Carolina Saavedra

Gerente General

SOFAN SpA

Chile

Speaker

My organisation

SOFAN Is a social enterprise based in Yungai, founded to offer digital services to companies and training for people with disabilities to find jobs. In 2021, it launched the SOFIA programme offering free online training, connection to employers, and individual support at the same time. SOFIA is teaching ICT- and socio-emotional skills, always using sign language, easy language and audio description. By mid-2024, 136 participants had graduated, with 61 that also found jobs, and a majority of them still employed.
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About me

With more than 15 years of experience in audiovisual communication and a solid track record in managing inclusive projects, Carolina Saavedra Berndt has led key initiatives that promote accessibility and the rights of people with disabilities. His professional commitment is supported by training in Audiovisual Communication and various specialized courses in inclusion and universal accessibility. As Project Director at SOFAN Foundation, Carolina has designed and implemented innovative educational strategies, such as the creation of audiovisual content for learning about rights and the dissemination of information through accessible formats. He has coordinated multidisciplinary teams, managed significant budgets and ensured the fulfillment of goals in projects financed by public and private entities. Carolina also stands out as a leader in the field of accessible communication, having developed programs such as "Portavoz Noticias Inclusivo", the first 100% accessible news program on Chilean television. Her experience includes producing podcasts, educational videos and reports that address topics such as inclusion, sustainability and cultural promotion. Carolina is a professional passionate about generating social impact through communication and inclusion, building bridges between communities and institutions to create a more equitable future.

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Additional questions

Title (Academic/Diplomatic/Aristocratic/Political)

Comunicadora Audiovisual

Pronouns

she/her

Areas of Activity

Employment

Supported EmploymentVocational Training

Other Areas of Activity

Accessibility

At #ZeroCon25, I am looking for...

ConsultingFinancing/InvestmentIncrease expertise in accessibility and inclusionInvitations to international conferencesLicensing PartnershipsNetworkingProject CooperationsResearch Cooperations

At #ZeroCon25, I am offering...

Increase expertise in accessibility and inclusionInvitations to international conferencesLicensing PartnershipsNetworkingProject CooperationsResearch CooperationsConsultingFinancing/Investment

Speaker sessions (1)

Thursday, 6 March 2025

15:40 - 16:40

Entrepreneurship support programmes for persons with disabilities

Format:In-personLocation:M3Track:Zero Project Awardees
  • Entrepreneurship
  • English captions | International Sign

Five Zero Project Awardees from Latin America and Africa prove otherwise, highlighting how to build and grow entrepreneurship ecosystems for persons with disabilities, with or without a traditional accelerator programme setup.