Team
Brett Johnson
Publisher and Editor in Chief
Brett Johnson Co-founder and CEO of Altru Institute, a New York and Davos based think tank focused on global challenges through collaboration and technology transfer. At its 2026 meeting in Davos during the World Economic Forum, it introduced the Venezuela Project and formed Economia Venezuela, to facilitate the efficient rebuilding of the country. He has a long history in new venture development with his publishing and media background including as founder and editor-in-chief of Minnesota Ventures magazine and publisher of Law & Politics magazine, now a Thomson Reuters publication called SuperLawyers. He received his degree in economics from Harvard University. Based in Davos and New York.
Gabriel Bagdadi
Senior Editor Research Director: Financial Services
Gabriel was born and raised in Caracas. He is macroeconomic analyst focused on capital markets, monetary systems, and Latin American development. He received his degree in economics from Universidad Complutense de Madrid and began his career managing private multi-asset portfolios across digital assets and emerging technologies. A primary focus has been understanding why some economies succeed and others fail and Austrian economics. Motivated by a commitment to participate in Venezuela’s recovery, Mr. Bagdadi returned to help build financial tools and investment frameworks that expand access to global markets across Latin America and founded Pasi, an innovative online investment platform. He is leading research for Financial Services Industry Council to identify expert network. Based in Margarita Island, Venezuela.
Estefania Salazar
Reporter Associate Editor
Estefania was born and raised in Caracas she acquired a love of journalism and the capacity to write stories about change and possibilities across different sectors. Her work (English/Spanish) has been featured in international and Venezuelan news outlets such as America Magazine, Global Voices and Business Venezuela and recognized by the Department of State (International Visitor Leadership Program). My academic background includes journalism (Catholic University Andrés Bello) and sustainability management (CapacitaRSE). She has a keen interest in the rebuild of the country as review publications and key players worldwide writing about Venezuela and is develop its network of journalists in Venezuela. Based in Caracas.
Armando Alvarado Costa
Research Director: Electrification
Armando holds a degree in International Studies from the Universidad Central de Venezuela and a diploma in Public Policy and Democratic Governance from the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. His professional experience includes working with NGOs and civil society dedicated to strengthening civic institutions and promoting a culture of peace and democratic coexistence. In his professional work he has participated in educational and humanitarian initiatives in vulnerable communities in various regions of Venezuela. He has taken a keen interest in the electricity crisis and the impact on the country and its people. Based in Caracas and Puerto Cabello.
Alifia Aradhani
Research and Communications Manager
Alifia has a background in project management and sustainability, with experience in environmental and water infrastructure development. Her research work spans sanitation systems and coastal development, and she has contributed to the management of regional water infrastructure projects. She is driven by a deep interest in urban systems, sustainability, and the role of applied research in shaping development outcomes. She holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember. She authored a water innovations study for the Davos Consortium and will be conducting global study to identify advanced water infrastructure for Venezuela. Based in Jakarta.
Robert Tragi
Information Technology Director
Rahul serves as Technical Director, bringing extensive experience in software engineering, systems architecture, and workflow automation. He has held senior engineering roles at Zomato, Extramarks Education, and Iteration X. Specializing in Airtable and Softr platforms, he develops scalable systems focused on user engagement and operational efficiency, including CRM platforms and automated workflow solutions. He studied Computer Applications and Programming at I.T.S. Mohannagar. Based in New Delhi.
Team
Brett Johnson
Publisher and Editor in Chief
Brett Johnson Co-founder and CEO of Altru Institute, a New York and Davos based think tank focused on global challenges through collaboration and technology transfer. The group hosts its annual meeting in Davos during the World Economic Forum. At its 2026 meeting it introduced the Venezuela Project and formed Economia Venezuela, an enterprise to facilitate the efficient rebuilding of the country. It hosts regular Salons in New York City and elsewhere as well as events periodically at the United Nations. His publishing and media background includes founder and editor-in-chief of Minnesota Ventures magazine, founder and publisher of Law & Politics magazine, now a Thomson Reuters publication called SuperLawyers. He received his degree in economics from Harvard University.
Gabriel Bagdadi
Senior and Editor Analyst
Gabriel was born and raised in Caracas. He is macroeconomic analyst focused on capital markets, monetary systems, and Latin American development. He received his degree in economics from Universidad Complutense de Madrid and began his career managing private multi-asset portfolios across digital assets and emerging technologies. A primary focus has been understanding why some economies succeed and others fail and Austrian economics. Motivated by a commitment to participate in Venezuela’s recovery, Mr. Bagdadi returned to help build financial tools and investment frameworks that expand access to global markets across Latin America and founded Pasi an innovative online platform. He will serve as a director of the Financial Services Industry council to help building out its expert network in the country. Based in Margarita Island.
Estefania Salazar
Reporter Associate Editor
Estefania was born and raised in Caracas she acquired a love of journalism and the capacity to write stories about change and possibilities across different sectors. Her work (English/Spanish) has been featured in international and Venezuelan news outlets such as America Magazine, Global Voices and Business Venezuela and recognized by the Department of State (International Visitor Leadership Program). My academic background includes journalism (Catholic University Andrés Bello) and sustainability management (CapacitaRSE). She has taken a keen interest in the rebuild of the country and works to develop networks Part of her job is our global News Scan where we review publications and key players worldwide
Armando Alvarado Costa
Research Director: Electrification
Armando holds a degree in International Studies from the Universidad Central de Venezuela and a diploma in Public Policy and Democratic Governance from the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. His professional experience includes working with NGOs and civil society dedicated to strengthening civic institutions and promoting a culture of peace and democratic coexistence. In his professional work he has participated in educational and humanitarian initiatives in vulnerable communities in various regions of Venezuela. He has taken a keen interest in the electricity crisis and the impact on the country and its people. Based in Caracas and Puerto Cabello.
Alifia Aradhani
Research and Communication Manager
Alifia has a background in project management and sustainability, with experience in environmental and water infrastructure development. Her research work spans sanitation systems and coastal development, and she has contributed to the management of regional water infrastructure projects. She is driven by a deep interest in urban systems, sustainability, and the role of applied research in shaping development outcomes. She holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember. She authored a water innovations study for the Davos Consortium and will be conducting global study to identify advanced water infrastructure for Venezuela. Based in Jakarta.
Rahul Tyagi
Information and Technology Director
Rahul serves as Technical Director, bringing extensive experience in software engineering, systems architecture, and workflow automation. He has held senior engineering roles at Zomato, Extramarks Education, and Iteration X. Specializing in Airtable and Softr platforms, he develops scalable systems focused on user engagement and operational efficiency, including CRM platforms and automated workflow solutions. He studied Computer Applications and Programming at I.T.S. Mohannagar.
