Our Story
We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who deeply believe in innovation’s power to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With over 50 think tanks, foundations and NGOs based worldwide, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, adopting new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are driving global transformative change. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://www.weareinnovation.global/.
Our Global Reach
This truly global network spans more than 30 countries across four continents, representing a remarkable diversity of perspectives, cultures, and approaches to innovation policy. From the Americas to Europe, from Asia to Africa, our partners bring unique insights shaped by their local contexts while united by a shared commitment to innovation as a driver of progress. This geographic breadth enables us to understand innovation challenges from multiple angles and craft solutions across different regulatory and economic environments.
Our Core Endeavor
At We Are Innovation, we are dedicated to achieving the implementation of innovative solutions worldwide. We work to empower citizens and governments alike to experiment with new alternatives for solving problems. By doing so, we are building a brighter future for all.
Our Strategic Outlook
We visualize a future where innovation and experimentation with pioneering solutions thrive in every corner of the globe. Collaborating closely with our international partners, we strive to foster a global culture of innovation. This cooperative approach enables us to tackle complex challenges, contributing not only to the progress of individual nations but also to a brighter, more innovative global future.
The Power of Innovation
We uphold the principle that innovation serves as the cornerstone of progress. When innovators introduce novel technologies or business models, these should be welcomed as the default response. The existence of innovations should be respected unless compelling evidence suggests otherwise. The marketplace should be the arena for citizens to endorse or dismiss these innovations. The real threat lies in stifling this process through overregulation or prohibitions.
The Call of Tomorrow
The future is calling, and we are ready to answer. Join us in our mission to create a more innovative and forward-thinking society. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.
Meet the Founder
Federico N. Fernández is a visionary leader dedicated to driving innovation and change. As the CEO of We Are Innovation, a global network of 50+ think tanks and NGOs, Federico champions innovative solutions worldwide. His expertise and passion for innovation have earned him recognition from prestigious publications such as The Economist, El País, Folha de São Paulo, and Newsweek. Federico has also delivered inspiring speeches and lectures across three continents, authored numerous scholarly articles, and co-edited several books on economics.
Federico N. Fernández
CEO of We Are Innovation
Tetiana Rak
Chief Operations Officer
Meet the Coo
Tetiana Rak is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at We Are Innovation. A journalist and freedom activist with 8 years of experience, Tania has worked with renowned media outlets including CNN, TechCrunch, Fox News, HackerNoon, the BBC, and Radio Free Europe, among others. Her unwavering dedication to championing the ideas of technological advancements and global digital transformations has earned her a distinguished reputation in the field. Through her work, Tania promotes the ideas of liberty, and individual rights as a cornerstone of any rights-respecting society. Strengthened by the experience of war in Ukraine, Tania’s beliefs also stand for promoting technological advancements as the transformative tool to advance liberty, giving people the opportunity to speak, act, and pursue happiness without unnecessary external restrictions.
Meet the CCO
Beatriz Santos is the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) at We Are Innovation. She is based in Lisbon, Portugal. Beatriz started publishing articles through her University newspaper and eventually moved to national and international reach outlets, including the well known Portuguese outlets NOVO and Observador. Her professional career includes international communications experience with the ATREVIA agency and the European Parliament. She also has two published books and is an essential part of the Students For Liberty organization in Portugal. With a focus on positive change and global cooperation, Beatriz actively seeks partnerships across the globe to promote innovative initiatives.
Beatriz Santos
Chief Communications Officer
Tijana Gvozdić
Digital Narrative Strategist
Meet the Digital Narrative Strategist
Tijana Gvozdić is the Digital Narrative Strategist at We Are Innovation. She is a final-year medical student with academic interests in surgery and research. Tijana joined WAI as an intern and quickly grew into a core team member, bringing a unique blend of strategic thinking and visual creativity to the organization’s digital presence. With a lifelong background in painting and drawing, she approaches social media and design work with an artist’s eye and a communicator’s purpose. Tijana is passionate about combining her creative and analytical skills to amplify innovation-friendly ideas across WAI’s global network.
Meet the Innovation-Oriented Tax Analyst
Marianela S. Mendoza is the Innovation-Oriented Tax Analyst at We Are Innovation. She is also a Senior Research Fellow at Fundación Internacional Bases. Marianela studied law at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). While still a student, she joined the Judiciary of the Province of Buenos Aires by competition until 2017, which was when she started her own Law Firm specialized in tax and corporate matters. Likewise, she taught classes on Law of Obligations and in 2021 he had his own television space in the cultural program “Estilos y Tendencias”. She is currently living in the City of Córdoba where she also practices law, teaches university support and works as a paralegal for the firm AbsolutLaw PLLC based in Dallas, Texas, USA.
Marianela S. Mendoza
Innovation-Oriented Tax Analyst
José Alberto León
Project Director
Meet the Project Director
José Alberto León Méndez is a Project Director at We Are Innovation and the Fundación Internacional Bases. With a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector and think tank ecosystems, he has specialized in designing and leading initiatives in research, international cooperation, institutional development, and the strategic promotion of ideas in Ibero-America. His work focuses on promoting human dignity, individual freedom, and regulatory resilience, coordinating projects, narratives, and partnerships aimed at public impact. He is the co-author of four books, including “After Socialism, Freedom.” He studied law at the Central University of Venezuela and is currently pursuing a degree in philosophy.
For Organizations Committed to Change
Join We Are Innovation (WAI) and amplify your impact. Connect with a dynamic global network championing progress through innovation. Enjoy increased visibility, collaborate with premier partners worldwide, and influence policy decisions in your field. Access cutting-edge research, participate in high-profile events, and elevate your brand by aligning with our well-established network. Apply to Join the WAI Network, and together, let’s build a brighter future.