Carolina Taborda is General Manager of Cybersec Cluster, where she is a pioneer in the field of cybersecurity, leading strategies for the development of the ecosystem. She co-founded STEAMED LATAM, a non-profit organization revolutionizing education in Latin America. Her background includes leading academic roles, advising the executive presidency in innovation and business development, and coordinating research centers for innovation.

Carolina is certified in cluster leadership by the IDB, with executive training in exponential technologies from INCAE and Singularity University and in cybersecurity leadership from Duke University. As Costa Rica's ambassador for Creativity and Innovation Week globally, she continues to connect people, envision opportunities and anticipate solutions that impact thousands. As an expert leader in project and multidisciplinary team management, she has revitalized innovation management internationally. Carolina believes in the power of collaboration and STEAM education to change the world.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Guardians of the Net: Teaching Cybersecurity to Young Minds in Daycare

The project empowers caregivers in public daycare centers in Costa Rica with essential digital skills and resources to educate children and families about cybersecurity. A pilot initiative will be implemented in two daycare centers located in different regions, with potential for future expansion to additional centers. The project goal is to foster a safer and more secure online environment for all children and families in Costa Rica.

Participating caregivers will undergo intensive training sessions conducted by professionals and educators, covering cybersecurity topics such as safe internet browsing habits, identifying online threats, and protecting personal information. They will also learn how to utilize educational resources and tools, such as interactive games and storybooks, to engage children in digital safety lessons. The project also engages parents and families through workshops and informational sessions organized by the daycare centers, providing practical tips and resources for promoting cybersecurity at home.

So far, Carolina has launched a social media campaign raising awareness about cybersecurity and is prepared to host her cybersecurity training course for caregivers, families and young children. Carolina reported that, “we managed to receive a grant to keep working next year also with the program, we are having interest of the ecosystem and hoping many companies support the program in the future”

“My goal is to help reinforce the digital and cybersecurity culture in Costa Rica and [I hope that my IVLP Impact Award project] will be an example to develop these kinds of capabilities for other countries in Latin America.” – Carolina Taborda

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Carolina participated in the IVLP Project Promoting Cybersecurity I organized by the U.S. Department of State and Institute for International Education, in partnership with Colorado Springs World Affairs Council, Iowa International Center, WorldBoston, and Vermont Council on World Affairs.

Carolina’s exchange experience led to the development of her project: “Overall, my IVLP experience has equipped me with valuable insights, connections, and resources that will enhance the effectiveness and impact of my [IVLP] Impact Award project. By integrating knowledge and connections gained from the IVLP, I am confident that [my] Guardians of the Net program will make a meaningful contribution to promoting digital safety and literacy among young children in Costa Rica.”

“My IVLP experience [helped] me to understand the key factors of collaboration and sharing best practices for developing a safer cyberspace. We all can and must guard the cyberspace.” – Carolina Taborda

U.S. Communities Visited

Colorado Springs, CO; Washington, DC; Iowa City, IA; Boston, MA; Burlington, VT

Country: Costa Rica

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