Michelle Arjona
Helping individuals connect deeply with who they are, so they can step purposefully into who they are becoming.
ABOUT ME
Multidisciplinary professional with a strong foundation in education, mentoring, and personal development, shaped by over 20 years of experience across the diplomatic, intergovernmental, private, and non-profit sectors. My work has spanned continents and cultures, deepening my understanding of the emotional and cultural nuances that influence how individuals learn, grow, and make life decisions.
With a career rooted in driving purpose-led change, I specialise in guiding individuals—particularly students and young professionals—to discover their unique paths. Whether through structured coaching, life skills development, or strategic mentoring, I am passionate about helping others build confidence, set meaningful goals, and realise their full potential.
Fluent in English and Spanish, with basic proficiency in Arabic, I bring a global lens to everything I do—bridging cultures, empowering learners, and connecting people to the opportunities and tools they need to thrive, both personally and professionally.
Experience
A multicultural professional with a career rooted in global education, mentoring, and inclusive programme development. My professional path spans international finance, corporate governance, NGO leadership, and educational diplomacy—each contributing to my ability to guide and coach individuals towards personal and professional growth.
Over nearly 12 years in London and New York, I worked as an International Corporate Actions Specialist at JPMorgan, Schroders Investment Management, and Citigroup. This experience sharpened my analytical and strategic thinking—skills I now apply in supporting learners, designing development frameworks, and mentoring individuals through transition points in life and career.
My dedication to learning and human development deepened during my work with organisations such as Qualcomm, OECD, British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), ODILO, Times Higher Education, and PowerSchool. I have collaborated with Oxford University, Cambridge University, Westminster University, and the International Baccalaureate, among others, to foster access to opportunity through education-focused initiatives. I have also designed accessible digital content and mentoring structures that promote cultural awareness, resilience, and student-led impact.
As a diplomat for Panama in the UK, I represented my country at COP 28 in Dubai and the High-Level Meeting on Disability Rights, aligning sustainability with education and inclusion. I developed a first-of-its-kind internship and mentoring programme at the Embassy, increasing participation by 40%, and introduced guidance tools—like my 6-Step Manual—to support international students in accessing scholarships and defining their academic goals.
This cross-disciplinary background has equipped me to mentor, coach, and empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to better understand themselves, build practical skills, and align their purpose with measurable action.
For illustrative examples of my work in guidance, mentorship, and programme development, please see the “Key Expertise” section below.
December 2024 - Present - UK Education
Learning for Impact Specialist
- Create interactive, coaching-aligned educational content that enhances emotional literacy, confidence, and social responsibility in primary students.
- Collaborate with UK-based educators to tailor content to diverse student needs—including SEN—building inclusive classroom environments and early learner resilience.
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June 2024 - Present - UNFOLD, London - non-profit organisation
Mentor
- Provide consistent, one-on-one support to young adults navigating transitions in education, work, and personal life—strengthening confidence and direction.
- Apply coaching-informed methods to help mentees clarify ambitions, overcome limiting beliefs, and build actionable plans for growth.
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November 2020 - December 2024 - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of Panama in London
Science, Technology & Education Diplomat
- Designed and led a transformational internship programme grounded in mentoring and coaching principles—improving participants’ confidence, critical thinking, and professional readiness.
- Advocated for student development and inclusion while representing Panama at global forums, including the Education World Forum 2022 (Panama’s first-ever participation) and COP28.
Delivered structured career planning support and personalised guidance to interns, fostering resilience, goal-setting, and life skills development.
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September 2018 - November 2020 - Centre 404, London - non-profit organisation
Deputy Manager
- Manage a team of 12 to support adults with learning disabilities, while analysing the business and devising new tools and methods for continuous improvement.
- Implement a new client engagement strategy, increasing service uptake by 25%.
- Lead a project to develop a digital tool for client progress tracking, improving reporting accuracy.
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August 2017 - July 2018 - PTK, London, Start-Up
Customer Support Manager
- Gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative insights to drive product improvements
- Analyse customer feedback to identify product improvement opportunities, contributing to a 10% increase in user satisfaction.
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January 2017 - August 2017 - SOS, Virtual Post - New Media
Business Process Improvement (BPI)
- Introduce innovative technologies, including web-based applications and targeted social media campaigns, to expand market reach and drive business growth.
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July 2013 - January 2017 - UNE, Panama - non-profit organisation
Assistive Technology (AT) Manager
- Conceptualise, coordinate, and manage initiatives providing technical support to individuals with disabilities through Assistive Technology (AT) solutions.
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July 2011 - July 2013 - ​PIRC, London - Investment Research Consultants
Process Improvement Officer
- Devise and implement the automation of key business tasks to optimise resource use and maximise efficiencies.
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Financial Conglomerates,London & New York,Citigroup,Schroders Investment ManagementJP Morgan Chase​
International Corporate Actions Specialist
- Close to 12 years of international banking experience with leading institutions in London and New York, with extensive exposure to financial markets across the UK, Spain, Portugal, Latin America, France, the US, and Canada.
- Manage complex corporate action events, ensuring accurate processing and compliance with international financial regulations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline operations, resulting in a 15% increase in processing efficiency.​​​​​​​​​​​​
Education
My educational journey reflects a deep commitment to social justice, personal growth, and the transformative power of learning. With a foundation in Applied Psychology and Computing (BSc Hons), I have cultivated a multidisciplinary perspective that merges human development, data literacy, and digital strategy—tools I apply to create inclusive learning environments and empower others to thrive.
Across sectors—from investment banking and international diplomacy to nonprofit and intergovernmental work—I have continuously pursued roles that centre education, mentoring, and coaching. I view learning not only as a personal pursuit but as a collective catalyst for empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable development.
This mindset has shaped my ability to design innovative training programmes, lead youth development initiatives, and mentor individuals from diverse backgrounds. It is also what inspires my continued dedication to education as a bridge between individual purpose and global progress.
2024 Coaching
Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certificate
Goodwill Industries International on Coursera
International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited Professional Certificate on human-centred approach to career coaching, including Career Development theories, models, and tools.
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​Goodwill Industries International is North America’s leading nonprofit provider of education, training, and career services for people with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience, as well as those with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. In 2020, local Goodwills collectively provided employment and training services to almost 22 million individuals.
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2020 Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Lifecycle, Implementing RPA with Cognitive Automation and Analytics
Automation Anywhere on Coursera
The course provided the relevant skills to create, manage, and monitor software bots using RPA tools from Automation Anywhere, how to train a bot to perform data extraction using the cognitive tool from Automation Anywhere and analyse the bot for operational and business insights using the Automation Anywhere analytics programme.
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2020 Process Improvement
Continuous Process Improvement - White Belt
Council for Six Sigma Certification and Aveta Business Institute
A Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) Certified Six Sigma White Belt demonstrates that an individual has been provided, and has demonstrated an understanding of the most relevant concepts of the Six Sigma Methodology.
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August 2019 Lean Management
Lean Organisation Management Techniques
NCFE CACHE
The completion of this programme demonstrates the ability for individuals to refer to and implement Lean Organisation Techniques in Business, Business Improvement Tools and Techniques and Working in Business Teams.
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July 2019 EDI
Equality and Diversity
NCFE CACHE
The completion of this programme demonstrates the ability for individuals to refer to and implement concepts such as Equality and Diversity in Society, Equality and Diversity in the Community and Equality and Diversity in the Workplace.
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August 2017 Maths
Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths
City & Guilds
The course led to the qualification (equivalent to level 4 GCSEs in Maths) that demonstrates both mathematical skills at the appropriate level and the ability to apply mathematical thinking effectively to solve problems successfully in the workplace and in other real life situations.​
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2016 Data Analytics
Data Analysis and Interpretation Specialisation
Wesleyan University on Coursera
The course provided the elements to access and manage data using both Python and SAS programming language, explore patterns and associations among variables, and use machine learning methods to develop predictive algorithms. Additionally, the course culminated with a hands-on project work that demonstrated the ability to apply all of these methods to real-world situations.
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Degree
BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology & Computing
Bournemouth University, UK
The Applied Psychology and Computing degree (Design, Engineering and Computing School) examined the interaction of computing and psychological factors in the development of usable and acceptable computer systems.
The prime concern of the course was with the inter-relationship of the disciplines of psychology and computing, and their contribution to the design of effective systems, exploring the complex nature of the problems posed by such systems, and the methods and techniques used to solve them.
Some of the subjects studied included: Cognitive Psychology & Biopsychology, Social Psychology & Individual Differences, Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Experimental Design & Statistical Analysis, Interface Design & Implementation, Research Methods, Information Systems, Systems Psychology, Knowledge Based Systems (Artificial Intelligence), Imagery & Cognition, Artificial Neural Networks, Directions in HCI, Computer Visualisation, and Internet Application Development.​​​​​​
Key Expertise
My professional journey is shaped by the rich perspective I have gained through living and working across diverse cultural and geographical contexts—including Panama, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Costa Rica, and Cuba. From academic training in the UK to diplomatic and sustainability-focused roles across continents, these experiences have equipped me with a strong cross-cultural lens and a global understanding of impact and innovation.
I am deeply committed to driving sustainable change through data-informed strategies, inclusive practices, and purposeful collaboration. Whether designing programmes, mentoring students, or leading operational improvements, I focus on aligning people and projects with long-term value—empowering communities and institutions to grow with clarity, resilience, and impact.
​Coaching and Mentoring for Career and Personal Growth​
• Provided one-on-one mentoring to young adults through Unfold’s Volunteer Mentoring Programme, empowering participants with skills to navigate personal, academic, and professional challenges.
• Designed and led structured coaching-informed programmes that enhanced participants’ confidence, critical thinking, and self-efficacy—resulting in measurable improvements in goal achievement and personal agency.
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Academic Guidance and Transition Support​
• Guided young individuals through vocational pathways and global scholarship opportunities, enabling independent academic and career progression.
• Spearheaded inclusive skills initiatives, mentoring students and young professionals to reach tangible milestones.
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Programme Design and Digital Visibility​
• Created a comprehensive manual (from concept to publication) that enabled individuals in Panama to access over 260 partial scholarships, expanding reach and engagement through tailored social media campaigns and learning support tools.
• Built this scholarship framework through extensive liaison with educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders, ensuring multi-sectoral alignment and impact.
• Developed academic and career planning tools that enabled students to build self-direction, goal-setting skills, and confidence in navigating personal and academic transitions.
• Facilitated the establishment of a UK-Panama social enterprise partnership through strategic engagement with UK institutions, leading to the launch of Challenges Abroad in Panama. Since then, over 300 UK university students have been mobilised to the country, fostering intercultural exchange and supporting youth development initiatives on the ground.
• Oversaw the design and implementation of a wireless network and led the revamping of an organisational website, which included launching its first-ever Education section—enhancing digital access to learning resources and demonstrating a solutions-focused, data-informed approach to educational visibility.
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Educational Content Design and Youth Empowerment​
• Designed inclusive and interactive learning materials for UK primary schools that integrate emotional literacy, cultural identity, and global citizenship, aligned with the UK National Curriculum—building early student confidence and driving deeper classroom engagement.
• Created impactful resources to support diverse learning needs, including students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), enhancing equitable access to education.
• Led and promoted initiatives to strengthen bilingualism in Panama, advocating for English as a gateway to global opportunity and advancing language proficiency as a catalyst for cultural growth, international education, and professional mobility.
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Communication and Emotional Intelligence
• Presented at global forums (Education World Forum, COP28, UN conferences), demonstrating cultural sensitivity and strong communication skills in high-stakes, international settings.
• Cultivated emotionally safe mentoring spaces that encouraged vulnerability, active listening, and the personal growth of students and young adults.
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Strategic Learning and Development​
• Designed and implemented initiatives focused on skill-building, learning engagement, and personal development, promoting lifelong learning habits among students and young adults.
• Integrated coaching-informed educational tools and assistive technologies to promote inclusive learning environments and foster lifelong learning mindsets among diverse student groups.
United Nations
Headhunted to undertake various specialised roles for the United Nations (UN)
May 2024 UN CRPD
UNITED KINGDOM - Diplomat representing the Republic of Panama at the High Level Meeting on "Disability Rights: Advancing the Agenda". An event in the lead up to the 20th Anniversary of the 2006 adoption of the CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), as well as the 5-year review of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy.
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Nov-Dec 2023 UN CCS
UNITED KINGDOM - Diplomat representing the Republic of Panama at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 28, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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November 2016 UNESCO
COSTA RICA - Regional Conference on "ICTs (Information and Communications Technologies) and communication for people with disabilities in Central America". A member of a specialised team representing the Republic of Panama
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June 2014 COSP7, UN
NEW YORK - "7th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)". A member of a specialised team to act as an Adviser representing the Republic of Panama during the COSP7 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
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March 2014 CSW58, UN
NEW YORK - "The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW or UNCSW)", a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the main UN organs within the United Nations. Headhunted by the National Secretariat on Disability (SENADIS) and the National Institute for Women (INAMU) of the Republic of Panama as one of the members of a specialised team of four to act as an Adviser representing the Republic of Panama during the CSW58 (the fifty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
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September 2013 68th UN General Assembly, UN
NEW YORK - "The General Assembly (UNGA)", the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations). A member of a specialised team of four to act as an Adviser representing the Republic of Panama at the HLDM (High Level Development Meeting) on Disability and Development for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the UN MDGs agenda (Millennium Development Goals) during the 68th UN General Assembly in New York.
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September 2010March – August 2010 World Health Organisation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Provide project management and working group support on the approval of Resolution CD50.R8 “Health and Human Rights” during the celebration of PAHO 50th Directing Council at the HQ.
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