At Abarca Health, we launched Oasis Connections with one simple belief: Transformation begins with connection. And when those connections spark bold ideas, the ripple effect can reach far beyond the room. Season One focused on place, purpose, and community. Season Two shifted the spotlight to innovation—how companies in highly regulated and complex sectors are driving meaningful change, despite challenges. Furthermore, Oasis Connections Season Two showcases how leaders in Puerto Rico are transforming complex industries through innovation, talent, and community.
Innovating in Highly Regulated Industries
Featuring Ignacio Álvarez & Camille Burckhart of Popular Bank
We kicked off the season with two top leaders from Popular Bank:
Their discussion explored how innovation and compliance can coexist—and why values, culture, and vision are critical when building digital transformation in banking.
Camille discussed embedding agility into Popular’s tech teams, while Ignacio emphasized long-term leadership in an industry where change doesn’t come easy.
Key takeaway: Innovation in regulated industries requires a foundation of trust, infrastructure, and cultural resilience.
Upskilling, Reskilling & Preparing for What’s Next
Featuring Ariel Quiñones, Co-Founder of Ironhack
In an age of constant disruption, talent is the new infrastructure. Ariel Quiñones, co-founder of Ironhack, joined us to share how his global tech education platform is preparing thousands for careers in UX/UI design, data analytics, and AI.
He shared his personal journey as a Puerto Rican founder building a global ed-tech company, and why growing talent locally is essential to Puerto Rico’s tech future.
Key takeaway: Upskilling isn’t just a workforce initiative—it’s a strategic pillar for economic competitiveness.
The Wovenware Legacy: Vision, Growth & a Historic Exit
Featuring Christian González & Carlos Meléndez
We ended Season Two with a legacy-defining session featuring Christian González and Carlos Meléndez, co-founders of Wovenware, recently acquired by Maxar Technologies. Wovenware helped put Santurce on the map as a digital innovation hub—long before it was trendy. Their journey from a small software firm in 2003 to a globally respected AI and software engineering powerhouse showcased what’s possible with local vision and global ambition.
Key takeaway: Legacy isn’t what you build—it’s what you enable. Wovenware leaves behind a roadmap for others to follow.
Season Takeaways from Oasis Connections Season Two
1. Innovation Can Happen Anywhere
Whether in finance, logistics, or healthcare, forward-thinking leaders are showing that meaningful progress is possible—even in complex systems.
2. Talent is Our Infrastructure
The future belongs to communities that invest in people, not just platforms.
3. Legacy Is a Strategic Asset
Wovenware’s exit reminds us that companies with vision and values leave a lasting impact—and inspire others to innovate.
From Conversations to Community
Oasis Connections Season Two proved that Puerto Rico’s innovation ecosystem is alive, resilient, and ready to scale.
Each conversation moved beyond inspiration and into actionable insight, reminding us that when leaders come together with shared purpose, transformation follows.
We’re already looking forward to what comes next.
Explore Abarca’s Innovation Ecosystem
- Learn about Abarca’s mission and values
- Read this article about one of Abarca´s ventures
- Learn about Abarca’s Unstoppable Growth
About Abarca
At Abarca, we believe in an Unstoppable Drive for a Better Way. Our commitment to making healthcare seamless and personalized for all drives us to innovate in AI, drug trend management, and predictive analytics. By transforming challenges into opportunities, we deliver PBM like no one else: better patient outcomes and a revolutionary healthcare experience. Join us in shaping the future at the intersection of technology and care!