Ileana Ferber, CEO/ Director and Local Content Specialist, Colibri Business Development LLC

As the founder and CEO of Colibri Business Development LLC, Ileana stands at the forefront of the energy sector’s evolution. Her firm is dedicated to crafting strategies that not only bolster the economic growth of host nations but also align with the global shift toward sustainable energy.

With a storied 24-year tenure at ExxonMobil, Ileana honed her expertise in the Global Procurement department, where she adeptly navigated service contract negotiations and executions across the company’s global operations. Her transition from ExxonMobil to an independent consultant marked a new chapter in her mission to drive change.

An esteemed Subject Matter Expert in international development, Ileana’s consultancy transcends mere advice; she is a catalyst for industrial policy reform, economic advancement, and skill development within the energy sector. Her innate ability to forge and nurture relationships has been the cornerstone of her career, enabling her to unite diverse stakeholders and foster enduring partnerships.
Ileana’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evidenced by her past collaboration with WEConnect International and her ongoing advocacy for women’s economic empowerment. She firmly believes in the integration of women-owned businesses into the energy supply chain and actively mentors aspiring women entrepreneurs.

Her academic foundation is as diverse as her professional experience, with a BA in Languages and Business from Universidad Metropolitana, an MBA in International Development from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and executive education in Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, and Economic Development from Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

A Venezuelan native, Ileana’s journey has taken her from her homeland to The Woodlands, TX, where she resides with her family and pets. Her global perspective is not just a professional asset but a personal passion, driving her to share best practices in international development and aid countries in transcending poverty and social hurdles.

Eduardo Miranda is an Angolan professional with a strong academic background and diverse international experience. He graduated from Africa University in Zimbabwe in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in public administration and management, where he developed leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.

Pursuing further education, Eduardo completed a master’s degree in management at the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal in Portugal. During this time, he interned at Visteon, a leading multinational technology company, where he led a team to develop a new reporting system and successfully negotiated higher sales prices, enhancing the company’s revenue.

Currently residing in the United States, Eduardo has obtained a postgraduate diploma in Global Business from Harvard Business School and is pursuing an MBA at Houston Baptist University. He is the founder and President of the Houston Baptist University chapter of the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN), an organization supporting international energy negotiators worldwide.

In addition to his role at AIEN, Eduardo is interning at SONANGOL USA Company ("SONUSA"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonangol E.P. SONUSA acts as a liaison between Sonangol E.P. and oil companies, suppliers, and other partners, providing services on behalf of Sonangol E.P. It holds exclusive rights to oil and gas exploration and production in Houston, Texas, and plays a significant role in the energy sector in Angola.

Driven by his passion for improving his home country, Eduardo has become a researcher in local content. Angola, despite being heavily reliant on the oil sector, is ranked sixth in Africa by GDP according to the World Population Review. Eduardo firmly believes that Angola should and can achieve a top ranking, providing the majority of Angolans with an upper-middle-class standard of living. He is committed to making this a reality, starting with the development of local content initiatives.

Eduardo Miranda, Houston Christian University AIEN Student Club President and Local Content Researcher

Eduardo’s leadership at AIEN has led to successful recruitment efforts and the organization of impactful events, including a highly regarded youth negotiation event featuring industry experts in oil and gas. He believes in the transformative power of education and the importance of networking and mentorship in professional development.

Having studied in Zimbabwe, Portugal, and the USA, Eduardo is committed to exploring opportunities in the oil and gas sector and is eager to make a positive impact in the field. He believes that hard work leads to results and is focused on continuous growth and achievement.

Jason Blades, Associate, Blades International

Jason graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2015, where he played football and studied Public Health. With a strong interest in international business and politics, Jason was awarded a grant to conduct research with the Health and Global Policy Institute in Tokyo. He spent a semester at Sophia University, where he studied Japanese Public Policy and the Japanese Language. Jason also gained valuable experience in major international markets through an exchange program in Chengdu, China.

Upon graduating, Jason worked in a sales position in New York City. After a year, he moved to Los Angeles, where he worked in Marketing Data & Analytics for Paramount Pictures. In this role, he analyzed marketing campaigns, advised on creative decision-making, and provided insights on branding for diverse marketing audiences globally.

Excited to return to Texas, Jason pursued his MBA in International Business at Houston Christian University (HCU), which he has now completed. He currently serves as Vice President at Houston based foreign exchange advisory firm Blades International, focusing on developing and expanding international client relationships.