Michelle Arjona
ABOUT ME
Diplomat and purpose-driven mentor with over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience across the diplomatic, intergovernmental, private, and non-profit sectors. I have represented Panama internationally, with a proven record of advancing Science, Technology, and Education diplomacy — particularly in UK relations and emerging Gulf-region collaborations, including the UAE.
My work has spanned continents and cultures, deepening my understanding of the emotional and cultural nuances that shape 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.
Drawing on entrepreneurial leadership and business development experience, I bring a solutions-focused mindset and a proven ability to drive operational growth, digital transformation, and cross-sector innovation.
Fluent in English and Spanish, with basic proficiency in Arabic (self-taught – Khaliji dialect familiarity), 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, inclusive programme development, and diplomatic leadership. With over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience across international finance, corporate governance, NGO leadership, and educational diplomacy, I have guided and coached individuals towards personal and professional growth while representing Panama at the international level.
Over nearly 12 years in London and New York, I worked as an International Corporate Actions Specialist at JPMorgan, Schroders Investment Management, and Citigroup, sharpening my analytical and strategic thinking — skills I now apply in designing development frameworks, supporting learners, and mentoring individuals through key transitions.
My dedication to learning and human development deepened through collaborations with organisations such as Qualcomm, OECD, British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), ODILO, Times Higher Education, and PowerSchool, as well as with Oxford, Cambridge, and Westminster Universities, and the International Baccalaureate. These partnerships fostered access to opportunity and led to the design of inclusive digital content and mentoring structures promoting cultural awareness, resilience, and student-led impact.
As Diplomat for Panama in the UK, I advanced Panama’s presence in Science, Technology, and Education, with emphasis on UK relations and emerging Gulf-region collaborations, particularly with the UAE. I represented Panama at COP28 in Dubai and the High-Level Meeting on Disability Rights, aligning sustainability with education and inclusion. I spearheaded Panama’s first-ever participation at the Education World Forum (London, 2022), co-created bilateral collaborations, and launched a first-of-its-kind internship and mentoring programme at the Embassy, increasing participation by 40%. I also introduced practical tools — such as my 6-Step Manual — to help international students access scholarships and define 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, 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
Served as a key diplomatic representative advancing Panama’s global presence in education and technology, with emphasis on UK relations and emerging opportunities in the Middle East, particularly UAE collaborations.
- Spearheaded Panama’s first-ever participation at the Education World Forum (London, 2022), amplifying the country’s voice in global education dialogues.
- Engaged with UAE-based initiatives and explored Gulf-region partnerships, basic proficiency in Arabic and cross-cultural understanding to build connections.
- Worked closely with Ambassador Natalia Royo to establish bilateral education and technology collaborations, including facilitating UK-Panama knowledge exchange and supporting Latin American missions.
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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.​​​​​​​​​​​​
- While at Schroders Investment Management, reengineered the remittance process, streamlined data collection, and enhanced database access. Additionally, developed IT procedures and training documentation related to the corporate actions process and workflow, and trained staff on system benefits and UK market stock lending web applications.
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), complemented by internationally recognised certifications in coaching, process improvement, automation, data analytics, and inclusion, I have developed a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates human development, data literacy, and digital strategy — tools I apply to create inclusive learning environments, empower individuals, and contribute to international education initiatives.
My certifications include an International Coaching Federation-accredited Career Coaching Professional Certificate, Six Sigma White Belt, Lean Management, Robotic Process Automation, Data Analysis, Equality and Diversity, and Functional Skills in Maths.
Throughout my career — spanning investment banking, international diplomacy, nonprofit leadership, and intergovernmental work — I have pursued roles that centre education, mentoring, and coaching as catalysts for empowerment, inclusion, and sustainable development. My diplomatic service has deepened this focus, particularly through advancing Panama’s presence at global education forums and fostering Gulf-region collaborations, including with the UAE.
This mindset shapes my ability to design innovative training programmes, lead youth development initiatives, and mentor individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. It also fuels my ongoing dedication to education as a bridge between individual purpose and global progress. As part of this commitment, I have self-taught Arabic (with a focus on Khaliji dialect), leveraging language as a tool to strengthen intercultural understanding and diplomatic relevance.
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, Systems Psychology, Social Psychology & Individual Differences, Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Experimental Design & Statistical Analysis, Interface Design & Implementation, Research Methods, Information Systems, 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, educational, 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. As a diplomat, I have advanced Panama’s presence in Science, Technology, and Education, with particular emphasis on UK relations and emerging Gulf-region collaborations, including the UAE. I have represented Panama at global platforms such as COP28 and the Education World Forum, amplifying voices on education, inclusion, and sustainability.
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. As part of this commitment, I have self-taught Arabic (with a focus on Khaliji dialect), leveraging language as a tool to strengthen intercultural understanding and diplomatic relevance.
​International Diplomatic Impact
• Played a pivotal role in strengthening Panama’s diplomatic presence in Science, Technology, and Education, particularly between Panama and the UK, with emerging connections in the Gulf, including the UAE.
• Spearheaded Panama’s first-ever participation at the Education World Forum (London, 2022), showcasing Panama’s innovation in education on the global stage.
• Received strong endorsements from Ambassador Natalia Royo and international collaborators, recognising diplomatic leadership, cross-sector partnership building, and transformative mentorship.
• Leveraged cross-cultural communication skills — including basic Arabic (Khaliji dialect familiarity) — to foster international collaborations aligned with Panama’s educational and technological advancement goals.
• Managed a high-level UN initiative compiling an international information resource, liaising across Latin America and launching the initiative at a diplomatic event attended by presidents and dignitaries, demonstrating project management and international coordination skills.
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Programme Design and Digital Visibility
• Created a manual connecting Panamanians to 260+ scholarships, expanding reach through tailored social media and learning tools.
• Built this scholarship framework through extensive liaison with educational institutions, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders, ensuring multi-sectoral alignment and impact.
• Facilitated the establishment of a UK-Panama partnership that launched Challenges Abroad in Panama, mobilising 300+ UK students for intercultural exchange and youth development.
• Led a website revamp, launching the first Education section to improve digital access and showcase solutions-focused educational initiatives.
• Led automation of key business systems at PIRC Ltd (UK), including corporate governance models and CSR profiling, applying quantitative methods and managing post-implementation change, strengthening system efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Applied process improvement and system optimisation expertise from the finance sector, including reengineering the remittance process at Schroders Investment Management, enhancing data flows, developing IT procedures, and training teams on corporate actions workflow and UK market stock lending web applications.
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Coaching and Mentoring for Career and Personal Growth
• Provided one-on-one mentoring through Unfold’s Volunteer Programme, empowering young adults with skills to navigate academic, personal, and career challenges.
• Designed coaching-informed programmes to improve confidence, critical thinking, and goal achievement.
Academic Guidance and Transition Support
• Guided students through vocational pathways and global scholarships, enabling independent progression.
• Mentored students and young professionals to achieve tangible milestones.
Educational Content Design and Youth Empowerment
• Designed inclusive materials for UK primary schools (aligned with National Curriculum) to build confidence and engagement.
• Advocated bilingualism in Panama, promoting English as a gateway to global opportunity.
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.
• Created mentoring spaces fostering active listening, vulnerability, and personal growth.
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.
I am deeply committed to advancing Panama’s presence on the international stage by combining diplomatic leadership with educational and technological innovation. Whether through fostering partnerships, empowering young minds, or building cross-cultural bridges across Europe and the Gulf, I bring passion, resilience, and a solutions-focused approach to every role I undertake.
United Nations
Selected and headhunted to serve in multiple specialised advisory, diplomatic, and consultancy roles at high-level United Nations (UN) and UN agency events, representing the Republic of Panama on critical global agendas, including disability rights, climate change, gender equality, inclusive development, ICTs, and human rights.
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 ARAB EMIRATES - 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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March – September 2010 World Health Organisation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - headhunted to undertake two UN consultancy roles including the project management and strategic planning support of an initiative to compile an information resource for use internationally, as well as 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.​​​​​
