Evelyn de Jaen has been the general manager of LACMA (Latin American and Caribbean Moving Association) for 23 years. Steve Jordan spoke to her to find out more about the organisation, what the future holds and what makes LACMA special.
For 20 years before joining LACMA as its general manager, Evelyn de Jaen worked in the moving industry. But when the USA pulled out of Panama in 1999, and the bases were closed, it was clear that she needed to explore pastures new.
LACMA had started in 1969. At that time the large US van lines were considering establishing businesses in Latin America, so a nucleus of major moving companies in the region decided to come together to provide more coordinated competition and a counterbalance to the van lines’ dominance within the region. It wasn’t long before companies from outside the region wanted to join in; shortly after its initiation, LACMA gained FIDI recognition, and became accepted as a major influencer on the regional and world stage.
“Since the beginning, LACMA provided an opportunity for Latin American movers to learn about moving in their own language,” explained Evelyn. “The organisation grew from there.” ...
Photo: Evelyn de Jaen.