Our Board.

Board member

Anne-Marie Dias Borges

Media & international dialogue

Anne-Marie Dias Borges is a Cabo Verdean–French journalist, moderator and strategic communication adviser. Her career includes broadcasting at the BBC and Africa24, alongside moderating international forums. Her work brings journalistic experience and cross-cultural perspectives to conversations on African and international affairs.

Board member

Dino D’Santiago

Music & social activism

Dino D’Santiago is a Cabo Verdean–Portuguese musician and social activist, born in Portugal. His artistic work connects Cabo Verdean musical traditions with contemporary sounds. He is co-founder of Mundu Nôbu, a non-profit organisation that empowers young people from underrepresented communities through education, civic participation and cultural expression.

Founder · Vice-President

Élisabeth Moreno

Élisabeth Moreno is a Cabo Verdean–French business leader and former French Minister Delegate for Gender Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities. Her career spans senior executive leadership, public service and entrepreneurship, with extensive experience across Europe and Africa and a longstanding commitment to equality, inclusion and opportunity.

Founder · Vice-President

Gil Semedo

Gil Semedo is a Cabo Verdean–Dutch artist, songwriter and producer whose international career spans more than three decades. Through his music and cultural work, he has built enduring connections between Cabo Verde, Africa, Europe and the diaspora, contributing to the international visibility and evolution of Cabo Verdean culture.

Founder · Board member

Gilberto de Barros

Gilberto de Barros is a Cabo Verdean economist with extensive experience in finance, public policy and international development. He is Chairman of Banco Comercial do Atlântico and has previously served in the Government of Cabo Verde and at the World Bank, with experience spanning finance, investment, infrastructure and private-sector development.

Founder · President

Maria José Lopes

Maria José Lopes is a Cabo Verdean–Portuguese jurist with experience across legal, institutional and cross-border environments. She managed Gil Semedo’s international career for over fifteen years, leading strategy, negotiations, partnerships and professional representation. Her current work spans entrepreneurial, institutional and social-impact initiatives connected to Cabo Verde and its international networks.

Board member

Raffaella Gozzelino

Science & international collaboration

Raffaella Gozzelino is a Cabo Verdean–Italian biomedical scientist and academic associated with NOVA Medical School in Lisbon. Her research focuses on inflammation and neurodegeneration. Her wider work spans higher education and international scientific collaboration, including teaching connections with Cabo Verde.

Board member

Rosana Almeida

Journalism & gender equality

Rosana Almeida is a Cabo Verdean journalist and television presenter whose career also spans public service and gender equality. She led the Instituto Cabo-verdiano para a Igualdade e Equidade de Género from 2016 to 2021 and has worked as a gender consultant with the World Bank in Angola.

Board member

Vanessa M. Britto

Medicine & higher education

Vanessa M. Britto is a Cabo Verdean–American physician and higher education leader. At Brown University, her work brings together student health, well-being and education. Her experience spans clinical practice, university leadership and engagement with Cabo Verde through educational exchange and medical initiatives.