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Our Story
From Vision → Global Impact
On a mission to find the best
talent in the world.
Gem McCreary, a former AH-64D Attack Helicopter Pilot, and
Doug Nagy, a former Campaign Manager for President Obama,
met at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2011.
The two reconnected in 2016 during international assignments in Colombia, where Gem participated in Citi’s flagship Global Engagement Management Associate (GEMA) leadership program, and Doug co-founded McKinsey’s Medellín office. Through their work, they recognized a systemic gap: despite Colombia’s vast talent pool, professionals from historically excluded communities, particularly Afro-descendant and Indigenous (ADI) individuals, were disproportionately underrepresented in elite professional networks and leadership pipelines.
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Developing and implementing a
global game plan.
Through conversations with colleagues and local professionals, they identified a pattern: high-potential candidates from historically marginalized backgrounds often lacked access to the mentorship, financial resources, and global networks needed to compete for top-tier universities and careers in competitive fields like finance, consulting, and technology.
Gem saw this disparity firsthand while working in Brazil’s banking sector, where systemic gaps in representation persisted even during the region’s tech and startup boom. Despite Brazil and Colombia’s vibrant diversity, corporate leadership tables remained disproportionately homogeneous, representing a missed opportunity for innovation and growth.
Creating a sustainable culture
on every continent.
Recognizing that MBA programs serve as a critical gateway to leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies, high-growth startups, and impact-driven organizations, Gem and Doug saw an opportunity. By equipping high-potential professionals from historically marginalized communities with the tools to access these programs, they could catalyze a new wave of diverse leadership across Latin America. Their vision went beyond representation. It was about unlocking untapped talent to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and equitable economic growth in the region.
In 2017, they came up with the concept for TalentoTotal, developing a dual mission: to dismantle systemic barriers preventing high-potential professionals from historically marginalized communities from accessing elite MBA programs, and to cultivate a generation of leaders who reflect the full diversity and talent of Latin America.
Our Mission
Untapped Talent → Global Leadership
TalentoTotal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more competitive and inclusive global leadership landscape. We accelerate the careers of high-potential professionals from historically marginalized communities—including Afro-descendant, Indigenous, first-generation, and low-income individuals—who face systemic barriers to accessing elite education and career pathways.
Our mission is achieved through coaching, professional development, and leadership training designed to expand access to opportunities in corporations, law firms, entrepreneurial ventures, and multinational organizations. By addressing structural inequities, we help build a leadership pipeline that reflects the diversity of talent worldwide.
As a data-driven organization, we leverage global relationships and evidence-based strategies to equip leaders who can drive transformative impact for their communities and the sectors they serve.
Our Values
No Compromise on Character. No Limit on Impact.
At TalentoTotal, we champion integrity, competence, and courageous leadership—rooted in our unwavering Honor Code. Our Fellows lead by example, transforming their earned confidence into action that uplifts communities and inspires the next generation of diverse global leaders.
The TalentoTotal Honor Code
A TalentoTotal Fellow will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.
Triple C’s
Competence (Learn) - the ability to do something well
Confidence (Perfect) - the belief that you are able to do things well or be successful
Courage (Act) - the quality that makes you able to do dangerous or difficult things / the quality of being brave
Leadership Principles
We believe that empowerment stems from self-awareness and builds upon leading by example and giving back to our communities. Each TalentoTotal Fellow serves as an inspirational force multiplier for their nation and society. Through purpose, direction, and motivation, our Fellows ignite change—inspiring the next generation of leaders from historically marginalized communities, including Afro-descendant, Indigenous, and other underrepresented groups worldwide.
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Our Team
A global force for equitable leadership.
Bound by shared purpose, not borders, our multicultural team brings together decades of experience across continents and industries. We bridge worlds and dismantle barriers—transforming raw potential into principled leaders who drive change in boardrooms, communities, and beyond.
Gem McCreary
Founder & CEO
Carol Silva
Chief Legal Officer
Douglas Nagy
Co-Founder
Manisha Riley
Intern
Marina Nascimento
Senior Marketing Manager
Nicolás Rojas
Chief Technology Officer
