David Placer is a journalist who has worked extensively covering social and economic issues. He has written two investigative books on the Venezuelan regime and has been awarded the Miguel Otero Silva Journalism Prize. He focuses on migration topics. He writes for the newspaper El Confidencial in Spain and has a YouTube program called "Venezolanos por el mundo" (Venezuelans Around the World), where he shares the stories of Venezuelan refugees and migrants worldwide.

IVLP Impact Award Project: From Refugees to Entrepreneurs 

The project provided tools for immigrants who arrived in Spain seeking refuge and asylum and empowered them to become entrepreneurs and start creating jobs and wealth in their communities.

From the 82 applications received from entrepreneurs, 20 semi-finalists were selected by a jury to attend a 2-day conference where they learned from successful immigrant entrepreneurs and gained knowledge about how to start and/or grow their entrepreneurial ventures. Ten finalists were then paired with a successful immigrant entrepreneur to provide business mentorship on a monthly basis.

David also moderated the IVLP Impact Awards Alumni Discussion Series panel on “Promoting Economic Prosperity,” which you can read more about here.

"I can only express my sincere gratitude to the program for the opportunity it has given me to connect with people and mentors who have been crucial in my development as an entrepreneur. Thanks to your support and guidance...I have been able to put my ideas into practice, which has allowed me to materialize my business and adapt it to a new context... In addition to having profitability as a goal; I have been able to shape a business proposal with value that I believe contributes something unique and positive to the community.” - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

David participated in the IVLP Project A Global Moment in Time - Peace and Justice, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education, in partnership with GlobalPittsburgh and Global Ties Miami.

David's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "During my journey to participate in the IVLP program, I encountered several social projects in which assistance was provided to impoverished and resource-limited entrepreneurs in Africa to create wealth in their communities. Despite Spain being a developed country, many refugees experience poverty and vulnerability. Inspired by this, I decided to develop a project aimed at helping those who aspire to leave their shelters, embark on entrepreneurship, and generate employment and wealth."

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Pittsburg, PA

Country: Spain 

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