Who We Are
FUNDAPROMAT
The mission of the Panamanian Foundation for the Promotion of Mathematics (FUNDAPROMAT) is to change the world’s perception so that one and all can experience mathematics as accessible, relevant and inherently joyous.
Math is all around us and we use them daily even if we are not aware of them. The knowledge of mathematics increases critical thinking and the power of reasoning. Thinking analytically helps you make better decisions in your daily life. Nevertheless, none of these benefits are acquired if people do not give math a chance and reject it, for example, due to negative past experiences.
Through the activities organized by FUNDAPROMAT, we wish to share with the general public the richness and beauty of mathematics and at the same time, inspire our youth to pursue a math career.
Math is everywhere.
For example, we can find math in magic, in music, in movies, in art and in nature.
Message from the Executive Director
Through various methods, like magic, art and music, talented mathematicians inspire kids and adults of all ages to discover the beauty of science and math. As a member of several professional organizations, I remain connected with the international mathematical community, which allows me to not only meet exceptional mathematicians but also learn about innovative strategies on how to present mathematics to the general public in a fun way. I hope that the Panamanian Foundation for the Promotion of Mathematics (FUNDAPROMAT) changes people’s perception towards mathematics and that they won’t be afraid of math anymore. I wish that they give math a chance to discover that mathematics is everywhere and that math is our ally.
– Jeanette Shakalli, PhD
Innovative activities created by math experts.
We specialize in math outreach and in changing the way people perceive mathematics.
Our Story
From 2012 until 2019, Dr. Jeanette Shakalli worked at the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) of Panama. From 2016 until 2019, Dr. Shakalli created SENACYT’s Math Outreach Program with the support of the National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation at that time, Dr. Jorge A. Motta. During this period of time, Dr. Shakalli organized 22 in-person math outreach events in Panama City and in the provinces with international guests as speakers. These presentations open to the general public about mathematics were a huge success. As a result, the idea emerged of creating an organization independent of the government and of all academic centers that is solely dedicated to the promotion of the study of mathematics. This is how FUNDAPROMAT was born, a private non-profit Foundation that was created on December 6th, 2019 under the legal protection of Law 25 of June 12th, 1995, listed in the Public Registry of Panama on Sheet 25041683. Since March 1st, 2021, FUNDAPROMAT is affiliated to the City of Knowledge Foundation.
Math trains our brain in logical thinking, which allows us to make better decisions.
Jorge A. Motta
Ilya Espino de Marotta
Deputy Administrator and Vicepresident of Operations for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) since 2020, Vicepresident of Transit Businesses for ACP 2019-2020 and Executive Vicepresident of Engineering during the execution of the Panama Canal Expansion Program 2012-2018. Has worked for the Canal since 1985.
Arleene Aranda de Guardiola
Henry Stec
Technical Advisor of the General Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Panama 2014-2019. Occupied several positions in the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) 2000-2011, including Electronic and Telecommunications Manager, and in the Panama Canal Commission 1973-1999, including Head of Contracts.
Clara Grima
Math communicator, author of the math outreach blog for kids “Mati y sus Mateaventuras,” President of the Outreach Commission of the Royal Spanish Mathematical Society (RSME) 2014-2018 and researcher of the team from the University of Sevilla in Spain that discovered the new geometric form called scutoid.
Eduardo Saenz de Cabezon
Math communicator, member and founder of the group of scientists and researchers dedicated to scientific outreach called Big Van Ciencia, creator and administrator of the YouTube channel Derivando with more than 1 million followers and author of various books in Spanish, including “Mathematical Intelligence.”
Ximena Catepillan
James Tanton
Math communicator, Ambassador for the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), Founder of The Global Math Project, leader of the Curriculum Inspirations project of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and author of various books, including “The Encyclopedia of Mathematics.”
Past Members of the Advisory Board
Oris Sanjur (2021-2023)
Deputy Director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) since 2021, Acting Director of STRI 2020-2021, Associate Director for Scientific Administration of STRI 2010-2020 and President of the Panamanian Association for the Advancement of Science (APANAC) 2006-2009.
Explore the beauty and richness of mathematics in a fun and collaborative environment.
Learn about our Young Ambassadors Program in the video in Spanish that appears here. If you are under 15 years of age and would be interested in becoming a FUNDAPROMAT Young Ambassador, you may contact us at info@fundapromat.org with your parents’ consent.
Irene Vasquez, Panama, Video
Yaretzi and Ruth Zapata, Mexico, Video
Juan Manuel Lopez, Uruguay, Video
Ian Lovera, Panama, Video
Andres Felipe Echeverri, Colombia, Video