Migrant populations have shaped the world throughout history. This has made the countries that have welcomed them progress, change and improve. But it is a difficult reality to assimilate for some who prefer a more closed world and who do not understand the benefits of cultural exchanges for social and economic growth.
Many people have fled wars, dictatorships, hunger and precarious situations and, in many cases, have managed to get back on their feet after losing everything. Others have left their countries in a good position to seek better opportunities and find a home for their dreams.
The Venezuelan community is one of the fastest expanding outside its borders in recent years, and this has allowed the talent of this population to be showcased in different areas. This is just a small sample but it exemplifies very well the capabilities of migrant populations around the world.
From ‘El Sistema’ to the world
The National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela, known as ‘El Sistema’, was created by musician José Antonio Abreu in 1975, with the idea of bringing music education programs to all corners of Venezuela, making music inclusive and offering children of all ages a future.
From the classrooms of this important musical movement have come renowned musicians such as Gustavo Dudamel, who is the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dudamel has won three Grammys and conducted part of the soundtrack of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, composed by John Williams.
Another former student of the System is Ron Davis Álvarez. A violinist, conductor and music teacher who, through the Dream Orchestra in Gothenburg, Sweden, integrates refugee children from Syria, Albania, Palestine, Afghanistan, Angola, Iraq, Somalia and Iran into society. In 2017 the Varkey Foundation selected him as one of the 50 best teachers in the world, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Music awarded him the Göran Lagervalls Pedagogy Prize.
Another talented young woman is Glass Marcano, who was selected among more than two hundred women to participate in the competition for female conductors “La Maestra”, organized by the Paris Mozart Orchestra and the Philharmonie de Paris. The journey was not easy, but with the help of her friends she raised the required registration fee, and later she had to take a humanitarian flight, because commercial flights were closed due to the pandemic. But the effort paid off, she won a special award and her work was recognized by the entire panel of judges.
Women and men of science
One of the Venezuelans who has actively collaborated during the pandemic is Dr. Raúl Istúriz. This internist and infectologist is a member of Pfizer’s vaccine medical team and, as vice president and chief medical officer of the North American region for immunization available and in development, was part of the research and production process of Pfizer’s vaccine against Covid-19.
The arena of education has also had to make efforts to adapt to pandemic times. As president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Venezuelan engineer Leo Rafael Reif has helped rethink online higher education to provide greater opportunities for students from all over the world.
Meanwhile, a Venezuelan engineer leads NASA’s Virtual Reality Lab at the Johnson Space Center. Evelyn Millares co-developed the software with which astronauts are trained for their missions.
NASA has also provided a three-year scholarship to Marisol Román, a young woman who recently graduated from Florida International University. Through the program, she will be able to complete postgraduate research related to communication technologies and, in this way, improve the STAR system.
The world of art and entrepreneurship
One of the most recognized and respected designers in the fashion world is the Venezuelan Carolina Herrera, who in the 80s started an empire with her creations. Undoubtedly, her collections have consolidated her name and boosted a successful career that has spanned 40 years.
Disney is another company where this community has shined. Venezuelan Jorge Ruiz Cano joined the talent development program, which is in charge of recruiting animation professionals. Since then, he has worked on films such as Frozen, Zootopia and Big Heroes.
The migration of Venezuelans to all parts of the world has also led entrepreneurship to emerge. One of the most distinguished business stories involves the Goicochea brothers, who created the Goiko gourmet hamburger franchise in Madrid. The company’s growth rate was so high in 2018 that French firm L Catterton bought 80% of the franchise.
Image credit: Christopher Macsurak
