Cynthia Villar Sanchez

Cynthia Villar Sanchez serves as Adjunct Faculty and Director of the Business & Career Development Center at Columbia International University's Cook School of Business. With over 20 years of cross-sector experience, she leads initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, employment, and mentoring to empower students, alumni, and communities globally.

Her academic foundation includes:

• MBA from Columbia International University

Specializing in entrepreneurial innovation and fintech, her work bridges academic theory with real-world business acceleration. She pioneers programs that foster startup ecosystems across Latin America and the United States, emphasizing practical skill development and mentorship-driven growth in high-demand economic sectors.

Her distinguished recognition includes:

• Outstanding Women Entrepreneur: Fintech World Challenge (2019)
• Fintech Founder of the Year: USIL (2018)
• Outstanding Women Entrepreneur: GIST Catalyst Program (2018)
• Entrepreneur of the Year: USIL (2017)

As an active mentor across Peru, Chile, Argentina, and the USA, she guides emerging entrepreneurs through organizations including Halcyon Incubator (where she serves on the steering committee), Techstars, and Visa's Everywhere Initiative. She collaborates with international CIU Graduate Assistants to scale the Center's global impact.

The Business & Career Development Center operates on three foundational pillars—entrepreneurship, employment, and mentoring—delivering high-impact workshops and networking platforms that connect talent with industry opportunities while advancing professional calling and development.