GRACIA MARÍA LÓPEZ CASTRO
Reston,United States
Summary
Strategic leader and justice reform specialist with 18+ years of experience managing policy-relevant programs and research initiatives. Expert in bridging rigorous evidence with actionable policy, leading multidisciplinary teams, and translating complex findings into insights that drive reform. Committed to advancing effective, equitable justice systems and social development practices grounded in evidence and human dignity.
Qualified Project Management Specialist with comprehensive experience managing 20+ cross-functional teams and driving project success, with a project portfolio of $80m. Adept at coordinating resources and timelines to ensure project milestones are met, suing Agile methodology. Demonstrated ability in risk management and strategic planning, with proven success in program delivery.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Management Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
11.2016 - 08.2024
- Provided analysis and senior advise on crime, violence and gender issues.
- Directed $80M+ justice and social impact programs rooted in research and policy reform.
- Co-led the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Combat Gender-Based Violence Globally.
- Integrated causal research into large-scale interventions; scaled effective programs.
- Led coalitions across government, civil society, and academia to drive legislative change.
- Developed survivor-centered models reaching 3,500+ individuals annually.
- Led DEIA training and embedded inclusive frameworks in USAID operations.
Development Policy Analyst
Global Affairs Canada
12.2010 - 10.2016
- Managed grants and research on gender, violence prevention, and community investment.
- Informed Canada's human rights and security strategy in Central America.
- Built CSR partnerships with 80+ businesses to advance inclusion and social development.
Grants and Research Manager
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) & CECI
04.2010 - 11.2010
- Oversaw youth crime prevention grants with integrated evaluation frameworks.
Technical Consultant and Policy Advisor
National Public Security Council (CNSP)
03.2007 - 06.2009
- Produced evidence-based recommendations for El Salvador's national prevention strategy.
Education
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice (Behavioral Science)
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL10.2025
M.A. - Social Development (Gender Focus)
University of Sussex
Brighton, Sussex, EnglandB.A. - Philosophy, Politics & Economics
University of York
York, North Yorkshire, EnglandSkills
- Research Management
- Criminal Justice Reform
- RCTs & Causal Design
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Grant Management
- Evidence Translation
- Cross-Sector Partnerships
- Participatory Leadership
- Strategic Program Design
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) and Intermediate French
Select Achievements
- Co-authored U.S. Strategy to Combat Gender-Based Violence; secured bipartisan support.
- Scaled RCT-informed justice programs impacting 10,000+ individuals annually.
- Established survivor centers serving 3,500+ individuals annually.
- Built legislative and CSR partnerships supporting long-term community impact.
Timeline
Senior Project Management Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
11.2016 - 08.2024
Development Policy Analyst
Global Affairs Canada
12.2010 - 10.2016
Grants and Research Manager
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) & CECI
04.2010 - 11.2010
Technical Consultant and Policy Advisor
National Public Security Council (CNSP)
03.2007 - 06.2009
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice (Behavioral Science)
Nova Southeastern University
M.A. - Social Development (Gender Focus)
University of Sussex
B.A. - Philosophy, Politics & Economics
University of York
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