16/07/2026
Phoenix IDA CEO Juan Salgado recently returned as a guest speaker for the fifth annual Academy of the Americas, an international leadership program hosted by Espiritu Community Development Corporation that was the vision of ESPÍRITU CEO Armando Ruíz. The program prepares emerging leaders thro@ugh dialogue, academic exchange and community service.
The Academy brings together pre-university, university and postgraduate students from across North and South America to explore critical issues facing the region through presentations from leaders in business, government, education, religion and social justice. This year’s three-week program includes sessions in Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Ecuador.
The Phoenix IDA was proud to host Academy participants from the United States, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil and Peru as they met with Phoenix leaders, including Monica Villalobos, President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Tom Espinoza, President and CEO of Espinoza Community Development and President of the San Juan Diego Institute, and former President, CEO and co-founder of Raza Development Fund, the nation’s largest Latino Community Development Financial Institution; Armando Ruíz, CEO of ESPÍRITU Community Development Corporation; and Daniel Salgado, an associate in Womble Bond Dickinson US LLP’s Intellectual Property Practice Group.
During the Justice session, Salgado shared his perspective on advancing economic opportunity through public-purpose investment, affordable housing and community development. He also discussed the important role mission-driven organizations play in expanding access to capital and creating stronger, more equitable communities.
“Developing the next generation of leaders is one of the most meaningful investments we can make,” Salgado says. “The Academy of the Americas challenges students to think beyond themselves and consider how they can use their talents to serve others. I’m honored to once again be part of that conversation.”
The Phoenix IDA is proud to support leadership development opportunities that inspire future changemakers committed to strengthening communities throughout Arizona and abroad.