Education

Jorge Alexis Del Arca, born on June 4, 1984, in Lima, Peru, has been a beacon of creativity and talent since childhood. From a tender age, he exhibited an extraordinary affinity for literature, particularly stories and fables. His father, recognizing this burgeoning interest, would share enchanting tales that transported Jorge to magical realms, igniting a passion for storytelling that would flourish throughout his life.

By the age of six, Jorge’s imagination led him to create his comic strip, Super Trapo, featuring an elderly doctor with superpowers reminiscent of Superman. He also birthed El Pájaro Karateka, inspired by his fascination with martial arts films. These early creations foreshadowed his future as a storyteller and writer. At eight, encouraged by his father, Jorge began reciting poetry in school, a testament to his growing love for the written word. By thirteen, he had already garnered recognition, winning a school acrostic competition that highlighted his poetic talents.

In addition to his literary pursuits, Jorge cultivated a diverse array of interests. He learned to play chess at the age of seven, securing victories in various championships within his category. His passion for mathematics and music further enriched his childhood experiences, with music becoming a profound love that shaped his identity. Jorge’s musical journey began in earnest when he took an extension course at the National Library of Peru and the National Conservatory of Music, where he explored various instruments including the piano, guitar, pan flute, and accordion.

Jorge’s dedication to music was solidified through private lessons with Georgina Rodríguez De Banda, who not only taught him piano but also introduced him to the accordion. His talent for instrumental and classical music blossomed, and he showcased his skills at local school events. After graduating from CETPRO Atlantic in 2012, he continued to refine his musical prowess, currently studying at the Superior School of Music Francisco Pérez Anampa in Ica.

An accomplished writer, Jorge has penned over 70 value-based stories and more than 150 poems, all awaiting publication. His storytelling skills earned him accolades, including a victory in the Gabriel García Márquez storytelling contest organized by Utopía Poética’s Tamaulipas branch.

On July 7, 2024, Jorge showcased his musical talents at the First Music Expo on America Online Radio and the World Press Agency, further establishing himself as a versatile artist committed to his craft. With his rich tapestry of experiences in literature and music, Jorge Alexis Del Arca continues to inspire others through his creative endeavors, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of Peru and beyond.

Gloria Teresa Pizarro Dioses, a distinguished figure from Tumbes, Peru, embodies the harmonious blend of education, culture, and artistic expression. With a rich academic background and a passion for the arts, Gloria has dedicated her life to fostering creativity and knowledge in her community and beyond.

Her academic journey is marked by impressive achievements. Gloria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and a second specialty in Primary Education. In addition to her teaching credentials, she is a Certified Public Accountant and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Her commitment to education is further reflected in her academic accomplishments, including a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Research and Teaching, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education.

Gloria’s artistic training began at the Instituto Folklórico del Magisterio Alejandro Vivanco, where she graduated specializing in folk dance. Her dedication to the performing arts led her to pursue further studies at the School of Dramatic Arts, where she established herself as a national declaimer, showcasing her profound connection to Peruvian cultural heritage.

Her passion for the arts has led her to participate in numerous festivals and literary events, both nationally and internationally. In Peru, she has made significant contributions to prominent events such as the Casa de la Literatura Peruana in Lima, where she participated in the Viernes Literarios and various festivals celebrating art and poetry in locations like San Pedro de Lloc in Trujillo, Tembladera in Cajamarca, and Chancay in Lima. Notably, she achieved second place in the adult category of the Concurso Tu Voz Existe, organized by the Municipalidad de Lince in Lima.

On the international stage, Gloria has represented Peru at the Festival Internacional de Poesía in Macas, Ecuador, and participated in a cultural poetry event organized by the Asociación Teatro de La Tierra in Madrid, Spain, in 2023. She also contributed to the Artistic Cultural Festival held by the Asociación de Mujeres Empresarias Iberoamericanas in Madrid the same year. Furthermore, her engagement extends to virtual platforms, such as the International Festival Poesía por la Paz in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, and the CCI Utopía Poética Universal affiliated with California.

Gloria’s dedication to education and the arts has not gone unnoticed, as she has received numerous accolades for her contributions. She has been recognized by the Congreso de la República for her efforts in promoting education, art, and culture in Peru, particularly on International Women’s Day. Her remarkable achievements have also earned her acknowledgment from the Parlamento Andino. The municipal government of Zarumilla, Tumbes, has honored her as Hija Ilustre, while various educational institutions, including the Colegio de Profesores del Callao, the Dirección Regional de Educación del Callao, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal, Universidad Privada Alas Peruanas, and Universidad Privada Las Américas, have also celebrated her contributions.

Gloria Teresa Pizarro Dioses stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the arts. Her unwavering commitment to fostering creativity, preserving cultural heritage, and inspiring future generations has made her a celebrated figure in Peru and beyond. Through her dedication, she continues to pave the way for a richer, more vibrant cultural landscape in her community and across the globe.

Smaragdi Mitropoulou, born in Athens, is a multifaceted poet, artist and historian whose work has transcended borders and won acclaim both in Greece and abroad.

Smaragdi’s educational journey took her through the realms of History and Archaeology, where she honed her deep understanding of the past. Her academic pursuits led her to the United Kingdom, expanding her horizons and enriching her perspective.

But her talents extend beyond academia. She’s an accomplished poet and prose writer, with her literary works earning awards and recognition in Greece and beyond. Her poetry book “One Moment, Just an Eternity” and “Sounds in the Silence” have been translated into English, reaching audiences in the UK and India through Ontime Books and Pharos Books.

Smaragdi is not just a writer; she’s an artist with a unique vision. Her paintings and poems intertwine, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of emotion and history. Her artistic endeavors have taken her to numerous exhibitions across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Her works have been displayed in prestigious locations such as the Agios Athanasios Art Center in Naoussa, Paros, and the Villa Kosta in Nea Erythraia.

Smaragdi is a member of the Executive Board of the Writers Capital International Foundation, connecting writers and artists globally, and a Lifetime Fellow Member of the International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS) based in Japan. Her influence stretches across languages, with her poems translated into English, Chinese, Spanish, Bengali, and Taiwanese.

She’s not just an artist and writer; Smaragdi also delves into the art of photography. Her photographic exhibitions, like “Art: An Endless Journey into Light” and “When Resurrection Becomes Inspiration,” showcase her talent behind the lens.

In May 2023, Smaragdi presented two solo photography exhibitions titled “Life to Infinity” at the Art16 gallery in Kerameikos, Athens, highlighting her passion for photography.

Smaragdi Mitropoulou’s journey through art, literature, and history continues to inspire and bridge cultures, making her a prominent figure in the global artistic community.