After obtaining his MBA from Willamette as a Fulbright scholar, Manuel moved back to Paraguay and shortly after, started working at the Ministry of Housing as general director of strategic projects. Manuel had the challenge to build a new department from scratch, managing the flagship projects of the government. He developed a team of 15 people and managed 14 strategic projects, including Barrio San Francisco, the largest social housing project in the history of Paraguay.
An entrepreneur at heart, Manuel later co-founded Timón, a start-up with great social impact that helps individuals and families with their financial education. In a year, Timón, currently being certified as a B-corp, has helped over 500 families with their financial well-being. Among other extracurricular activities, Manuel serves in the board of directors of Fútbol Más, a non-profit that promotes resilience in children living in contexts of social vulnerability, through sports.
