Who We Are
Alignment
You – the educator – are at the heart of everything we do. Keeping our programmes aligned with your ever-evolving needs is our top priority. We rely on your candid feedback to help us succeed.
Excellence
We are committed to relentless pursuit of superlative quality. Our faculty is carefully selected among some of the most knowlegeable and experienced persons in their fields of expertise.
Innovation
To stay sharp and current in a volatile, ever-shifting environment, we must constantly scan for new trends not only in education but in the wider environment, and respond swiftly and effectively with fresh approaches concerning both content and delivery.
Diversity
We strongly believe that diversity breeds abundance, invention and improvement. We firmly position ourselves on the international stage to bring about the variety of cultures, expertise, professional backgrounds and cognitive standpoints that will ensure this goal.
Growth
Your growth is our success. We strive to uphold and advance a growth mindset, where collaboration is not a zero-sum game but, on the contrary, the cornerstone for mutual improvement. But most of all, we believe in the transformational power of education and that by joining efforts in a lasting partnership we are creating a better, brighter future for children and young people throughout the world.
Our Team
FILIPE PINHAL
Chairman
Filipe Pinhal has a degree in Finance from ISCEF – School of Economics and Finance, University of Lisbon and completed post-graduate Business Management courses at AESE, in Lisbon, and INSEAD in Fontainebleau.
He began his professional career at Banco da Agricultura and held public posts in the Portuguese Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Finance before being appointed as State Delegate to the executive board of Montepio Geral, a mutual bank. He subsequently moved to Caixa Geral de Depósitos, a state-owned bank, and thereafter to Banco Comercial Português, (BCP) a major Portuguese bank. At BCP between 1985 and 2008, he served as General Manager, Executive Director, Deputy CEO and CEO. He also held institutional positions as representative of the Portuguese Banking Association at the National Consumer Council and the Economic and Social Council. He retired from the financial sector in January 2008.
In 2012 he became shareholder and non-executive director at Veritas Educação e Serviços SA, owner of Saint Dominic’s International School. Since 2019 he is also a shareholder and the Chairman of Veritas International Training Centre.
Academically, he has been a faculty member at his alma mater, ISCEF (1970/73) and guest professor at different universities in Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto (1980/2008).
Filipe is also a prolific writer, having authored five books and contributed regularly to a column in a major weekly newspaper.
MARIPAZ AGUILERA
DIRECTOR, EDUCATION
Maripaz Aguilera is a highly skilled educator and leader in international education, specializing in language, literature, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. With a Ph.D. in Language and Culture from the University of Córdoba, she brings a wealth of academic expertise to her roles.
Throughout her career, Maripaz has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing educational standards and fostering professional growth within the IB community. She has held key leadership positions in prestigious international schools, including roles as the IB DP Coordinator at Uplands in Malaysia and currently as the Head of Student Support and Wellbeing as well as DPC at St. Dominic’s in Portugal.
Maripaz’s leadership extends beyond administrative roles; she is renowned for her dynamic approach to professional development. As the Head of Curriculum for Languages at GEMS World Academy Switzerland, she spearheaded initiatives to empower teachers across all IB programs. Her extensive experience includes coordinating IB workshops, serving as an examiner and moderator, and providing guidance for IB implementation.
Maripaz is also an accomplished author and presenter, with publications and presentations focusing on school strategic plans, school leadership, and effective teaching methodologies. Her dedication to excellence in education and her ability to inspire and mentor educators make her a valuable asset to any institution committed to international standards of learning and growth