Joaquim Ascensão Pequicho was born in 1973 in Nazaré. He has a degree in Sociology, specializing in Social Exclusion, and has a master’s degree in management, as well as a postgraduate qualification in Social Economy and Law and Social Investment. In the field of Social Economy, Joaquim serves as the President of CERCINA, a Social Solidarity Cooperative. He is also the Vice-President and Executive Administrator of FENACERCI, the federative entity of CERCI institutions.

Additionally, Joaquim is the Vice-President and Director of CONFECOOP, the Confederation of the Cooperative Sector. He is an active member of the board of directors for ARFIE, a European organization that develops research and training for professionals in the disability field. He also sits on the board of the European Cooperative Organisation (CECOP) for the industry and services sector.

Joaquim has played a significant role in strengthening Confecoop’s representation in various forums, notably serving as Secretary of the Board of the General Assembly for CASES – Cooperativa António Sérgio para a Economia Social.