NATALIA LEVER
Washington,DC
Summary
Public affairs and sustainability leader with over 15 years of experience advancing climate and environmental policy through high-impact programs, cross-sector partnerships, and government engagement at a global scale. Proven success in advising national governments, securing multi-year funding, and shaping policy advocacy strategies that drive systemic change. Specialize in operational strategy, team leadership, and financial oversight. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring effective team collaboration and project success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Climate Ambition Center
01.2025 - Current
- Founded and currently lead the Climate Ambition Center, focused on expanding civic participation in climate governance and strengthening the negotiation capacity of Global South governments in international climate processes.
- Spearheading the international scaling of youth climate diplomacy programs through government partnerships, interagency coordination, and regional diplomatic networks.
- Developing and delivering a strategy to institutionalize youth engagement in national policy systems, contributing to policy dialogues in 10+ countries and influencing the design of youth integration mechanisms in international negotiations.
- Initiated a new program stream to train government actors and technical teams in international climate negotiations, with a focus on enhancing the policy influence and negotiation positioning of developing countries.
Latin America and the Caribbean Director
The Climate Reality Project
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Directed the strategic growth of Climate Reality’s presence across 22 countries, transforming the Latin America and Caribbean branch into a regional hub for climate advocacy, public policy influence, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
- Advised national and subnational governments on the implementation of climate commitments, contributing to the integration of climate measures into local development plans, and supporting the development of more ambitious national climate goals.
- Oversaw the design and execution of public engagement and training programs that strengthened government capacity, built civil society alignment, and empowered youth to contribute directly to climate policy outcomes.
- Secured and managed multi-year funding from major donors, including GEF, UK PACT, and TikTok, enabling the expansion of flagship initiatives across 20+ countries and impacting over 6,000 stakeholders annually.
- Led regional campaign and communication strategies that resulted in 500+ media placements across outlets like CNN, Forbes, and France 24, generating a reach of over 78 million people, and elevating the visibility of climate policy debates in the region.
- Developed partnerships with environmental ministries and international organizations to support technical assistance programs for local governments, contributing to the adoption of decarbonization plans in subnational governments.
Founder & Project Director
Verde AC
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Founded Verde AC to expand access to solar energy solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, rural producers, and public infrastructure in Mexico.
- Designed and implemented clean energy transition projects for SMEs and farming communities, enabling energy independence and cost savings through solar technologies and energy monitoring systems.
- Led the design and construction of a solar-powered substation for Mexico City’s largest bus terminal, integrating energy-efficient LED infrastructure and significantly reducing operating costs.
- Promoted clean energy adoption through outreach and advisory work, helping position Verde AC as a trusted partner for sustainable infrastructure at the community and enterprise level.
Education
Certificate - Social Innovation
Global School For Social Leaders
Vienna, Austria01.2018
Diploma - Environmental Education for Sustainability
Universidad Iberoamericana
Mexico City01.2016
B.A. - International Relations
Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo De México
Mexico City01.2013
Skills
- Government Affairs and Regulatory Strategy
- Strategic Stakeholder Engagement
- Environmental Policy Expertise
- Executive Communications and Advocacy
Awards Distinctions
- 30 Most Sustainable Minds in Mexico, Forbes, 01/01/24
- 100 Latinos Most Committed to Climate Action, Sachamama, 01/01/24
- Latin American Leaders Award, Global School for Social Leaders, 01/01/22
- 30 Most Promising Professionals in Mexico, Expansión Magazine, 01/01/19
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Director
Climate Ambition Center
01.2025 - Current
Latin America and the Caribbean Director
The Climate Reality Project
01.2017 - 01.2024
Founder & Project Director
Verde AC
01.2012 - 01.2015
Certificate - Social Innovation
Global School For Social Leaders
Diploma - Environmental Education for Sustainability
Universidad Iberoamericana
B.A. - International Relations
Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo De México
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