From the Land of the Beloved Sun to the AI Stage: Teaching Has Always Been My Greatest Project
Luis Valenzuela is a Data Scientist at Avenga and a professor at INARIA and Universidad Blas Pascal in Córdoba, Argentina. Originally from Venezuela, he has spent much of his career combining technology and education, working with students and professionals across Latin America. From programming labs in Maracaibo to AI conferences in Cartagena de Indias, teaching has remained a constant part of his professional life.
Where Teaching Began
Luis began teaching before completing his degree in Industrial Engineering at Universidad Rafael Belloso Chacín in Maracaibo, Venezuela. While still a student, he worked as an assistant in programming laboratories and quickly discovered that helping others understand technical concepts was something he genuinely enjoyed.
That experience stayed with me forever.
After graduation, he taught in different parts of Venezuela, including Puerto La Cruz, Río Caribe, the Amazon region, and La Guajira. The environments varied considerably, but the objective remained the same: helping people develop new skills and knowledge.
Teaching is not just about delivering content,” Luis says. “You need to understand who is in front of you and adapt your approach so that the material makes sense in their context.
Growing up in Zulia — often referred to in Venezuela as “the land of the beloved sun” — also shaped his outlook. The region’s strong local identity and hardworking culture continue to influence him today.
Bringing AI Discussions to Cartagena
One of the highlights of Luis’s recent career was participating in conferences and workshops in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, through his work with INARIA. The events focused on artificial intelligence and the practical evaluation of AI solutions for businesses and public institutions.
Cartagena is also home to Andina Link Smart Cities Expo, one of the region’s leading technology and telecommunications events.
Talking about AI and smart cities in that environment was a great experience. You could see how organizations are approaching digital transformation and where they see opportunities for AI.
Finding a New Home in Argentina
After moving to Córdoba, Luis joined Universidad Blas Pascal and INARIA, continuing the teaching career he had built over many years in Venezuela.
Although the two institutions differ in their focus and structure, both have allowed him to remain closely connected to education.
Coming from years of teaching across Venezuela, often in very demanding contexts, makes you appreciate every opportunity. Argentina became a place where I could continue building that path while also embracing a new home.
At Universidad Blas Pascal, he works within a well-established academic environment. At INARIA, he contributes to programs focused on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Translating Complexity into Understanding
Today, Luis sees a direct connection between teaching and his work in Data Science and AI in Avenga.
The skill is exactly the same. It’s the ability to translate complex ideas into something people can actually use.
Whether leading workshops, discussing data solutions with clients, or teaching students about AI, Luis continues doing what first inspired him years ago: helping people understand technology.
At the end of the day, the classroom and technology have always been connected for me. The context changes. The motivation doesn’t.
