PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Executive Director
Cambridge, MA

MIT D-Lab
August 2021 - Present
MIT D-Lab works to develop and advance collaborative approaches and practical solutions to global poverty challenges through participatory and inclusive education, research and innovation practice. As Executive Director, I promote and support the mission broadly across the campus and around the world. My key functions include providing leadership and vision, establishing priorities and partnerships, and strategically directing the development, implementation, and sustainability of D-Lab initiatives. I also oversee partnerships and collaborations with a wide variety of stakeholders, and represent and advocate for D-Lab within and outside of MIT. At a high level, I am also responsible for the administration and management of D-Lab’s business operations, including staff and program management and evaluation, communications, partnerships, and finances. I work to optimize the organizational structure, delegating responsibilities and supporting staff in their professional success and growth, and oversee financial operations, fundraising, and stewardship activities. For more information, visit: d-lab.mit.edu

Chief of Social Policy a.i.
Kampala, Uganda

UNICEF Uganda
January - June 2021
UNICEF Uganda works in close partnership with policymakers, practitioners, investors and donors to support the design and effective implementation of national policies that contribute to improved outcomes for children. As interim Chief of Social Policy, I reported directly to the Resident Representative and was responsible for leading, managing and supervising UNICEF Uganda's social policy portfolio. This included all stages of social policy programming and related advocacy, from strategic planning and formulation to delivery of concrete and sustainable results. My key accountabilities included providing managerial leadership and oversight, improving data on child poverty and vulnerability for increased use for policy and program action, and strengthening social protection coverage and impact for children. I also worked to improve the use of public financial resources for children, strengthened the capacity of local governments to plan, budget, consult on and monitor child-focused social services, and strengthened advocacy and partnerships for child-sensitive social policy. I also actively engaged in UNICEF program management, and held this role concurrently with my position of Social Policy Manager. For more information, visit: www.unicef.org/uganda/

Social Policy Manager
Kampala, Uganda

UNICEF Uganda
June 2019 - June 2021
UNICEF Uganda works in close partnership with policymakers, practitioners, investors and donors to support the design and effective implementation of national policies that contribute to improved outcomes for children. As Social Policy Manager, I was responsible for advising the Chief of Social Policy on the design, management, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all stages of social policy programming and related advocacy from strategic planning and formulation to delivery of concrete and sustainable results. This included programs aimed at: improving (a) public policies to reduce child poverty; (b) social protection coverage and impact on children; (c) the transparency, adequacy, equity and efficiency of child-focused public investments and financial management; and (d) child rights governance, decentralization and accountability measures to increase public participation and the quality, equity and coverage of social services. This encompassed both direct program work with government and civil society partners as well as linkages and support to teams working on education, health, child protection, water and sanitation, and HIV. For more information, visit: www.unicef.org/uganda/

Chief Strategy Officer
New York, NY and Boston, MA

Fundación Capital
September 2015 - May 2019
​Fundación Capital is an international organization working to advance economic citizenship globally and at scale. It is a pioneer in inclusive finance and a testing ground for innovation in asset-building, working to eliminate poverty by expanding access to capital, information, training and productive opportunities. By aligning public policy, market mechanisms, and advances in digital technology, Fundación Capital enables millions of families to meet their ambitions and decide for themselves how to manage, grow and invest their resources. As Chief Strategy Officer, I was responsible for guiding Fundación Capital’s growth and development to broaden its scale and scope, and increase the impact of our work. This involved leading the organizational strategy, managing global external relations, and spearheading impact initiatives and innovation processes. In addition, I provided technical guidance and support on a variety of issues, including social protection, financial inclusion, and digital solutions, to increase the financial and productive inclusion of millions of low-income families. For more information, visit: www.fundacioncapital.org

Special Advisor for Digital Solutions 
Belgrade, Serbia

​Fundación Capital
May 2014 - August 2015
Fundación Capital's Digital Solutions Department focused on leveraging innovation in information and communication technologies (ICTs) to increase the financial capabilities of low-income people through three thematic areas: information and communication technologies for development, and sustainable development innovations (ICT4D); information and communication technologies for education, training, and capacity building for human development (ICT4E); and information and communication technologies for inclusion, focusing on empowerment, citizen participation, and financial inclusion more broadly (ICT4I). As Special Advisor for Digital Solutions, I provided strategic guidance and technical assistance in three core areas: (1) business development, product design, and technological innovation; (2) stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and marketing; and (3) program development and coordination support. This was an ongoing consultancy engagement throughout the time spent completing a doctoral dissertation, with the aim of facilitating leadership transition and ensuring a cohesive strategic growth plan. For more information, visit: www.fundacioncapital.org

Founder and Coordinator of the LISTA Initiative 
Bogotá, Colombia

​Fundación Capital
Jan. 2012 - Apr. 2014
Fundación Capital’s LISTA Initiative leverages innovation in information and communication technologies to increase the financial capabilities of low-income people at scale. The hallmark innovation of this has been the LISTA tablet-based financial education application, which was the first of its kind in the world, and was designed specifically to facilitate low-income people’s (especially those living in rural areas) access to information and training, in order to help them make more informed financial decisions and build their assets. As Founder and Coordinator, I was responsible for the design, development and dissemination of innovative tools and methodologies for poverty alleviation at scale, resulting in the creation of innovative products and methodologies, as well as significant positive social impact as confirmed through a rigorous impact evaluation. The LISTA app has since reached nearly a million users in more than a dozen countries, been adopted into public policy by several governments, led to additional spin-off apps within and outside the organization, and has received international recognition and awards. It has debunked a number of assumptions about technology aversion by people living in poverty (exceeding participation targets at 150%), interest in financial content (with completion rates above 80%), and the likelihood of theft in the field (less than 1% of hardware being lost or stolen). LISTA exemplified a re-imagining of poverty and vulnerability, where people are seen as active participants in defining their economic futures, rather than merely as passive aid recipients, or "beneficiaries." For more information, visit: www.fundacioncapital.org

Contributing Researcher 
Belgrade, Serbia

​Center for Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development, University of Belgrade
November 2010 - December 2011
The Center for Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development (CEPOR) is a relatively new research institution established within the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Belgrade, with activities that focus on research, education, analysis, awareness raising, and publishing. In 2011, I supported the establishment and early research of the Center by assisting on a project funded by the Serbian Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, comparing sustainable development curricula in higher education systems within Serbia and the United Kingdom. I remain affiliated with the institution as a Contributing Researcher. For more information, visit: http://cepor.fpn.bg.ac.rs/

Communication Specialist 
Belgrade, Serbia

​USAID's Municipal Economic Growth Activity
November 2009 - October 2010
The Municipal Economic Growth Activity Program was a local economic development project funded by the United States Agency for International Development, and implemented by the Urban Institute from 2005-2010. The purpose of the project was to develop the skills of local governments and local business groups to foster economic growth and job creation, assist them to put these concepts and skills into practice, and to create a business friendly environment where the local private sector might flourish. As Communication Specialist, I was responsible for public outreach and communication activities, ensuring the visibility of program and partner activities and successes. I served as the primary liaison to USAID, preparing regular briefing materials for high-level U.S. government officials and Serbian central and local government representatives, planning and coordinating events, and assisting in information management and reporting.

Translator and Language Editor 
Madrid, Spain

​Solar Decathlon Team, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
May 2009 - February 2010
The Solar Decathlon is a competition in which teams of university students compete to design, build and operate the most attractive, effective and energy-efficient solar-powered houses. In October 2009, the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid participated in the competition, and in 2010 they organized, for the first time, the Solar Decathlon Europe competition, held in Madrid. The competition had a significant public outreach and education component and I worked with the university's communication team to ensure effective outreach and educate the public on climate change, renewable energies and green technologies. I translated, edited and proofed the English-language materials produced by the Team competing in 2009, and ensured the proper expression of their messages. These included communication, collateral and competition materials, as well as scientific and newspaper articles. For the organization of the Solar Decathlon Europe competition, I supported the translation and editing of the communication materials available on the competition website.

North American Language and Cultural Auxiliary 

​Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte
Madrid, Spain
September 2008 - July 2009
The Spanish Ministry of Education provides grants for North American language and culture assistants to work in bilingual public elementary schools throughout Spain. I taught Science, Art, and English language and grammar to around 250 students between the ages of 3 and 12, and worked closely with the local teachers to promote a bilingual and multicultural environment. I also worked on initiatives related to incorporate environmental protection, recycling and climate change education through in-class lectures, community outreach initiatives and interactive workshops.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS

​Social Policy and Communication Expert
Jazak, Serbia

 Center for Rural Development and Applied Learning (CERUDA)
May 2014 - Present
The Center for Rural Development and Applied Learning (CERUDA) is a social business founded by renowned international experts with the goal of supporting sustainable economic development in Serbia and the Balkan region. By bringing together interdisciplinary expertise in fields like Architecture, Energy, and Food Chains, CERUDA addresses sustainable development from a systems approach. At the core of CERUDA's activities is the Jazak Learning Center, which is a dedicated space for seminars and independent study in the region of Vojvodina, located an hour North of Serbia's capital city (Belgrade).  As Social Policy and Communication Expert, I support the team's efforts in understanding the social side of sustainability, considering ways to increase social impact, understanding the triggers of poverty, and expanding opportunities for growth through communication and outreach. For more information, visit: www.ceruda.org

Founder and Project Manager 
Belgrade, Serbia

​Sustainable Habits for Sustainable Development
February 2011 - Present
The purpose of this project is to raise awareness of sustainable development and issues related to the environment, economic development and social equality both globally and locally (in the Balkans region). The project envisioned a week-long "No Impact" campaign and experiential learning process to inform people (primarily youth) about these issues, increasing awareness of the impact that daily behaviors can have on the environment and society. This sustainability week was organized in 2011 and again in 2013 with more than two hundred participants who succeeded in adopting more sustainable habits and spreading the word in their communities. In addition, the website serves as a resource for relevant information and research on sustainability, written in the Serbian language, and it is sporadically updated. For more information, visit: www.odrzivirazvoj.org

Senior Resident Assistant and Resident Assistant 
Boston, Massachusetts

​Office of Residence Life, Boston University
August 2005 - August 2008
A Resident Assistant (RA) serves as a Residence Life staff member living and working with other residents and providing support and assistance on a variety of issues. RAs guide, encourage and help other students, serving as a peer advisor, resource and referral agent, friend and role model. As RA, I supervised 38 undergraduate students for whom I successfully facilitated integration into the University community, mediated conflicts, addressed concerns and supported in crises. I also coordinated 15 community events, ran monthly meetings, wrote daily reports, and promoted cultural activities related to the house’s specialty: promoting Hispanic language and culture. In my capacity as Senior Resident Assistant (SRA), I directly supervised 7 specialty RAs, for whom I led weekly meetings, maintained close communication, and supported through on-call shifts. As SRA I also performed the duties of an RA, supervising 15 residents on a daily basis.

Grader for "Introduction to Latin American Politics" 
Boston, Massachusetts

​College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University
January - May 2008
The course provides an introduction to the patterns and complexities of Latin American politics and foreign policies, and focuses on the distinctive Latin American political experience and alternative explanations for it, including colonization, the international economy, and human and material resource capacity and utilization. I graded all of the written assignments of the 48 students taking the course, assisted them with their research (including topic selection, research organization, and writing skills workshops), developed grading schemas, and addressed all assessment concerns.

Reference Assistant 
Boston, Massachusetts

​Mugar Memorial Library, Boston University
September 2003 - May 2007
Mugar Memorial is the primary library for study, teaching and research in the humanities and social sciences for Boston University. As Reference Assistant, I aided patrons with their research and electronic materials and supported librarians by fielding questions. I handled customer concerns, tracked the frequency and volume of questions in order to evaluate patron needs.

Consumer Accounts Intern 
Boston, Massachusetts

Schneider Associates
September - December 2006
Schneider Associates is an independent public relations and marketing communication firm, which is recognized as a leader in conducting innovative, multi-faceted launches for products, services, companies and communities, helping clients create and sustain visibility in an increasingly crowded and competitive marketplace. As intern for the consumer team, I conducted research, created competitive analysis reports, developed story angles and pitched journalists. In addition, I compiled press clips and generated media placement reports to measure monthly PR results.

Library Reference Assistant 
Various Asian Countries

​Institute for Shipboard Education
June - August 2006
Semester at Sea is a shipboard program for study abroad, providing a global, comparative, and international education to University students and adult learners. It is administered by the nonprofit Institute for Shipboard Education and is academically sponsored by the University of Virginia. As Library Reference Assistant, I helped students with their electronic and card catalog research. I also performed a detailed inventory of the ship’s library materials, helping to fully update the library catalog.

Public Relations Planning Intern

New Moment New Ideas
Belgrade, Serbia
June - July 2004
New Moment New Ideas Company is a Southeast European network for total communications, PR & events and new ideas from all areas of the human mind.  It is also the most awarded advertising house on the Balkans. As intern, I aided in strategy sessions, supported the staging of new product launches for brands such as Avon, and conducted research for clients. I also helped organize a press conference attended by 20 journalists and a steel plant tour with 15 journalists for client U.S. Steel.

"Pedjolino" Live Show Co-Host 
Belgrade, Serbia

​Studio B Television Station
1997 - 1998
Pedjolino is a live television show whose target audience is between the ages of 10 and 15. The show traditionally targets a younger audience, but this segment was intended to provide informational and entertainment programming to an older target audience. I co-hosted the show, interviewed guests, and introduced programs. I also developed and performed interviews outside of the studio, including segments with the “Trio Simonuti” and “Arhimedes” young mathematicians’ society.

Professional Affiliations