MARIA PAULA ARDILA RANGEL
Washington,DC
Summary
Policy professional focused on developing and implementing effective local development strategies. Skilled in research, analysis, and stakeholder collaboration to drive informed decision-making. Recognized for adaptability, collaborative teamwork, and consistently achieving impactful results. Reliable and responsive to evolving priorities, with a strong commitment to advancing policy advocacy and fostering inclusive participation for local authorities and marginalized communities in development.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Development Policy Specialist
National Planning Department
08.2021 - 08.2024
- Led interdisciplinary teams in the creation of innovative solutions to address pressing policy challenges, ensuring efficient resolution and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Led the development of CONPES 4086, enhancing essential infrastructure in 171 municipalities with significant Afro-descendant communities.
- Oversaw the preparation, monitoring, and evaluation of Territorial Development Plans across Colombia’s 1,102 municipalities and 32 departments, supporting Sustainable Development Goals and peacebuilding.
- Provided technical assistance throughout Colombia territory to strengthen local governance capacities.
- Elaborated recommendations for the implementation of the System of Land Administration and Multi-Purpose Cadastre policy in Colombia.
- Participated in the elaboration and monitored commitments in the National Development Plan of Colombia and the transition to the incoming government.
Professional in Inter-institutional Relations
Colombian Federation of Municipalities
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Developed participatory strategies and fostered alliances with public, private and international organizations to strengthen governance in local development.
- Managed projects and facilitated communication and actions between local mayors, stakeholders, and the national government, promoting decentralization in Colombia.
- Created policy recommendations from the Governance with Public Sense project in collaboration, developed with the EU, UNFPA, and local NGOs in Narino department.
- Contributed to the formulation of government programs and strategies for municipal development.
Political Campaign Coordinator
Partido Cambio Radical
11.2017 - 11.2018
- Organized electoral campaigns across municipalities in Colombia's Caribbean region, engaging local leaders to build grassroots support.
- Coordinate rallies, speeches, and public appearances.
- Developed proposals that directly addressed identified needs, such as improving access to healthcare, enhancing educational resources.
- Managed data entry, reporting, and tracking documentation to support campaign operations.
Intern in Political and Economic Affairs
Embassy of Colombia to the United States
02.2017 - 08.2017
- Assisted the White House and the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs during President Santos' visit to Washington in May 2017.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Compiled relevant publications from various sources to inform bilateral relation.
- Gained practical experience working with U.S. government organizations, policymakers, think tanks, and business leaders, applying learned concepts to real-world situations.
Education
Master of Arts - International Development
American University
Washington, DC05-2026
Master of Public Administration - Public Management
Los Andes University
Bogota, Colombia08-2021
Bachelor's Degree - Political Science
Pontifical Xaverian University
Bogota, Colombia11.2017
Skills
- Policy analysis
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
Publications
- How to Improve the Long-Term Public Value Generation and Sustainability of Satena: A Governance Perspective, Escalante Blanco, E. E., Ardila Rangel, M. P., Rodríguez González, J. M., 2021, https://repositorio.uniandes.edu.co/handle/1992/53436
- Analysis of Public Policy on Food Security in the Indigenous Community of San Francisco, Municipality of Puerto Nariño - Amazonas, Colombia., Ardila Rangel, M. P., 2017, https://repository.javeriana.edu.co/handle/10554/35641
Awards
- Fulbright Scholar to pursue a Master’s degree in the United States, 2023.
- First place overall and recognized for outstanding performance in the NASPAA-Batten Student Simulation Regional Competition, University of Virginia, 2021.
- Participation in Youth Assembly at The United Nations, as a delegate from Colombia, 2017.
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 12 staff members.
- Contributed the development of the SISPT (National Territorial Planning System) in Colombia by introducing a new technological platform to support planning and monitoring tasks across 1,102 municipalities.
Certification
Community-Engaged and Community-Based Participatory Research - CITI Program.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Regional Development Policy Specialist
National Planning Department
08.2021 - 08.2024
Professional in Inter-institutional Relations
Colombian Federation of Municipalities
01.2019 - 12.2021
Political Campaign Coordinator
Partido Cambio Radical
11.2017 - 11.2018
Intern in Political and Economic Affairs
Embassy of Colombia to the United States
02.2017 - 08.2017
Community-Engaged and Community-Based Participatory Research - CITI Program.
Master of Arts - International Development
American University
Master of Public Administration - Public Management
Los Andes University
Bachelor's Degree - Political Science
Pontifical Xaverian University
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