Pedro David Espinoza: Improving Access to the Internet and Modern Education in Peru

Ladderworks is a publishing platform of diverse picture books and online curriculum with the mission to empower over a million kids to become social entrepreneurs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders, and Changemakers who are advancing the UN SDGs.

Spiffy here with the scoop on the entrepreneurial leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Pedro David Espinoza, the founder and CEO of Pan Peru USA. Let’s learn what’s happening there and how Pedro David is making a positive impact in the world.

Spiffy: Thanks for joining me, Pedro! Tell me, what challenge are you addressing through Pan Peru USA?

Pedro: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! Lack of access to the internet and modern education is the challenge Pan Peru is addressing. Did you know that until now there has been a lack of access to Wifi and even to a computer lab in rural Peru?

Spiffy: Oh wow, I didn’t know that!

Pedro: Yes, it is unfortunate. But with Pan Peru we have so far not only built ten computer labs, but we have also built ten libraries and empowered 80 female entrepreneurs.

Spiffy: Amazing! What motivates you to do it?

Pedro: Seeing women and kids start their own entrepreneurial ventures inspires me to continue building bridges for them to succeed.

Spiffy: Wonderful. What would you say is the impact of your work?

Pedro: To date, we are proud that over 3,000 kids have been given access to a library and computer lab! Also, 10,000 trees have been reforested, and 1,000 families have been given access to healthcare.

Spiffy: Thanks for speaking with me today, Pedro—it’s been an honor!

Pedro David Espinoza is a TED speaker, entrepreneur, and author. In 2014, Pedro became the founder of SmileyGo, an app that helped companies invest smarter. SmileyGo indexed the data of 1.3 million NGOs in addition to having users in 30 countries. Incubated at SkyDeck, his startup gained funding from 1517 Fund, Frank Baxter, and Haas Seed Fund. In 2017, Janet Napolitano awarded Pedro The UC Entrepreneur Winner. In 2018, Pedro founded Pan Peru, a venture that empowers women to become entrepreneurs. (First published on the Ladderworks website on August 11, 2023.)

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.

© 2023 Ladderworks LLC. Edited by George Romar. Spiffy’s illustration by Shreyas Navare. For the Ladderworks digital curriculum to help K-3 kids advance the UN SDGs, visit Spiffy's Launchpad: Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops for K-3 Kids and their caregivers here.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.