For over a decade, Manuel has built strong relationships with U.S. Senators and Congress members, giving him significant influence in his country and the region. His business acumen makes him a key player in strengthening commercial and diplomatic ties between Guatemala and the United States.

Since 2013, he has organized the National Prayer Breakfast in Guatemala after attending the Washington, D.C. event in 2006. In 2019, he became the first Central American representative to speak at the Washington gathering. He is also a professor of Diplomacy at Columbia International University and a former board member of the institution.

Manuel is the founder of Guatemala Próspera, a non-profit dedicated to cultural transformation through values-based leadership. In collaboration with John C. Maxwell, over 3.5 million people have participated in the organization’s Transformational Leadership Programs nationwide.