Suggestions
Ana Saldarriaga
Social Innovation - Technology - Impact Measurement - Champion for Children and Youth
Professional Background
Ana Saldarriaga is a passionate and dedicated leader committed to advancing global sustainable development goals, specifically the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by the target year of 2030. With a career that spans multiple continents and a variety of roles focused on driving impact, Ana has made significant contributions within the complex landscape of public administration, project management, and organizational leadership. Currently serving as the Manager of Impact Strategy and Digital Engagement at the World Economic Forum, Ana is at the forefront of initiatives that align digital transformation with sustainable strategies, maximizing social impact through innovative solutions.
Prior to her current position, Ana held several key roles within the World Economic Forum, including Deputy Head and Impact Lead, as well as Lead for Latin America for the Global Shapers Community, a network of young leaders entrusted with addressing local, regional, and global challenges. Her leadership development experience and dedication to creating networks of young changemakers have been instrumental in fostering collaborative efforts geared toward impactful outcomes across various sectors.
In addition to her impressive tenure with the World Economic Forum, Ana has a solid history with AIESEC, where she held multiple leadership roles, eventually serving as the CEO and Supervisory Board Member of AIESEC Global. Under her guidance, AIESEC implemented impactful programs that empowered youth leadership worldwide, enriching global awareness and promoting cultural understanding among young leaders. Her influence as Regional Director for Western Europe and North America and Country Manager for Colombia successfully advanced AIESEC’s mission, enhancing partnerships that fuel growth and opportunity within the organization.
Ana’s expertise is complemented by her early career experiences, including Product Innovation at Bancolombia, where she utilized engineering skills to contribute toward innovative financial solutions. Additionally, her various roles at AIESEC, including Branch Manager and Head of Partnerships & Donor Relationship, established the foundation for her strong relationship management skills that are critical in fostering collaborative partnerships and engaging stakeholders effectively.
Education and Achievements
Ana's academic achievements reflect her commitment to excellence and her desire for continuous learning. She holds a Master in Public Administration (MPA) in Science, Engineering, and Public Policy from University College London (UCL), graduating with Distinction. This advanced degree, combined with her engineering background, equips Ana with a unique interdisciplinary perspective that blends technical knowledge with policy-making insights.
Earlier in her career, Ana completed her Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Product Design Engineering, with a Minor in Electronics from Universidad EAFIT, showcasing her technical proficiency and creative problem-solving abilities. Ana's education not only enhances her leadership capabilities but also provides her with a solid foundation to address complex challenges at the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact.
Achievements
Ana Saldarriaga’s dedication to creating impact and nurturing future leaders is evident in her numerous noteworthy achievements throughout her career. As Deputy Head and Impact Lead at the Global Shapers Community Foundation, Ana played a critical role in developing programs that enable young leaders to address pressing global issues, fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment among the next generation.
In her various capacities at AIESEC, she successfully onboarded innovative partnership strategies that strengthened the organization's global presence and outreach, ensuring that youth could access opportunities that would enable them to grow as leaders in a rapidly changing world. Her ability to connect the values of culture and understanding with strategic partnerships has been key to AIESEC’s credibility and societal value.
Ana's work at the World Economic Forum embodies her forward-thinking approach as she channels her expertise into creating impactful digital strategies that align with the Forum’s mission of driving sustainable development through public-private cooperation. Her insights into fostering participatory processes and digital engagement have been paramount in ensuring that voices from diverse backgrounds are included in conversations about the future.
Through her dynamic career trajectory and unwavering passion for sustainable development, Ana Saldarriaga continues to inspire those around her by exemplifying the principles of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in the pursuit of a better world. Her work lays the groundwork for a broader movement toward achieving the SDGs, encouraging not only young leaders but also organizations and institutions to recognize the importance of collective action in shaping inclusive futures.
