BGF
TEAM
MARÍA DE KANNON CLÈ
FOUNDER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF BGF
Born in Madrid, Spain, María de Kannon Clè is a filmmaker, writer, producer, and founder of Brains Get Famous. She currently combines her work in film with her role as President of the nonprofit organization, which she founded in 2021 after her own experience with a late brain tumor diagnosis.
Her career in film, radio, production, and international cultural projects has connected her with renowned artists, filmmakers, musicians, and institutions around the world.
This background became one of the foundations of Brains Get Famous: using art and visual media to give visibility and voice to people affected by brain tumors and brain injuries.
Today, María continues to lead artistic and audiovisual projects linked to BGF, including the documentary film Should I Stay or Should I Go?: An American Dream, the charity album Lonely Minds, and The Brains Rock Tour.
Languages: Spanish, French, English, basic German and Italian, and intermediate Japanese.
CHRISTIAN BROGNA
VICE PRESIDENT & MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR OF BGF
Born in Italy, Dr. Christian Brogna is an internationally recognized neurosurgeon specializing in complex brain and spinal cord tumor surgery. He became a Consultant Neurosurgeon in Rome in 2009 and has trained with leading experts in neuro-oncology, brain mapping, and advanced microneurosurgical techniques.
His work focuses on brain and spinal cord mapping, awake surgery, and neuro-oncological procedures aimed at improving patient safety. Since 2022, he has served as a leading Consultant Neurosurgeon and Neuro-oncologist at Paideia International Hospital in Rome, Italy.
MANUEL pEDROSA
TREASURER AND NEUROSURGICAL ADVISOR OF BGF
Born in Spain, Dr. Manuel Pedrosa is an experienced neurosurgeon specializing in cerebrovascular surgery, skull base surgery, spinal disorders, and microsurgery of nervous system tumors. He graduated in Medicine and Surgery from the Complutense University of Madrid and earned his Doctorate in Medicine from the Autonomous University of Madrid with a Cum Laude distinction.
He has held neurosurgical positions at leading hospitals in Madrid, including Hospital Puerta de Hierro, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Hospital Montepríncipe, Hospital Madrid Norte Sanchinarro, Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Moraleja, and Hospital Universitario Sanitas La Zarzuela. His specialist experience also includes deep brain stimulation techniques.
CIRO GONZÁLEZ-MOHÍNO
YOUTH VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR AND BGF AMBASSADOR
Born in Madrid, Spain, Ciro González-Mohíno is a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. He holds an IB Diploma from Liceo Europeo.
Ciro speaks English, Chinese, French, and Spanish. As Director of the Youth Volunteer Department, he contributes to BGF’s fundraising efforts through the sale of the NGO’s bracelets, whose logo he designed.
In addition, Ciro works in the production department of the documentary film Should I Stay or Should I Go?: An American Dream.
Languages: Spanish, English, Chinese, French.
MÓNICA MOLINA
MUSIC DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR AND BGF AMBASSADOR
Born in Madrid, Spain, Mónica Molina is a melodic singer, music producer, and Spanish actress who belongs to a renowned family of artists. Her father, the admired Antonio Molina, is one of the most respected and beloved singers in Spanish history.
Mónica has earned platinum album recognition and has been nominated for both the Latin Grammy Awards and the Spanish Music Awards.
Mónica Molina is also one of our prestigious international ambassadors and one of the outstanding artists taking part in "The Brains Rock" Concert Tour and our music album "Lonely Minds".
Languages: Spanish, Italian, Portuguese.
PAOLA LOZA
SECRETARY & BGF LEGAL ASSISTANT
Born in Madrid, Spain, Paola Loza Barrera is a law student at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, specializing in entertainment law with a focus on international transactions.
She is a certified paralegal from the University of California, Irvine, and holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from Saint Louis University, Madrid.
As Secretary and Legal Assistant of Brains Get Famous, Paola provides organizational and legal support to the board, drawing on her background in entertainment law, technology, and international experience to help advance the foundation’s mission.
Languages: Spanish, English.
KENYA SORAYA MARTÍNEZ PONCE
OUTREACH AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS DIRECTOR OF BGF
Born in Mexico, Kenia Soraya Martínez Ponce is a legal professional with extensive experience in electoral law, judicial administration, and public institutions in Mexico. Her career includes advisory, coordination, auditing, and secretarial roles within electoral tribunals and judicial bodies at both state and federal levels.
She holds advanced legal training in electoral law, constitutional protection of fundamental rights, and legal argumentation, with academic studies in Mexico and Spain, including the University of Alicante.
As part of Brains Get Famous, Kenia contributes her legal expertise, institutional experience, and international perspective to support the organization’s mission and development.
Languages: Spanish, Italian, English.
ARIANA FERNÁNDEZ PALOMO
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AT BGF SINCE 2026
Ariana Fernández Palomo holds a PhD in Communication, a degree in Pharmacy, and a DEA in Molecular Biology. With more than two decades of professional experience, she specializes in dermatological formulation, scientific communication, healthcare innovation, cosmetics, and well-being.
She conducts studies focused on the early detection of brain tumors and the well-being of people affected by them.
Who we are
We are a global nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting patients and survivors of brain tumors and brain injuries, using art to give visibility and voice to this community.
Our ambassadors
We are grateful to our ambassadors, who help promote our mission and share our message with audiences around the world.
Our Partner
We couldn’t do what we do without the organizations, companies and individuals who stand alongside us. Their support, collaboration and shared commitment help us continue our work and bring greater visibility to this cause.