WELCOME TO ILADI
We are Integración Latinoamericana de Diseño e Innovación (Integration of Latin American Design and Innovation), catalyzing the creative industry through collaborations between institutions, brands, designers, platforms, professionals, and more.
WHO WE ARE
ILADI is designed to integrate the most important collaborators into a network that nurtures creative entrepreneurs that aim to transform Latin America by achieving high levels of innovation and cultural development through art and design.
Our network is comprised of creative professionals, students, platforms, academia, private enterprises, government institutions, and international organizations, and any other entity committed to the growth of the creative industry, responding to the invitation from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to invest in the “orange” economy.
ILADI catalyzes collaborations between the most important stakeholders of the creative economy. We design learning formats and experiences that respond to the demand of professional development for creatives. We guide emerging brands and startups towards international expansion to promote entrepreneurship and build outstanding professionals who reflect the potential in the region for economic advancement.
ILADI Promotes development Through:
Education
Education is the cornerstone of progress. We offer a spectrum of innovative educational programs designed to empower the creative minds of today and tomorrow that include:
- Innovative educational programs with esteemed academic institutions.
- International conferences, workshops, and seminars where industry leaders, educators, and students converge to share insights and ideas that inspire each other.
- Networking and community building, connecting students, educators, and professionals to facilitate mentorship, collaboration, and the sharing of best industry practices.
- Creative expression to celebrate diversity and promote understanding among different cultures and communities.
Production
Production is the framework that converts ideas into marketable products. We engage the community to design a road map to identify and propose solutions to the various limitations found in the region.
- Connecting professionals, designers, and artisans with production spaces, tools, and business frameworks.
- Managing production grants to support innovative creative projects and initiatives through collaboration with government institutions and prominent international organizations.
- Identifying resource hubs for creatives and organizations to use to produce all forms of art expression.
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of innovation and growth. To this end, nurture a new generation of creative entrepreneurs that lead an unprecedented wealth creation for the socio-economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean by
- Providing aspiring entrepreneurs with access to tailored incubation programs, where they receive mentorship, guidance, and resources to transform their creative ideas into viable businesses.
- Acting as a bridge, connecting entrepreneurs with influential stakeholders, potential collaborators, and investors, thereby expanding their horizons, and amplifying their impact.
- Designing workshops, webinars, and training sessions aimed at equipping budding entrepreneurs with the practical skills and knowledge needed to further their projects.
Our mission
ILADI contributes to the growth and vitality of the creative economy in Latin America and the Caribbean by catalyzing collaborations that elevate education, generate production solutions, and develop entrepreneurs.
Our Vision
ILADI will be recognized as the organization that brings together the most important collaborators to drive the new generation of creative entrepreneurs (artists and designers) who will lead the transformation of Latin American society. We aim to achieve high levels of innovation and cultural development within the global economy.
Our Values
ILADI vows to preserve and create culture, promote sustainability and good stewardship of natural resources, rescue traditional artisanal techniques, digitalize the local industry, and build communities. By creating jobs and maximizing creative potential, we promote trust, community building, and collaboration. Our business practices encourage idea exchanges and foster mutual growth.
OUR FOUNDERS
Franyel Zelaya
FOUNDER
Franyel Zelaya is a Nicaraguan-Honduran design professional with over fifteen years of experience in the fields of architecture, preservation, and interior design. He is an international speaker on education and creative industries in more than 20 countries, specializing in Educational Diplomacy. As the former Director of Admissions and International Relations for Latin America at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Franyel has become an internationalization strategist for design schools in the region. He is the creator of intensive fashion workshops for prestigious platforms and entities in Latin America such as CAC-UNAH, Honduras, Nicaragua Diseña, Altos de Chavón, Dominican Republic, Cartagena Inspira, Colombia, and more.
Mariú Lacayo
FOUNDER
With over fourteen years of design experience, Mariú Lacayo is the first Image Consultant and specialized Fashion Design Curator in Central America. She is certified by IDIP Mexico, Color me Beautiful, London, and AICI. Her extensive experience includes editorial productions for media outlets, production and direction of runways and fashion events such as Fashion for Smiles, Nicaragua por Joseph, and Nicaragua Diseña. She’s also collaborated and judged beauty pageants, worked as a TV host and personality, and has advised multiple emerging Latin American talents and brands. She is a former Director of Admissions for Central America and the Caribbean at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
