Our history
Every purpose has a story, and every story has a beginning.
On February 10, 2022, Drayke Hardman, a 12-year-old boy, decided to take his own life because of bullying. For many, Drayke was no longer just a name: he became a son, a brother, a friend, and he inspired us to turn our pain into action.
That same week, a call on social media brought together courageous people from different countries to create a movement against bullying. Months later, the Global Organization for the Prevention of Bullying (OGPAB) was born, with the mission of preventing bullying and child suicide, and providing support to those who suffer from it.
We founded OGPAB.org in honor of Drayke and in memory of all affected children. We became a beacon of hope, extending our work not only in Latin America, but throughout the world. Our story shows that community and the will to change can transform lives and build a safer future for new generations.
At OGPAB.org, every voice counts, every action saves lives, and we are all protagonists.
Welcome to the Global Organization for the Prevention of Bullying.
Our values
Our values define who we are and how we work every day at OGPAB. We are driven by integrity, empathy, and solidarity, and every action we take is aimed at protecting children, preventing bullying, and saving lives. We believe in the power of collaboration, in empowering educators, families, and communities, and in always maintaining our commitment to making a real and lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Together, with passion and commitment, we transform pain into prevention, fear into protection, and awareness into action. Every step we take at OGPAB is a step toward a world where children can grow up safe, free from bullying, and with hope for a better future.
Our comitted team
Our team is made up of wonderful, highly professional people from different countries around the world, united by a shared commitment: to protect children, prevent bullying, and save lives. Their experience, passion, and dedication enable our mission to have a real, global impact.
Victor A. Smoly
Executive Director and Founder
Erika Balaguera
General Coordination Department
Andreina Duarte
Statistics and Data Department
Gubeya Pérez
Legal Department and Institutional Protection
Andrea Chong
Press and Communications Department
Fernanda Pereira
Psychoeducational
Department
Lourdes Meza
Ambassadors Service Department
Samantha Parker
OGPAB International Department, USA
Andrés Baigorria
Global Projects Advisory Department
Carlos Mario Rubio
New Strategic Alliances Department
Luis Hernández
Department of International Relations
Kenta Shimizu
Department of Innovation and Technology
OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Victor Alejandro Smoly
Born in Argentina, he was kidnapped at age 8, bullied at age 12, defended himself, and everything changed. Today, he is a specialist in counterterrorism, personal protection, and Israeli Krav Maga, with nearly 30 years of experience in comprehensive security and risk prevention. Throughout his career, he has designed and implemented strategic protocols, formed protection teams, and conducted threat analyses in national and international contexts. He has trained Special Forces groups and federal security and protection agencies.
As executive director of the Global Organization for the Prevention of Bullying (OGPAB) and president of the World Alliance Against Bullying, he leads prevention, awareness, and regulatory support initiatives that have reached thousands of families in various countries. He is the author and writer of BULLYING: SCHOOL TERRORISM and THE 58 LAWS AGAINST BULLYING, works that reflect his commitment to reducing school violence and creating safe educational environments.
In his teaching work, Victor connects with children and young people using a motivational and practical approach: he strengthens self-confidence and resilience, promotes ethical leadership and assertive communication, and encourages self-care and peaceful conflict resolution skills. His approach combines safety methodology, preventive education, and inspiring communication to reduce risks, defuse violent behavior, and consolidate cultures of protection and purpose in educational centers and organizations.
He primarily promotes values and love for God.