Ms. Vera-Cruz is a Business Analyst and Software Project Manager for Prime Consulting, a Cape Verdian Software Enterprise. She has been working on the Integrated Human Resource Management System, but has worked on several projects related to E-Government in her country and abroad. She represented Cape Verde at the One Young World Summit and was a delegate speaker in the Transparency and Integrity Plenary Session. She earned a degree in computer engineering from Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas and a master’s degree in geographical information systems from the University of Cape Verde. During her fellowship at the University of Minnesota, Ms. Vera-Cruz hopes to broaden her understanding of strategic planning paired with regional planning and learn uses of technology to enhance literacy and education and the empowerment of women. Upon her return to Cape Verde, she plans to put her learning in action by applying these skills to sub-Saharan Africa and also develop a system for elementary schools that would push children to debate matters such as sustainable environments, human rights, and leadership through the use of technology.