Current position and employer: I’m a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Pacifico Consulting, a boutique consulting firm specialized in creating shared valuethrough sustainable ESG practices. We promote positive impact beyond the bottom line of our clients. I’m responsible for the public affairs practice, development policy, and political strategy at the firm.

Hometown and Current City: Bogotá, Colombia

Why did you choose McCourt? As a Colombian citizen interested in government and public policy, I have always been troubled by the rise of political apathy in Latin America. McCourt’s commitment to public service captivated my attention from the onset as it challenges every member of the community to be an active and engaged citizen. The EMPL has a unique perspective on studying policy, incorporating leadership development opportunities to effectively promote ethical public servants. This combination offered me the chance to develop a better analytical framework so that I could become a more effective leader to help and recuperate trust in politics in my country. Attending Georgetown has allowed me to be at the center of the conversations that happen in Washington and that shape the dynamics of politics around the world.

What was the best part of your experience? In today’s increasingly complicated world, ambition and a need for achievement are often more popular than having a sense of values. This is a formula for disaster in leadership. McCourt’s holistic approach to education and the EMPL’s interdisciplinary curriculum provide tools to develop well-rounded individuals who understand the importance of having a moral compass. In a small class environment, with a diverse cohort, and outstanding academics as well as expert practitioners, we have been able to discuss the trade-offs leaders make in decision-making. Whether in economics or negotiations, we’ve explored considerations that go beyond problem solving. Instead, classes have focused on understanding and preparing leaders on how to make the right decisions. Studying in an institution that promotes these values in their academic programs has been the most memorable part of my experience.  

Undergraduate University, degree, and major: Claremont McKenna College, BA in International Relations 

Hobbies/ Interests: I have worked and studied in Asia, Africa, North America and South America and have always been interested in understanding why few regions in the world are as unequal as Latin America. I’m troubled by the fact that my country, one of the most biodiverse and rich in natural resources, continues to suffer from violent conflict and underdevelopment that produces great human suffering. I am convinced that bettering public service is crucial to promote state building. This master’s program was best suited for me as it explores the relationship between leadership, policy and politics. It will help me better understand the relationship between democracy building and long-term economic and social development.