2024 AGM Voting

I hold a PhD in Applied Economics from Michigan State University, where my doctoral dissertation focused on The Role of Social Capital in Michigan’s Credit Markets (1992). To my knowledge, it was the first dissertation on social capital in the area of Applied Economics and I have been working on social capital related research since. It allowed me to publish three books, one in cooperation with the United States Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC, 2003), along with publications in book chapters and academic journals.

For over 6 years, I was Co-Director of the Social Capital Initiative at Michigan State University, which included the participation of faculty, graduate students, and staff from 8 different colleges and 18 departments. After collaborating for a year, we agreed on a definition of social capital accepted by all the participant’s disciplines.

I played a key role organizing the first two international conferences on social capital, the first one at Michigan State University (1998) and the second in collaboration with ECLAC in Santiago de Chile (2001). The conference in Chile brought more than 400 international scholars and practitioners; as a result, we were able to produce a book on Social Capital and Poverty Reduction in Latin America, both in English and Spanish.

I have taught several courses related to social capital at Michigan State University and in study abroad programs in Mexico, Peru, and Argentina.
I participated in several research projects on social capital, both at domestic and international levels, which produced many papers published in reputable journals. My research experience and publications also gave me opportunities to present at domestic and international conferences.

Based on my background, I have vast experience in social capital related issues, which support why members should vote for my application to ISCA Board of Directors.