member of Panama’s delegation responsible for the country’s removal from the FATF grey list.
Prof Noelia Carrizo
Ambassador of “Carbon Communities” – WINNERS HIRMINA PRIZE™ 2024
President, Fundación de la Economía Social – Santa Fe, Argentina
Noelia Lucía Carrizo is a leader in education, culture, and sustainability with extensive experience in managing projects within the social and solidarity economy. She serves as President of the Fundación de la Economía Social and is the creator of Carbono Comunidades and Director of the Museum of Mutualism and Cooperation. She also founded Qom Alphi, an innovative initiative with Qom women that combines ancestral knowledge, gender, and sustainable design. Her work has been recognised locally and internationally for its contribution to environmental education, cultural heritage, and social inclusion.
Juan Dávila y Verdin, FRSA
Founder of the HIRMINA PRIZE™
Academic, Businessman, Philantropist, & Former UNCCC Delegate │ Argentina & United Kingdom
Juan Dávila y Verdin, FRSA, is the Founder and Managing Director of The FuturED Institute, CEO of the International Trade and Commerce Association (IGTCA), and Secretary-General of the British San Martín Institute. With over fifteen years of international experience across education, diplomacy, and business development, he has led initiatives with the United Nations and represented UPEACE at COP26–COP29.
He holds an MBA from the International University of Monaco, a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from UPEACE–UNITAR, and is currently a Doctoral Researcher (DBA – HEM) at the University of Bath. Fluent in five languages, Juan is recognised for his leadership, reliability, and results-driven approach in building global partnerships.
Prof Alexandra de los Ríos
Ex-Officio Members of the Jury
Learning & Research specialist in Educational innovation and Tourism
Alexandra is a Professor and Graduate in Tourism, with experience in teaching, research, and project management related to sustainable tourism and educational innovation. She combines her background in tourism and law with an interdisciplinary approach focused on human and territorial development. Alexandra has worked as a hospitality technology consultant and as a lecturer in educational institutions. She has participated in international conferences on tourism, marketing, and sustainability. Alexandra is recognised for her commitment to professional training, academic leadership, and the promotion of responsible tourism.
Prof Julieta Moreira Soto
Ex-Officio Members of the Jury
Learning & Research specialist in Education innovation and Environmental Management
Julieta Moreira Soto is an English teacher and Environmental Management graduate dedicated to integrating sustainability into education. She firmly believes that environmental education is essential to addressing the challenges of our time. Through her work, she seeks to combine language teaching with environmental awareness, inspiring learners to build a more conscious, responsible, and sustainable society.
JURY PRINCIPLES
- Transparency: All deliberations follow a documented and impartial process.
- Contextual Sensitivity: Jurors consider cultural, regional, and institutional nuances.
- Legacy Orientation: Selection favours sustained impact and intergenerational vision.
The jury selects two Finalists and one Winner based on the Prize’s evaluation criteria. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
