When you join the Drake community, you join a powerful network of international alumni made up of more than 90,000 leaders across all 50 U.S. states and 97 countries. In Panama, our alumni network is made up of some of the country’s most respected and prominent business leaders. No matter where your journey takes you, a Drake education opens doors.
Meet some of our Panamanian graduates
Erasmo Orillac
CEO, Grupo Motta Internacional
Erasmo Orillac graduated from Drake University in 1976 with a major in Business Administration and Insurance, and a minor in Marketing. Today, Orillac is the CEO of Motta Internacional, S.A., a company that employs more than 2,000 people across Central and South America and the United States. He has held the position of CEO since 1996 and is actively engaged in the community through involvement with Fundacion de Portobelo y San Lorenzo, as well as GEMA—a social responsibility project of Motta that helps schools in the province of Colon. He remains closely connected to Drake University and committed to partnering with Drake students for future internships in Panama.
Felipe Motta
Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking - Banco General
A 1984 graduate of Drake University, Felipe Motta is among the most influential business leaders in Panama. He leads Consumer Banking for Banco General, the largest financial institution in the country and home of Yappi, Panama's leading mobile payment and digital banking. As a graduate of Drake University, he credits his education for equipping him with cutting-edge technical skills that propeled him into leadership, transforming the way the bank does business. His ongoing connection and commitment to Drake University will open opportunities for Drake students in Panama.
Santiago “Chago” Barraza III
President, Hielo Fiesta
Graduating from Drake University in 1989 with degrees in marketing and insurance, he returned to Panama to work for Hielo Fiesta S.A., a subsidiary of Empresa Hidroeléctrica de La Chorrera. Working his way up through the company over the years, he was named President of Hielo Fiesta in 2020—the largest ice company in Panama. He is an industry leader recognized with the 2024 distinguished leadership award by IPIA. He serves on the International Committee, as well as the Package Ice Quality Control Standards Committee, which sets standards for food safety in the United States and across the world.
Anel & Olga Beliz
As the first two Panamanian graduates of Drake University, Anel (pictured here) and Olga’s journey began with overcoming language barriers in the early 1950s. Anel served Panama as Ambassador to France and Switzerland and held significant roles with the Panama Canal Commission and intergovernmental organizations. Olga’s groundbreaking achievements in higher education helped pave the way for future generations of Panamanian women. Together, their journey reflects the power of resilience, service, and the global vision that defines Drake University.
