From the courtroom to the world of finance, Carolina Canida ’07 has built a career defined by curiosity, balance, and purpose. As Chief Compliance Officer at Ceeto Capital Group, she draws on both her legal expertise and lifelong passion for business—a combination shaped early by her family’s entrepreneurial spirit and her own experiences at Gulliver Prep. A proud mother of three, she’s learned to navigate the beautiful chaos of family life while leading with integrity and ambition. In this Q&A, she reflects on her path from Gulliver to Georgetown and beyond, sharing the lessons, mentors, and memories that continue to guide her journey today.
What are you up to these days?
I’m currently the Chief Compliance Officer at Ceeto Capital Group, a multi-family office in Coral Gables. Before moving into finance, I worked in the Corporate Department at a large law firm in Miami, and it’s been really rewarding to find a role that lets me bring both worlds together — my legal background and my long-standing interest in finance. Outside of work, life is wonderfully full. I’m a proud mom of three kids — seven-year-old twins and a three-year-old — and balancing family life with my career keeps me grounded and constantly inspired.
What inspired you to pursue your current career, and how has your path evolved along the way?
I think my interest in finance started early. My parents built their own asset management company, so I grew up around the business world and saw firsthand what it takes to build something from the ground up. At the same time, my grandparents, who immigrated to the United States from Cuba, were both attorneys. For them, the law provided the tools to succeed and build a life in this country — and their example deeply inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Studying law taught me how to think critically and see every issue from multiple angles. But over time, I realized I wanted to apply that same mindset in a more dynamic, business-focused setting. Working at a multi-family officer turned out to be the perfect bridge — it combine everything I love about both law and finance.
Was there something you learned at Gulliver—inside or outside the classroom—that’s made an impact on your life?
Gulliver really shaped me into a well-rounded person, and I still carry so many of those lessons with me today. What stood out most was how the school encouraged us to explore different interests and to find our voices. There was always a sense that you could try something new — whether it was a club, a sport, or an academic challenge — and that freedom built a quiet confidence that stayed with me.
Are there any Gulliver teachers or coaches you credit as having positively influenced you?
Mr. Thompson, my math teacher, had a huge impact on me. He had such a genuine enthusiasm for the subject and a way of making even the most challenging concepts feel approachable and exciting. His confidence in me helped me develop a real love for math — something I hadn’t expected. That encouragement ended up shaping an important part of my path. When it came time to choose a college major, I suddenly had the confidence to switch to the business school at Georgetown University at the very last minute. Looking back, I can see how much that moment changed the direction of my career, and I’ll always be grateful to him for helping me see that side of myself.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Gulliver Prep?
Some of my favorite memories from Gulliver come from being part of the group of students who were lifers — those of us who started when we were just three years old and went all the way through together. Even though we weren’t all necessarily close, there was such a strong sense of camaraderie among us. We grew up side by side, sharing so many milestones — from our first field trips to graduation — that it created a quiet, lasting bond. We really watched each other grow up. That experience taught me the value of long-term friendships and community, something I still carry with me today — and many of the people I met at Gulliver remain a part
of my life all these years later.
What has been one of your proudest moments?
I’m proud of the balance I’ve found between my career and family. Raising three young children while building a demanding career hasn’t always been easy, and its more chaotic that words can describe, but it’s been the most meaningful challenge of my life. Seeing my kids watch me work hard and pursue what I love reminds me that success looks different for everyone, and that’s something I hope they carry with them as they grow up. And in many ways, I credit Gulliver for helping me see that early on. The school exposed us to so many different paths and possibilities. It taught me that success doesn’t have just one definition — it isn’t limited to academics or sports, but about discovering your strengths and finding fulfillment in whatever you choose to pursue.
What clubs, sports, or extracurriculars were you involved in at Gulliver Prep, and how did they influence you?
Being on the debate team was such a meaningful experience for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to think critically, speak with confidence, and see different perspectives. Those skills became invaluable when I decided to study law, but they also shaped how I approach challenges in general. Looking back, debate wasn’t just about competing — it was about finding my voice and learning to trust myself. The friendships and sense of teamwork that came from that experience still
stand out as some of the best parts of my time at Gulliver.
What’s something about you that most of your classmates might be surprised to learn?
Most people might be surprised to learn that despite working in a highly structured, detail-oriented field, I’ve learned to really embrace the beautiful unpredictability of raising three kids. Every day brings something new, and it’s taught me to adapt quickly, stay patient, and find humor in the unexpected. Honestly, it’s probably the best real-world leadership training I could have ever asked for.
How do you stay connected with fellow Gulliver Prep alumni or the school community?
Most of my lifelong friends are people I met along the way at Gulliver. We’ve shared so many stages of life together — from our earliest school days to college, careers, and now families of our own. Those friendships are truly one of the greatest gifts Gulliver gave me. I also enjoy keeping up with Gulliver alumni events and school updates, and it’s always inspiring to see what fellow graduates are accomplishing. No matter where life takes us, there’s a shared sense of pride and connection that comes from having been part of the Gulliver family. It still feels like home to me, even all these years later.
Thank you for giving back to Gulliver! Why do you give, and why is it important to support Gulliver as an alumnus/a?
I give back to Gulliver because it truly helped shape who I am — both personally and professionally. As a Gulliver lifer, having started when I was just three years old, the school has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was the place where I learned how to challenge myself, build confidence, and explore different interests — lessons that have carried me through every stage of my journey. When I think about everything Gulliver gave me — amazing teachers, lifelong friends, and a strong foundation for success — it feels natural to want to give something back. Supporting the school is my way of saying thank you and helping make sure future students have those same opportunities to grow and find their passions. Gulliver has always felt like home, and I’m proud to play even a small part in continuing that tradition for others.
