Laura Salcedo Lourido
Key Biscayne,USA
Summary
Senior-level Advancement, Fundraising, and Philanthropic Executive with extensive experience building and scaling high-impact development programs across higher education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Proven track record of launching and transforming philanthropy functions, securing major gifts, expanding donor bases, and delivering ground-breaking fundraising results aligned with institutional mission and long-term growth objectives. Recognized for exceptional relationship-building abilities and credibility with donors, senior leaders, boards, and key stakeholders. Bilingual: English and Spanish. Trusted people leader and strategic partner with expertise in fundraising, alumni engagement, institutional communications, and brand positioning. Build and lead cross-functional teams and convert institutional mission into sustainable donor engagement and giving. Known for enhancing institutional reputation, elevating philanthropic culture, and delivering results that endure beyond individual campaigns or cycles.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development & Institutional Marketing Communications
Icesi University
07.2021 - Current
- Provide strategic leadership for the Offices of Philanthropy, Alumni Relations, and Institutional Communications, with responsibility for advancing fundraising, enhancing alumni engagement, and managing internal and external communications in support of the University’s mission, reputation, and long-term growth.
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of 18 professionals in development, alumni relations, communications, and digital channels.
- Tripled total donation revenue compared to 2021 and increased the major donor base 4x, delivering the strongest fundraising results in the University’s history.
- Enhanced engagement with 76% of existing donors through personalized stewardship and relationship management strategies.
- Secured more than 500 new scholarships and achieved a historic institutional donation record in 2025.
- Designed innovative donor engagement programs that solidified long-term partnerships and increased donor commitment.
- Proposed and implemented a new approach for the Alumni Relations Office focused on creating long-term relationships that deliver value and foster commitment and support for the University.
- Led the measurement of Universidad Icesi’s Institutional Reputation Index (IGR), NPS, and loyalty matrix, converting insights into strategic plans and initiatives with key stakeholders.
- Support and guide the Institutional Communications team in internal, external, and digital communications strategies, media relations, and reputation management to enhance institutional visibility and achieve strategic goals.
- Led the launch of a new institutional brand identity after more than 20 years without changes, repositioning Icesi as an open, flexible, and dynamic university and reinforcing its strategic message of 'the place to go further.'
- Achieved the highest brand health and digital reputation results in recent years, positioning the University among the top four institutions in Colombia for brand reputation and digital presence.
Director of Philanthropy
Icesi University
07.2021 - 02.2022
- Hired to open and lead the University’s philanthropy function, establishing the strategy, structure, and operating model to support Icesi’s long-term institutional development and social impact objectives.
- Responsible for donor strategy, relationship management, campaign development, and internal engagement.
- Built a sustainable fundraising program and established the Office of Philanthropy from the ground up, defining fundraising strategy, processes, and operational oversight.
- Engaged and secured new donors aligned with Icesi´s strategic priorities, expanding the University’s philanthropic reach.
- Designed a donor retention strategy focused on stewardship and long-term relationship building, enhancing loyalty and repeat giving.
- Planned and executed mass donation campaigns, increasing participation and broad-based engagement across the community.
- Fostered a culture of philanthropy within the institution to contribute to regional socioeconomic development.
Leader of Philanthropy/Head of Major Gifts Development
University of the Andes
11.2019 - 07.2021
- Led the University’s major gifts fundraising function with responsibility for developing and executing the institutional major gifts strategy in alignment with the University’s academic priorities and long-term development goals.
- Managed a team of two and provided leadership for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding high-net-worth individuals and institutional donors.
- Oversaw donor strategy, campaign planning, engagement initiatives, and recognition efforts.
- Developed and implemented the University’s Major Gift Fundraising strategy, establishing a structured approach to donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Led the strategy for the Ápice unit, responsible for securing donations exceeding $150,000.
- Developed commercial strategies for the Ápice team to attract new major donors.
- Designed customized philanthropic products tailored to donor interests.
- Created and implemented donor recognition, stewardship, and loyalty plans.
Philanthropy Office/Development Officer
University of the Andes
07.2017 - 11.2019
- Accountable for institutional fundraising and development initiatives focused on major gifts, donor engagement, and campaign execution.
- Assisted with strategy development, donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and event execution.
- Secured ~$230K in philanthropic contributions supporting a range of University academic and institutional initiatives.
- Planned and executed four targeted donor cultivation events, enhancing engagement, solidifying relationships, and securing gifts.
- Led the University’s first Philanthropic Forum, convening the country’s top 100 business leaders and high-potential donors.
- Created and executed the philanthropic strategy for the Pa’lante Pacífico campaign, which successfully raised $1.25M.
Commercial Director
Sentido Verde
10.2015 - 08.2016
- Served as the senior commercial leader responsible for building and executing the company’s commercial and marketing strategy to drive revenue growth, expand the client base, and strengthen market positioning.
- Accountable for business development, client acquisition, service design, pricing strategy, and go-to-market execution.
- Acquired new clients and doubled the prior year’s budget in the first 6 months through targeted outreach and strategic positioning.
- Designed and implemented the company’s commercial and marketing strategy, establishing a clear value proposition and structured approach to client acquisition.
- Created and launched new service offerings that expanded the company’s portfolio and attracted new client segments.
- Enhanced brand visibility and commercial credibility by aligning marketing initiatives with business priorities and client needs.
- Environmental Communications Agency
Executive Director
Fundación Vida Azul
07.2014 - 05.2015
- Managed day-to-day operations for a mission-driven environmental nonprofit, overseeing strategy, programs, fundraising, partnerships, and operations.
- Led a staff of three and reported to the Board of Directors, with accountability for advancing the foundation’s mission, financial sustainability, and public visibility.
- Directed environmental education initiatives, corporate engagement, and community outreach while serving as the primary spokesperson and representative of the organization.
- Planned and executed five corporate-sponsored coastal clean-up events that promoted environmental education, increased community engagement, and generated donation-based revenue to support foundation programs.
- Secured corporate donations to fund environmental projects and solidify the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.
- Designed and implemented the Más Agua Más Vida environmental education program, reaching more than 13,000 students nationwide and fostering environmental awareness among future generations.
- Built relationships with corporate partners, donors, educators, and key stakeholders to expand program reach and funding opportunities.
- Represented the foundation at public and private events, conferences, and media appearances, increasing visibility and awareness.
- NGO, Representative of Ocean Conservancy
Education
Executive Master of Science Degree - Marketing and Sales
Esade Business School
Barcelona, SpainBachelor of Arts Degree - Corporate Communication
College of Charleston
Executive Program - Corporate Reputation
Icesi University
Cali, ColombiaTimeline
Director of Development & Institutional Marketing Communications
Icesi University
07.2021 - Current
Director of Philanthropy
Icesi University
07.2021 - 02.2022
Leader of Philanthropy/Head of Major Gifts Development
University of the Andes
11.2019 - 07.2021
Philanthropy Office/Development Officer
University of the Andes
07.2017 - 11.2019
Commercial Director
Sentido Verde
10.2015 - 08.2016
Executive Director
Fundación Vida Azul
07.2014 - 05.2015
Executive Master of Science Degree - Marketing and Sales
Esade Business School
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Corporate Communication
College of Charleston
Executive Program - Corporate Reputation
Icesi University