Mastercard’s leading lady Mayra Vivacqua helping to shape Caribbean finance
MAYRA VIVACQUA is Mastercard’s cluster lead for the Caribbean. Though the financial powerhouse has found herself in a male-dominated sector, she has been traversing it with style and grace.
Explaining her function at the multinational corporation, she said, “I am tasked with leading our efforts to foster the region’s digital transformation, guaranteeing every Caribbean citizen has access to and can enjoy the benefits of the digital economy. This goal can only be achieved through close collaboration with every player in the payments ecosystem, which is why we are building and strengthening strategic partnerships with financial institutions, fintechs, governments and merchants across the Caribbean, allowing us to continue building and enabling faster, easier, and more convenient payments solutions that cater to the needs and wishes of every Caribbean, everywhere.”
Originally from Brazil, Vivacqua has the unique privilege of exploring the Caribbean. Careful not to pick a favourite she said, “It’s truly challenging to select one favourite island in the Caribbean, as I have come to appreciate the unique characteristics of each. From the vibrant cultures and warm-hearted people to the exquisite cuisine and breathtaking beaches, every island has its own special charm.”
Though she has been with Mastercard for several years, Vivacqua came into her current role in 2023 just as the world started to recover from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to that, the Brazilian native explored both a career in marketing and retail in her home country.
Once she transitioned to Mastercard, however, her true upward trajectory began.
“Just before joining the Caribbean team, I was in charge of digital consumer solutions, tokenisation, and network products for Mastercard in Latin America. Together with my team, I supported the region’s digital transformation by bringing secure and differentiated solutions to the digital consumer, and futureproofing the payments ecosystem in Latin America.”
She went on, “Prior to that, I led the marketing practice of Mastercard’s data and services in Latin America, where I supported financial institutions, fintechs and merchants with strategic, data-driven, and measurable marketing programmes focused on the consumer’s life cycle. Schooled at the prestigious Duke University where she received her master’s in business administration, Vivacqua is passionate about creating spaces for women.
“I am also the executive sponsor of Mastercard’s Women Leadership Network (WLN) in Latin America and board member of Be Strong International, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families and communities build healthier relationships,” she explained.
A wife and mother, like many other professional women Vivacqua sometimes has a hard carving time in a busy professional and family schedule. Though difficult it is not impossible. Reminiscing quickly she told
The Sunday Gleaner, “The most recent purchase that brought immense joy to my heart was an air ticket to New York City for a girls-only weekend. It’s an incredibly special moment where three of my closest friends, who I’ve been friends with for over 25 years, will get together in the city. What makes this even more special is the fact that we currently live in different parts of the world, with very busy professional and family schedules, and yet we have managed to book this trip. I can’t wait to enjoy these priceless moments together.”
Thirteen years under her belt at the corporation, Vivacqua said they are looking forward to fostering the unbanked population through innovation, trust and inclusion.
“At Mastercard, we are convinced in the power of technology to address these challenges and empower the region’s economies. That is why we are leveraging our knowledge, experience, and talent to co-create innovative financial solutions with allies and partners, incorporating traditionally marginalised or underserved segments into the formal financial system,” she explained.
‘It’s truly challenging to select one favourite island in the Caribbean, as I have come to appreciate the unique characteristics of each.’