Peruvian talent shining abroad and elevating Peru's reputation

Today, Peruvian creativity knows no boundaries.

Peruvians from various fields have made a significant impact internationally. For instance, in cuisine, chefs like Gaston Acurio and Virgilio Martinez have elevated Peruvian gastronomy to global prominence. In music, artists such as Milena Warthon and Susan Ochoa have performed on international stages like Viña del Mar, while DJ Kayfex won a Latin Grammy in 2023.

Continuing this tradition of excellence, in recent years, several Peruvians have distinguished themselves internationally, working in world-class organizations. Learn more about them below.

FROM CHIMBOTE TO BERLIN

Dedication and talent define the meteoric rise of Dayner Tafur-Diaz, a symphony orchestra conductor from Ancash. He left a career in medicine to pursue his true passion: music, where he has since excelled.

Born in 1998, Dayner began his musical training in 2017 and has since achieved a significant milestone: being selected as assistant conductor for the Berlin Philharmonic, one of the world’s leading symphony orchestras, for the 2024-2025 season.

His musical journey started as a trumpet player in the "DaCapo" project at the Centro Cultural Centenario in his hometown of Chimbote. From there, his career took off. By 2017, he moved to Germany to join a volunteer program in Berlin. On June 11, 2024, he proudly announced via social media that he would be serving as assistant conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. What an achievement!

Photograph: Jonathan Berger

A PIURANA AT NASA

At just 22 years old, Thalia Leyton Reto has achieved remarkable things. As a bioengineer, she has taken the phrase "the sky is the limit" to heart, landing a position at NASA. After completing her studies at the University of Engineering and Technology (UTEC) in Lima in July 2023, Thalia moved to Paris to pursue a master’s degree at the École Polytechnique.

Guided by her mother, who has been a significant mentor, Thalia has always been focused on biomedical research, particularly in neuroscience and fluid mechanics. In her own words, this proud Piurana is "obsessed" with the brain. Her journey to NASA was challenging, involving a series of interviews and rigorous evaluations.

Photograph: Facebook

THE CHICLAYANA WHO LED FORMULA 1

Ana Karla Chero shattered expectations in Peru. At just 17, she moved to the United States to carve out a career for herself, and she succeeded spectacularly. Among her notable achievements is leading logistics operations for the renowned Formula 1.

Winning a scholarship at 17 to study at Hult International Business School provided her with a platform to excel. As the saying goes, "nobody is a prophet in their own land," and Ana Karla has certainly proven that.

Photograph: Linkedin / Shutterstock

THE DOCTOR CHOSEN BY THE UN

Jaime Miranda’s journey to excellence began in 1993 at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, his alma mater. He later earned his Master of Science and PhD in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in the UK.

His impressive resume continued to grow, and by 2023, he was appointed Dean of the University of Sydney, Australia. But fate had an even bigger surprise in store: he was the only Latin American scientist chosen by the UN to prepare the Global Report on Sustainable Development that same year.

Photograph: Facebook

PERUVIAN COFFEE IS THE VOICE

Marisa Contreras is an announcer, singer, and theater whose vocal talent has garnered significant attention. She was chosen to voice Azucena, the first Peruvian fighter who loves Peruvian coffee, in Tekken 8, the latest installment of the famous fighting game franchise.

Marisa's success extends further, as she has also become the first Peruvian actress nominated for the One Voice 2024 awards for this role—a highly prestigious recognition on the global stage.

Photograph: Facebook Bandai

These examples highlight the increasing global recognition of Peruvian talent, showcasing that Peruvian creativity, effort, and ingenuity are making waves worldwide.