Who We Are

Francia Peña is a mission-driven leader with over two decades of experience in education, international development, and economic empowerment. Born in Colombia and now based in Los Angeles, she has worked across sectors to build workforce programs, support rural development, and lead cross-border collaborations that uplift underserved communities. As the founder of CAIO, Francia connects Colombian project developers with U.S. partners to drive sustainable growth through education, innovation, and strategic investment. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity, opportunity, and transforming lives through purposeful action.

With over 30 years of experience in education, leadership, and community-building, Jon brings the perfect blend of vision, passion, and strategy to CAIO. His career spans classrooms, athletic fields, and large-scale initiatives, always focused on empowering people, driving innovation, and building programs that create lasting impact. Jon has led award-winning efforts in trauma-informed education, career pathways, and nonprofit partnerships, making him an invaluable asset to CAIO’s mission of sustainable development and cross-cultural collaboration. He holds a Master’s in Instructional Leadership and a BA in Communications, and leads with integrity, purpose, and a deep commitment to community transformation.

Cesar Franco, a bilingual communicator from Cali, Colombia now in Los Angeles, transforms complex ideas into clear, culturally tuned stories. He produces digital campaigns, short-form videos, and community spotlights, manages CAIO’s bilingual social-media channels, and designs its websites, aligning every message and pixel with the organization’s mission. By shaping brand voice and content strategy, Cesar ensures CAIO’s work reaches the partners and communities that can turn awareness into action.

Serge Gharibian is the President of Washington Capital Global Finance, Inc., a private equity fund based in Los Angeles, California with a focus on global infrastructure and energy projects. With over 30 years in the financial industry, he has financed and negotiated over $8.5 billion in deals, including residential, commercial, and public construction projects worldwide. Since 2010, Serge has led funding for renewable, sustainable, and alternative energy initiatives across Latin America. He maintains strong relationships with capital markets, hedge funds, and multilateral institutions, and serves as a technical expert supporting project developers in enhancing project viability and impact.

Camilo Vargas is a seasoned attorney with over 30 years of experience in litigation, legal consulting, and judicial services. He has served in both public and private sectors, including as an Associate Justice in Bogotá’s Superior Court. Alongside his legal work, Camilo is deeply committed to social impact. He sits on the administrative boards of Fundación Proyecto Union Santa Rita and Fundación Dharma, supporting critically ill children and families in need in Colombia. His career reflects a powerful blend of legal expertise and humanitarian dedication.

Leonardo Osorio is a distinguished Colombian entrepreneur with more than two decades of leadership in the food sector. Leveraging a comprehensive grasp of Colombia’s agricultural landscape and regulatory environment, he has guided the creation of sustainable, community-driven initiatives nationwide. Over the course of his career, Mr. Osorio has forged robust partnerships with farmers, cooperatives, and government entities, effectively bridging innovation and tradition within the agri-food industry. Committed to regional advancement, he continues to champion programs that enhance economic growth, bolster food security, and promote environmental stewardship in rural communities.