Laura Lopez
Castle Rock,CO
Summary
Experienced, pro-active leader with a strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives in a fast-paced environment. Excels in applying problem-solving skills and aligning efforts with organizational goals to achieve optimal results. Known for a collaborative approach and a commitment to excellence.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Advisor to Brazil, COP 30
Government of Brazil
Brasilia, Brazil
10.2024 - 01.2026
- As Special Advisor to the Government of Brazil for the Conference of the Parties (COP 30), I provided strategic input on all operational aspects of delivering the 2025 edition of the annual climate change conference in Belem, Para, in the Amazon.
- Shared policy advice and expertise on logistical, technical, operational and financial aspects of producing the conference, the largest in the United Nations System.
- Advised Government of Brazil on Host Country Agreement negotiations, seeking to harmonize UNFCCC practices and policies with Brazilian legislation.
- Oversaw all workstreams in coordination with the main partner, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) including venue development, service delivery, government-to-government relations and general development of approaches to all participant groups.
- As liaison with UNFCCC, managed relations and engagement for Brazilian government officials on all operational matters.
- Spearheaded engagement between Government of Brazil and member states, including regional and negotiating groups and civil society.
- Collaborated with Brazilian interdepartmental teams to align objectives and improve service delivery.
Events and Engagement Advisor
Freelance
Multiple Locations
01.2024 - 09.2024
- Provided strategic guidance to non-profit organizations wanting to enhance their engagement with United Nations processes.
- Developed outreach programs through events and focused communications for greater visibility.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on UN developments and events, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients.
- Cultivated network of key UN and non-profit leaders to support client needs.
Director, Conference Affairs
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Bonn, Germany
02.2017 - 12.2023
- Responsible for operational delivery of the UN's largest annual conference, the Conference of the Parties (COP), attracting as many as 80,000 participants each year.
- Developed and managed all workstreams in conjunction with host countries, encompassing venue and services delivery, security, registration, accomodations, visas, transportation, local staff, volunteers, documentation and sustainability.
- Negotiated Host Country Agreement annexes and supervised compliance.
- Led innovation exercises and implemented change, as appropriate to ensure a safe, functional space for all stakeholders.
- Led problem-solving and trouble-shooting operational aspects of COPs.
- Performed under pressure and in often challenging circumstances, to the satisfaction of senior management and multiple stakeholders.
Director, Publications and Communications
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Bangkok, Thailand
07.2014 - 01.2017
- Provided strategic vision and advice to the Executive Secretary and senior management on establishing and promoting ESCAP's regional and global profile through targeted communications and advocacy.
- Led related outreach activities such as enhanced media relations, web content management, social media push-out, op-ed placements, among others.
- Managed high-quality and timely delivery of communications and branding aspects of high-profile events such as ESCAP's annual Commission Session and other intergovernmental meetings, conferences, launches, exhibits, UN international days etc.
- Created the institutional architecture for a new Editorial Board that provided the main vehicle for dissemination of ESCAP's intellectual outputs to position the regional commission as a key producer of sustainable development thinking.
Chief of Staff
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Bangkok, Thailand
07.2011 - 07.2014
- Managed the office of the Executive Secretary, monitoring the work of all divisions, Sub-regional Offices and Regional Institutions, offering suggestions for strategic decision-making.
- Coordinated the Senior Management Team and the Executive Secretary's Senior Manager's Compact with the Secretary General.
- Supervised the Communications Chief and key elements of overall strategic communications and advocacy activities, including speech preparation, op-ed drafting and press releases.
Secretary of the Commission
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
Santiago, Chile
11.2007 - 07.2011
- Responsible for organizing political and organizational aspects for all meetings of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies.
- Developed negotiating agendas and supporting teams.
- Managed relationships with Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, and developmental partners including United Nations agencies, funds and programs.
- Managed professional and technical teams of up to 20 staff.
- Frequently Officer-in-Charge of the Commission, representing the Executive Secretary at high-level meetings.
Chief, Documents and Publications Division
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
Santiago, Chile
07.2002 - 10.2007
- Responsible for all editing, translation and documentation preparation in support of ECLAC's intergovernmental platform.
- Revamped the commission's publications program.
- Established publishing guidelines for ECLAC's extensive (400+ title) publications program.
- Coordinated the commission's corporate image and branding policy.
- Developed relationships with international publishing houses, carried out co-edition and co-publication agreements.
- Supervised electronic sales and distribution.
Chief, Information Services
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
Santiago, Chile
08.1997 - 06.2002
- Managed press and public relations for the Commission.
- Responsible for media relations, communications policy, public and electronic launches of ECLAC reports; writing, editing and placement of op-ed columns regionally.
- Managed content of ECLAC web front page, Executive Secretary page and Information Services page.
- Organized seminars and other institutional events.
- Designed and edited bi-monthly, bilingual newsletter.
Bureau Chief, Latin America
Time Magazine
Mexico City, Mexico
07.1990 - 08.1997
- Only TIME staff member in the region, with responsibility for all Latin American news coverage, plus management of 25 reporters in 18 countries.
- Topics covered included crime and corruption in Mexico, assassination of a presidential candidate, country collapse and political upheaval, indigenous uprisings, economy and finance, trade and drug trafficking, environment, religion and culture.
- Additional duties included planning and carrying out TIME's Board of Economists special events, special editions, frequent presentations.
Bureau Chief, South America
Time Magazine
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
09.1987 - 07.1990
- Responsible for all news coverage in South America.
- Stories included the downfall of two Latin American dictators, hyperinflation, burning of the Amazon, the Shining Path guerrilla movement in Peru, narcotics trafficking, Brazilian music and cultural trends.
- Additionally, covered the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, Canada.
Bureau Chief, Central America
Time Magazine
Managua, Nicaragua
09.1984 - 08.1987
- Reported the "contra" war from the Nicaraguan side, as well as various political events in Central America, including the Contadora Peace Process.
- Re-established trust and a working relationship between TIME Magazine and the Sandinista government.
- Was one of the foreign journalists given access to documents from a downed "contra" flight that unraveled the "Iran-Contra" saga.
Writer, World Section
Time Magazine
New York, NY
12.1982 - 08.1984
- Covered a wide range of issues on a moment's notice and deliver high-quality stories within deadline.
- Wrote stories on international subjects, mostly politics.
Office Manager
Time Magazine
Mexico City, Mexico
06.1980 - 11.1982
- Provided reporting, fixing and backup support for TIME correspondents during the Mexican financial collapse and during political upheaval including Central American low-intensity conflicts.
- Arranged a "News Tour" for 65 CEOs and TIME executives throughout Mexico and Central America.
Education
Bachelor of Information And Communications Science - Journalism And Mass Communication
California State University, Chico
Chico, CASkills
- Experience in leadership
- Strategic thinking and decision making
- Idea development and brainstorming
- Project planning and coordination
- Operational efficiency
- Problem solving
- Multi-tasking
- Team building
Timeline
Special Advisor to Brazil, COP 30
Government of Brazil
10.2024 - 01.2026
Events and Engagement Advisor
Freelance
01.2024 - 09.2024
Director, Conference Affairs
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
02.2017 - 12.2023
Director, Publications and Communications
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
07.2014 - 01.2017
Chief of Staff
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
07.2011 - 07.2014
Secretary of the Commission
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
11.2007 - 07.2011
Chief, Documents and Publications Division
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
07.2002 - 10.2007
Chief, Information Services
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean
08.1997 - 06.2002
Bureau Chief, Latin America
Time Magazine
07.1990 - 08.1997
Bureau Chief, South America
Time Magazine
09.1987 - 07.1990
Bureau Chief, Central America
Time Magazine
09.1984 - 08.1987
Writer, World Section
Time Magazine
12.1982 - 08.1984
Office Manager
Time Magazine
06.1980 - 11.1982
Bachelor of Information And Communications Science - Journalism And Mass Communication
California State University, Chico