MARIA PAOLA FERRARIO

• Led comprehensive event coordination and strategic alignment efforts as Vice President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Paraguay.
• Established the first Agtech incubator in Paraguay, pioneering innovation in the agribusiness sector.
• Orchestrated impactful pitch innovation events including the Future Agro Challenge (Agtech) and Creative Business Cup (Orange Economy), leading to over 50k in seed funding secured by entrepreneurs.
• Mentored competition winners, enabling them to effectively present their ideas in international markets and bridging potential language barriers.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and enhancing Paraguay's global entrepreneurial presence.
• Oversaw day-to-day operations to keep organization running smoothly while meeting business goals
• Identified and pursued business development opportunities to grow organization and increase revenue
• Monitored and analyzed industry trends to identify opportunities for organizational growth and competitiveness
• Negotiated contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms and maximize profits

• Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
• Spearheaded the coordination, organization, fundraising, and recruitment of keynote speakers for the largest Women's Entrepreneurship Day event to date,drawing an audience of over 400 women.
• Successfully raised $20,000 in funding for the event through strategic fundraising efforts and sponsorship acquisition.
• Managed and orchestrated a diverse range of events throughout the year, ensuring seamless execution and engagement of attendees.
• Strategically marketed and elevated the brand, resulting in its recognition at both national and international levels, and uniting a distinguished community of accomplished female entrepreneurs.
• Established and sustained the foremost female-centric entrepreneurial platform in the country, solidifying its status as an indispensable resource for women in business nationwide.

Manage $1.5M+ institutional partnership and government contract portfolio across five state and federal agencies. Closed $3.2M in grants and institutional partnerships; built the organization's entire development infrastructure from the ground up as first dedicated development hire. Lead contract negotiation, multi-year budget management, legislative advocacy, and senior stakeholder relationship management at the state and federal level. Led Illinois State Capitol Day advocacy, securing direct meetings with legislators and converting relationships into sustained multi-year public funding commitments.

• 2023 Aliceann Wohlbruck NADO Impact Awards Recipient (National Associations of Development Organizations)
• Winner of NREL, DOE HERO X Challenge ($100k Prize) for Development of BDO Zone Certification Project
• Led 20 government officials on international relations trip to Germany, managing logistics and coordinating key stakeholder meetings.
• Spearheaded program leading to regional acceptance of Green Energy Rural Circular Economic vision.
• Conducted research and analysis to identify business growth opportunities, formulating strategic recommendations.
• Established relationships with stakeholders including business leaders, government agencies, and community organizations, advancing economic development goals.
• Provided technical guidance and support to local businesses in startup or expansion, offering expertise on funding sources, compliance, and workforce development.
• Orchestrated partnerships and collaborations between businesses, government agencies, and community organizations for mutual advancement.
• Developed and executed marketing and outreach campaigns to position Region Nine as premier business investment and economic growth destination.
• Monitored and evaluated economic development initiatives, offering adjustment recommendations for desired outcomes.
• Conducted presentations and training sessions to educate stakeholders on economic development strategies and relevant topics.
• Managed and administered grants and funding sources, overseeing reporting and compliance.
• Conducted workforce analyses and recommended training programs to address local business workforce needs.
• Actively participated in local and regional economic development organizations and task forces, ensuring awareness of best practices and emerging trends.

• Served as Fundraising Manager for Maestro Cares Foundation, a nonprofit co-founded by international music icon Marc Anthony and entrepreneur Henry Cárdenas dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children across Latin America and the United States. Delivered keynote remarks at an exclusive Southampton fundraiser hosted by Power Lawyer David Hryck and co-hosted by supermodel Karolina Kurkova, attended by Wyclef Jean, Kelly Bensimon, Fern Mallis, and Global Citizen Co-Founder Michael Sheldrick. Led donor engagement strategy and represented the Foundation's mission to a high-net-worth audience of Latin American philanthropists and cultural leaders. Supported outreach for the 11th Annual Changing Lives, Building Dreams Gala at Cipriani Wall Street.

• Judged over 160 projects on the platform
• As part of the advisory board, helped establish contacts and partnerships around the world, particularly focused on LatAm, bridging the language barrier for entrepreneurs.

• Conducted comprehensive research to identify and prioritize relevant grant opportunities at local, state, and federal levels.
• Orchestrated a dedicated grant writing team, aligning expertise in grant application development, project management, and subject matter knowledge.
  Successfully customized grant proposals, addressing specific criteria and priorities outlined by granting organizations.
  Developed compelling narratives highlighting the Chamber's mission, community impact, and strategic alignment with grant objectives.
• Demonstrated financial transparency by creating detailed budgets and allocation plans for grant funds.
• Cultivated strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and government entities to showcase community support.
• Proactively engaged with granting organizations to address inquiries and provide additional information as needed.
• Monitored and tracked grant progress, ensuring compliance with all deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Built and nurtured relationships with granting organizations, fostering potential future collaborations.

• Founded Paraguay's first AgTech accelerator, building government-endorsed public-private partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture and national economic development authorities. Developed cross-sector partnerships across government, international development organizations, and private sector entities across Latin America. Selected four consecutive years to the OAS Americas Competitiveness Exchange — recognized as a practitioner in cross-border market development and public-private partnership strategy across 35+ countries.

Completed an internationally accredited MBA with a focus on strategic management, international business, and organizational leadership. Developed advanced competencies in business planning, financial analysis, cross-functional team leadership, and global market strategy. Thesis research applied frameworks for economic development and institutional partnership in emerging markets. Program conducted in a multilingual, multicultural environment with peers and faculty from across Europe and Latin America.

• Business retention and expansion International Economic Development Council :Issued Mar 2023

Skills: bre · Economic Modeling · Economic Development

• Economic Development Credit Analysis Economic

International Economic Development Council Issued Mar 2023

• Basic Economic Development course Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Issued Oct 2022

Skills: Community Economic Development · Economic Development · Local Economic Development · Community Development · Community Engagement · Foreign Investment · Community Outreach · foreign direct investment · Community Organizing · Community Management

• Fundamentals of Business Expansion

YLAI- Young Leaders of Americas Initiative Issued Nov 2016

• Professional development completed in [Subject]

Completed an intensive international certification program in innovation and entrepreneurship hosted by MASHAV (Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation) in partnership with the Youth Ambassador Business Training program. Developed frameworks for startup ecosystem building, technology commercialization, and economic development strategy alongside emerging leaders from across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Applied learnings directly to founding Paraguay's first AgTech accelerator.

Completed an intensive international certification program in innovation and entrepreneurship hosted by MASHAV (Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation) in partnership with the Youth Ambassador Business Training program. Developed frameworks for startup ecosystem building, technology commercialization, and economic development strategy alongside emerging leaders from across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Applied learnings directly to founding Paraguay's first AgTech accelerator.

Completed professional certification in medical interpretation, developing specialized bilingual communication skills in clinical and healthcare settings across English and Spanish. Trained in interpretation ethics, terminology, and patient advocacy protocols. Complements broader multilingual professional profile spanning six languages.