Ernesto Varela is a Miami native who has worked in a variety of fields for decades as a professor, trainer, tutor, and thought leader. While his doctorate is in Organizational Leadership, he also holds advanced degrees in Literature and Business, and is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Specialist in Wine. He has taught for several universities and has led tour groups throughout Europe and the Caribbean. His ongoing personal and professional development attests to a deep and lifelong pursuit of learning.
Dr. Varela has held his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) license for more than 20 years and worked in financial services in several capacities. He has also taught adults all over the U.S. in both classroom and online settings. He has taught courses in: leadership, non-profit management, sales strategies, presentation skills to subject matter experts, talent development and performance assessment, organizational change, organizational communication, cross-cultural competencies, economics, finance, taxation, strategic planning, and financial planning.
Ernie has served on a variety of non-profit boards. He was Vice President of the Hartford City Ballet, a member of the Steering Committee of the Latino Endowment Fund in Hartford and President of the University of Miami Alumni Club of Greater Miami. Ernie still sits on the board of Cultura Mosaica, a Hispanic cultural non-profit in Hartford, as well as V. P. for Education for the South Florida chapter of Prospanica, the Association of Hispanic MBAs and Professionals. He has helped improve metrics and leadership engagement for a range of organizations in the non-profit, academic, financial service, and sales arenas.