This article continues the series of ten interviews with the Officers of the IEEE ComSoc Member and Global Activities (MGA) Council for the term 2024–2025, which will be published every month in the Global Communications Newsletter.

In this series of articles, I introduce the Vice-President and the six Directors on the MGA Council (namely: Member Services, Industry Outreach, and AP, NA, LA, and EMEA Regions), as well as the three Chairs of the Women in Communications Engineering (WICE), Young Professionals (YP), and Sister Societies Standing Committees. In each interview, one by one they present their sector activities and plans.

In this issue, I interview Yessica Sáez, IEEE ComSoc LA Region Director.

Yessica is an Electronics and Telecommunications Engineer, holding degrees from the Technological University of Panama and advanced certifications in higher education from the Isthmus University of Panama. She completed both her master’s and doctoral degrees in Electrical Engineering at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, USA. Currently, Yessica serves as a Researcher Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Technological University of Panama and is the Research Coordinator at the Azuero Campus. She is also a member of Panama’s National Research System (SNI), the Awards and Recognition Representative of the IEEE Panama Section, and the Regional Director for Latin America of the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc), a member of the IEEE ComSoc Global Women in Communications Engineering Committee (WICE), and the Coordinator of the Research Group on Telecommunication Engineering and Intelligent Systems Applied to Society (ITSIAS).

Stefano: Hello Yessica! Would you like to begin by introducing the Latin America Region to our readers? What are its main characteristics?

Yessica: Hello Stefano and thank you for the opportunity. The Latin America Region is vibrant and diverse, encompassing over 600 million people across various countries, each with unique cultural and economic backgrounds. Major nations like Mexico and Brazil anchor the region’s telecommunications landscape with well-developed markets. However, despite this development, there are significant disparities in telecommunications coverage throughout the region.

Latin America is characterized by its rapid technological adoption and a growing digital consumer base, making it an important area for telecommunications expansion and innovation. Yet, the challenge remains to bridge the digital divide and ensure more uniform access to technology across urban and rural areas. This is where organizations like ComSoc play a crucial role in fostering industry connections, advocating for technology access, and supporting professional growth in the telecommunications sector.

This is your first time serving as IEEE ComSoc LA Region Director. How was your first impression when you were appointed? And on the first days, after you started serving in your new position? What was the first difficulty you faced?

When I was first appointed as the IEEE ComSoc LA Region Director, I felt an immense sense of honor and responsibility. The opportunity to lead and contribute to the growth of the telecommunications community in such a diverse and dynamic region was both exciting and humbling. My initial days in this role were filled with enthusiasm and a strong desire to make a positive impact.

During those first days, I focused on understanding the unique needs and challenges of our region. One of the initial difficulties I faced was aligning the various initiatives and activities across different countries to ensure a cohesive strategy. Given the diversity and size of the Latin America Region, it was essential to establish strong communication channels with chapter chairs and members. This required a concerted effort to coordinate effectively, understand local issues, and tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of each area. Overcoming this challenge has been crucial in setting a solid foundation for our future initiatives.

The Distinguished Lecturer Program (DLP) and the Distinguished Speaker Program (DSP) are particularly appreciated by our members. What are the activities of your LA Region under these ComSoc Programs?

The Distinguished Lecturer Program (DLP) and the Distinguished Speaker Program (DSP) are highly valued by our members for their role in bringing expert knowledge and cutting-edge research to our region. In Latin America, we have been actively engaging with these programs to enhance the professional growth and technical knowledge of our members. The biennial 2022–2023 period was particularly successful, with numerous virtual and in-person lectures held across the region, including nine virtual lectures and several Distinguished Lecturer Tours in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador. These events received excellent feedback and helped attract new members to ComSoc.

For 2024, our board intends to continue promoting the Distinguished Lecturer Program for IEEE ComSoc Latin America. We’ll work closely with chapter chairs and members to organize these lectures. The website has been updated with the complete list of distinguished lecturers for 2024. We encourage our chapters to request DL sessions through the available form, coordinated with our DLT/DSP Coordinator, Fabricio Braga. To date, we have already approved four DL tours and received many other DL requests, reflecting the high interest and engagement from our members.

What are other membership activities in the LA Region, that you consider most significant, and you would like to highlight in particular?

In addition to the Distinguished Lecturer Program (DLP) and the Distinguished Speaker Program (DSP), we have several other significant membership activities in the Latin America Region that greatly benefit our members. One of the key activities is our regional conferences and workshops, which provide valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development. These events, such as the IEEE Latin America Conference on Communications (LATINCOM), bring together professionals, researchers, and students to discuss the latest advancements in telecommunications and related fields.

Furthermore, we have been actively promoting student engagement through various initiatives, including the Student Branch Chapters and the IEEE ComSoc Student Competitions. These activities encourage students to participate in technical challenges, develop their skills, and connect with professionals in the industry. Additionally, we focus on industry collaborations and partnerships to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing our members with insights into practical applications and emerging trends in telecommunications.

Thank you for mentioning LATINCOM, which is the IEEE ComSoc flagship conference in the Latin America Region! As you know, I have been involved in many editions of LATINCOM over its 15 years of history begun in Medellín, Colombia, in 2009. Currently, I am the Chair of the LATINCOM Steering Committee.

This year, IEEE LATINCOM will be back to its origin in Medellín, Colombia (6-8 November 2024). As LA Region Director, you are going to organize an LA Region Chapter Chair Congress in conjunction with IEEE LATINCOM 2024 in Medellín. Might you anticipate something of what you and your Board are preparing?

Thank you for bringing up LATINCOM, which indeed holds a special place as IEEE ComSoc’s flagship conference in the Latin America Region. I appreciate your long-standing involvement and leadership in this significant event. This year, as we bring IEEE LATINCOM back to its origin in Medellín, Colombia, from November 6-8, 2024, we are filled with excitement and anticipation.

As the LA Region Director, I am thrilled to announce that we will be organizing an LA Region Chapter Chair Congress in conjunction with IEEE LATINCOM 2024. This congress will serve as a platform for our chapter chairs to come together, share insights, and collaborate on strategies to enhance our region’s impact. We are preparing a series of workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on best practices in chapter management, membership engagement, and industry collaboration. Additionally, we will introduce new initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and professional development within our chapters. Our goal is to empower our chapter leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to drive growth and make a significant impact in their local communities. We are confident that this congress, held alongside the esteemed LATINCOM conference, will be a milestone event for our region.

What are the most difficult challenges to face in the LA Region?

One of the most difficult challenges we face in the Latin America Region is bridging the digital divide. While countries like Brazil and Mexico have well-developed telecommunications markets, many areas still suffer from inadequate coverage and limited access to high-speed internet. This disparity creates significant barriers to ensuring that all members can fully participate in and benefit from IEEE ComSoc activities.

As LA Region Director, a major challenge I struggle with is attempting to increase our membership and engagement across the region. Despite the region’s large population, we currently represent only about 4% of the global ComSoc membership. There is substantial potential for growth, especially in countries with strong telecommunications industries like Brazil. However, this requires concerted efforts in outreach, demonstrating the value of membership, and fostering stronger connections with both academic institutions and the industry.

In conclusion, some of the most serious challenges we are coping with in the Latin America Region involve membership retention and the engagement of young professionals. While we have been successful in attracting new members, retaining them remains a significant challenge. We need to continuously demonstrate the value of IEEE ComSoc membership by providing relevant and impactful activities, resources, and networking opportunities.

Engaging young professionals is another critical area. As they transition from student life to their professional careers, we must ensure that they see the continued value in remaining active members of IEEE ComSoc. This involves creating targeted programs and events that address their specific needs and interests, such as career development workshops, mentorship programs, and opportunities for professional growth and leadership within the organization. By focusing on these areas, we aim to build a vibrant, sustainable community that supports members throughout their careers.

And what about Students? Do you organize regularly any specific activities for them?

Students are a vital part of our community in the Latin America Region, and we organize several activities specifically tailored for them. One of our key initiatives is the IEEE ComSoc Student Competitions, which provide students with opportunities to engage in technical challenges, showcase their innovative projects, and gain recognition for their work. These competitions not only enhance their technical skills but also encourage teamwork and creativity.

Additionally, we regularly support and promote Student Branch Chapters across the region. These chapters host various events, such as technical workshops, guest lectures, and networking sessions, enabling students to connect with professionals and peers, learn about the latest developments in telecommunications, and develop their professional networks.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce plans for a student regional congress, which we aim to hold either this year or next. This congress will be a significant event, bringing together students from across the region to participate in workshops, discussions, and collaborative projects. It will provide an excellent platform for students to share their ideas, gain insights from experts, and build lasting connections within the IEEE ComSoc community.

Let us conclude with some happy news. What is the best news in Latin America of this year?

To conclude with some happy news, we have several exciting developments to share from the Latin America Region this year. One of the highlights is the success of the DLT program.

Additionally, we are proud to announce the increasing recognition of our members’ contributions to the field of telecommunications. Several members have received prestigious awards and honors for their innovative research and professional achievements. Furthermore, we are excited about the upcoming RCCC and the IEEE LATINCOM 2024, which will be held in Medellín, Colombia, and promises to be a significant event for our region. These successes highlight the strength and potential of the IEEE ComSoc community in Latin America, and we look forward to building on these achievements in the coming year.”