Current position and employer: Self-employed. Experienced Practitioner in Diplomacy & Public Sector Management | Multilateral Negotiations | Public Security | Strategic Partnerships | Fundraising
Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala
Current City: Washington, DC
Why did you choose McCourt? My moral compass is oriented toward service to others and building a more just world. This is the reason I studied at Georgetown University. I believe the McCourt School of Public Policy is an institution that builds the leaders that the world needs and enables young leaders to become better citizens. I deeply respect and admire the moral principles and academic discipline of Jesuits, and I want to join the movement for creating more opportunities for the most in need and the humblest people of the world.
What professional/ work experience did you have prior to coming to McCourt? As a former Guatemalan Diplomat, I was appointed as the Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the Organization of American States (OAS), based in DC. With over a decade of leadership in international government affairs, I have extensive experience in diplomacy, multilateral negotiations, and strategic partnerships across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. As a proven bridge builder, I have designed and led successful fundraising campaigns, raising 6-7+ figure funds to combat extreme poverty in Guatemala.
As a strategist and thought leader, I have advised Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ministers of the Interior, Ambassadors, and senior Cabinet members, while negotiating with high-level diplomats and military officials from the Americas to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges. Additionally, I have contributed to speechwriting for the President of the Republic of Guatemala.
At the OAS I led initiatives focused on strengthening the rule of law, representative democracy, and public security to address transnational organized crime and drive sustainable development. I was elected as the First Vice-Chair of the Committee on Hemispheric Security of the Permanent Council of the OAS, representing member states of the Central American Integration System (SICA), term 2023-2024.
My expertise in multilateral negotiations and high-stakes diplomatic engagements is complemented by a deep understanding of cross-cultural dynamics gained from living and working in Guatemala, Argentina, and the United States. This experience enables me to navigate diverse political landscapes effectively and foster institutional resilience in the LAC region.
I also had the privilege to volunteer and held leadership positions in constructing emergency housing projects for communities affected by extreme poverty and natural disasters in Guatemala and worked as the Fundraising Director and Spokesperson of TECHO Guatemala (Un Techo para Mi País “A Roof for my Country”).
What was the best part of your experience? I believe it is a privilege to be a Georgetown student. This is one of the best universities in the US and therefore, in the World. My professors have been amazing at transmitting their academic knowledge while sharing their personal and professional experience. My classmates come from very different perspectives and backgrounds and the interaction inside the class is diverse and challenging at the same time. Studying at Georgetown as a part-time student can be overwhelming while working full time but is a challenge that will transform the way I think and see the challenges and new opportunities for the World.
Student organization involvement while at McCourt: Head of Strategic Partnerships, Latin American and the Caribbean Policy Association (LAPA)
Undergraduate University, degree, and major: University Rafael Landívar, Guatemala, Licentiate Degree, Political Science
Hobbies/ Interests: Outside working hours, I enjoy biking around the city exploring new places and looking for the best ice cream spot. One of my favorite activities in DC is walking around parks during different seasons and joining the Malcom X “Drum Circle” at Meridian Hill Park on Sundays. I appreciate spending time with my partner and friends cooking together while discovering new music. I have a great passion for reading about philosophy, history and different cultures and have been learning to play saxophone lately. Areas of academic interest include the mitigation of climate change and inequality in developing countries, good governance, strategy, negotiation, security and defense, cyber policy and policy management.
Reach out to me about: Moving to DC: different options to find places to live and sharing some topics to adapt better in the City, since I have been here for seven years. I am looking forward to helping and assisting future Latino students, including all the mandatory documents to send, the application process and how to take advantage of networking in the city.