Since its establishment, ULAERGO (Latin American Union of Ergonomics Organizations) has emerged as a pivotal force in transforming the landscape of ergonomics in Latin America. This transformation would not have been possible without the visionary leadership of its past presidents—individuals who not only guided the organization through critical phases of growth but also left a lasting legacy in education, policy, innovation, and inclusion.
This article profiles the past presidents of ULAERGO, highlighting their tenure, key initiatives, and enduring contributions to ergonomics across the region.
Overview Table: ULAERGO’s Past Presidents and Their Legacies
| Name | Country | Term Duration | Focus Area | Notable Contributions | Legacy Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Luis Fernando Ortega | Colombia | 2012–2015 | Institutional Development | Established ULAERGO’s legal framework | The Architect |
| Prof. Helena Vasquez | Brazil | 2015–2018 | Research Collaboration | Launched first regional ergonomics congress | The Networker |
| Dr. Manuel Ruiz Delgado | Mexico | 2018–2021 | Educational Standards | Developed pan-Latin American certification | The Academic Reformer |
| Dr. Soledad Infante | Chile | 2021–2024 | Digital Transformation | Introduced e-learning and hybrid conferences | The Digital Trailblazer |
Detailed Biographical and Presidential Contributions
Dr. Luis Fernando Ortega (Colombia) – “The Architect”
Term: 2012–2015
Dr. Ortega served as ULAERGO’s first president following its formal founding. With a background in labor law and occupational safety, he focused on giving the organization structural clarity. His major achievement was the establishment of ULAERGO’s legal identity and by-laws, which are still in effect today. He was instrumental in unifying national ergonomics organizations under a shared charter and secured initial funding from regional partners. His tenure also initiated dialogues with labor ministries across Latin America to integrate ergonomic concerns into national labor policies.
Key Achievements:
- Drafted ULAERGO’s foundational statutes
- Brokered alliances with 8 national ergonomics societies
- Established ULAERGO as a recognized regional NGO
Prof. Helena Vasquez (Brazil) – “The Networker”
Term: 2015–2018
Prof. Vasquez brought a collaborative energy that expanded ULAERGO’s visibility. With extensive experience in international research, she prioritized cross-border collaboration. Under her leadership, ULAERGO hosted its first Latin American Congress on Applied Ergonomics in São Paulo, which drew over 2,000 participants. She also introduced ULAERGO’s multilingual publications and opened space for early-career researchers through regional mentorship programs. Her advocacy placed ULAERGO on the map of international ergonomics associations.
Key Achievements:
- Organized the 1st Latin American Ergonomics Congress
- Introduced annual research publications in Spanish and Portuguese
- Created regional research clusters across 12 countries
Dr. Manuel Ruiz Delgado (Mexico) – “The Academic Reformer”
Term: 2018–2021
With decades of teaching experience, Dr. Ruiz shifted the organization’s focus to education and professional training. His signature accomplishment was the creation of a Pan-Latin American Certification in Ergonomics (PLACE), now adopted by over 20 universities and training centers. He also secured recognition for ULAERGO certifications by labor ministries in Mexico, Argentina, and Peru. His academic-driven strategy ensured that the next generation of ergonomists was uniformly trained across the continent.
Key Achievements:
- Developed the PLACE program for ergonomics certification
- Led curriculum harmonization in five countries
- Fostered ULAERGO’s first Academic Accreditation Board
Dr. Soledad Infante (Chile) – “The Digital Trailblazer”
Term: 2021–2024
Assuming leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Infante revolutionized how ULAERGO operated. She championed digital accessibility and transitioned most of the organization’s activities to hybrid or online formats. Her flagship projects included the launch of ULAERGO’s e-learning platform and an open-access digital library on ergonomic resources. Additionally, she introduced webinars in collaboration with global institutions and expanded outreach to underserved regions through mobile-friendly platforms.
Key Achievements:
- Created ULAERGO’s digital training ecosystem
- Initiated mobile-first ergonomics awareness campaigns
- Doubled ULAERGO’s membership base through virtual programs
Collective Impact of Presidential Leadership
Each president of ULAERGO addressed unique challenges of their era while building upon the foundation laid by their predecessors. Together, they advanced ergonomics in the region by:
1. Building Legal and Organizational Infrastructure
Ortega’s foundational governance created a strong institutional base.
2. Strengthening International and Regional Collaboration
Vasquez expanded the organization’s influence and networks beyond borders.
3. Enhancing Education and Certification
Ruiz’s initiatives professionalized ergonomics education and training.
4. Driving Digital Transformation and Inclusivity
Infante ensured ergonomics remained accessible during and after the pandemic.
Timeline Table: Presidential Highlights by Term
| President | Year Started | Key Innovation Introduced | Regional Impact | Enduring Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Luis F. Ortega | 2012 | Legal Framework and Charter | Organization-wide | ULAERGO’s operational foundation |
| Prof. Helena Vasquez | 2015 | Regional Research Congress | 12 countries | Cross-border ergonomics collaboration |
| Dr. Manuel Ruiz Delgado | 2018 | Pan-Latin Certification (PLACE) | Academia and training institutions | Standardized ergonomic education |
| Dr. Soledad Infante | 2021 | Digital Platforms & Mobile Outreach | Remote and rural practitioners | Inclusive and accessible digital tools |
ULAERGO Today: Standing on the Shoulders of Leaders
The strength of ULAERGO today—its influence in policy-making, its robust academic alliances, and its dynamic digital presence—is a direct result of the vision, resilience, and innovation of its past presidents. These leaders turned challenges into stepping stones, each one laying a stronger, broader path for the next. Their legacies continue to inspire the organization’s current direction and future goals.
Top 3 One-Line FAQs
Who were the past presidents of ULAERGO?
ULAERGO was led by Luis Ortega, Helena Vasquez, Manuel Ruiz, and Soledad Infante between 2012 and 2024.
What were their major contributions to ULAERGO?
Their work ranged from legal formation, regional collaboration, educational standardization, to digital transformation.
How did these leaders impact ergonomics in Latin America?
They professionalized, internationalized, and digitized ergonomics, setting a benchmark for global best practices.