DIA Labs project, a Trust for the Americas program supported by the Citi Foundation, celebrated innovation and community impact during Meet & Greet event

Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – February 10, 2025 – The Trust’s DIA Lab in Trinidad & Tobago held a special Meet & Greet event that took place at the DIA Youth Innovation Lab, located at CARIRI's Center for Enterprise Development, to celebrate the cycle closing of the program. Representatives from Citi and five outstanding beneficiaries attended the event. 

In June 2021, the DIA Lab program was launched in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. This initiative empowered young innovators and disruptive entrepreneurs to develop low-cost, high-impact solutions that created affordable access and livelihood opportunities for their communities. During the event, beneficiaries shared their inspiring entrepreneurial and innovation journeys, highlighting how The Trust’s DIA Lab empowered them to drive meaningful change in their communities. 

“The success of these young entrepreneurs is a testament to their perseverance and diligence; it was a privilege to be among them. Seeing the positive impact on their lives, their families and communities makes this all the more worthwhile”, said Mitchell De Silva, Citi Country Officer and Banking Head for Trinidad & Tobago.  

The agenda featured a series of engaging activities, beginning with introductions and an interactive icebreaker, followed by personal stories from the beneficiaries about their ventures and experiences within the Innovation Lab. Citi representatives also shared their perspectives, offering guidance and encouragement to the young entrepreneurs. 

About The Trust’s DIA Labs Project 

DIA Labs project – an initiative supported through the Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress Initiative – was executed in Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and the Dominican Republic. The program has impacted more than 9,500 young people who have accessed training programs in digital skills, project incubation support, and business mentoring. 

The program has helped more than 860 participants start or strengthen their social or business entrepreneurship projects.  Nearly 471 participants received funding for their innovative projects or ventures through the program’s flagship Pitch Tank Competitions.  

The impact of these initiatives has been fundamental in consolidating the participation of young people in digital transformation and inclusive growth in their respective countries, highlighting the program's commitment to the future of the Caribbean. 

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About The Trust for the Americas:        

The Trust for the Americas is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Organization of American States (OAS). It was established in 1997 to promote public and private sector participation in social and economic development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our initiatives, implemented through local partner organizations, seek to improve access to economic opportunities as well as to foster innovation in vulnerable communities in the hemisphere. To this end, The Trust also promotes social inclusion and good governance. The Trust has offices in Washington, D.C., Colombia, and Canada.         

More information: www.thetrustfortheamericas.org         

Media Contact     

Carlos Escalante, Communications Manager | Email: cescalante@trust-oea.org