Vander Finotti is a Master’s candidate in International Relations, specialising in international cooperation and the management of third-sector organisations. With extensive experience managing volunteers and programmes for young professionals in Latin America, he has dedicated his career to fostering the professional development of students across the region through volunteerism. Currently, Vander is engaged in building strategic partnerships aimed at promoting education, sustainability, and democracy in Brazil. His work reflects a deep commitment to creating impactful initiatives that enhance community development and empower young people. Vander’s contributions to the field have been recognised through several prestigious awards, including Emerging Leader (2017) and Outstanding Leadership (2019) from Partners of the Americas, as well as the Outstanding International Relations Professional accolade from the Goiás Legislative Assembly in 2017. These honours underscore his dedication and effectiveness in advancing international cooperation and volunteerism. With a passion for making a positive difference, Vander continues to leverage his expertise and experience in international relations to drive meaningful change in Latin America and beyond. Vander will be presenting on “Bridges and not walls: Aligning institutional needs and perceptions with the desires of young volunteers” in a Pecha-Kucha Breakout Session during the IVCO 2024 Conference.