Mayra Vivacqua is Mastercard's cluster leader for the Caribbean region. The financial mogul finds herself in a male-dominated sector, but she has navigated it with style and grace.
Describing her role at a multinational company, she said: “I am tasked with leading efforts to accelerate the region’s digital transformation, ensuring that all Caribbean citizens have access to and enjoy the benefits of the digital economy. This can only be achieved through close collaboration with all players in the Caribbean. That's why we build and strengthen strategic partnerships with financial institutions, fintechs, governments and merchants across the Caribbean to help you build faster and more easily. and more convenient payment solutions that meet the needs and aspirations of every Caribbean country, everywhere.”
Originally from Brazil, Vivacqua has had the unique privilege of exploring the Caribbean. Be careful not to pick your favorite island. “It's really hard to choose a favorite island in the Caribbean, as I've come to appreciate each island's unique characteristics.” From the vibrant culture and warm-hearted people, to the exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views. From beaches to beaches, each island has its own special charm. ”
Mr. Vivacqua has been with Mastercard for several years, taking his current role in 2023 just as the world was beginning to recover from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to that, the Brazilian native explored careers in both marketing and retail in her home country.
But her real upward trajectory began when she moved to Mastercard.
“Immediately before joining the Caribbean team, I was responsible for Mastercard’s digital consumer solutions, tokenization and network products in Latin America. Together with the team, I delivered secure and differentiated solutions to digital consumers. and future-proof Latin America's payments ecosystem, supporting the region's digital transformation.”
She continued, “Prior to that, I led Mastercard's data and services marketing operations in Latin America, leading strategic, data-driven, and measurable marketing programs focused on the consumer lifecycle. Supported financial institutions, fintechs, and merchants.
Vivaqua, who holds a master's degree in business administration from prestigious Duke University, is passionate about creating spaces for women.
“I am also the executive sponsor of Mastercard's Women's Leadership Network in Latin America (WLN), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families and communities build healthier relationships. I am also a board member of Strong International,” she explained.
Like many other professional women, Vivacqua, a wife and mother, sometimes has intense sculpting time amidst her busy work and family schedule. Although difficult, it is not impossible.
She immediately remembered and said sunday greener“A recent purchase that brought immense joy to my heart was a plane ticket to New York for a girls-only weekend. Three of my best friends, who have been friends for over 25 years, were in town together. It's an incredibly special moment. What makes this even more special is that even though we currently live in different parts of the world and have very busy work and family schedules, we still manage to do so. The fact that I was able to book this trip and I can't wait to enjoy these precious moments together.”
Vivacqua, who has been with the company for 13 years, said he looks forward to developing the unbanked through innovation, trust and inclusion.
“At Mastercard, we believe in the power of technology to meet these challenges and empower the region’s economies. That’s why we are leveraging our knowledge, experience and talent to collaborate with our allies and partners on innovative solutions.” We are co-creating financial solutions and integrating traditionally marginalized or underserved segments into the formal financial system,” she explained.
shanel.lemmie@gleanerjm.com