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Cecilia Jones
Executive Director in The Bernard van Leer Foundation
Professional Background
Cecilia Vaca Jones is a seasoned leader in social development with over 20 years of experience in managing and formulating impactful social development policies and programs. As the former Coordinating Minister of Social Development of Ecuador from April 2013 to March 2016, Cecilia was instrumental in shaping policies across a variety of sectors including health, education, housing, sports, and social welfare. Her profound commitment to social equity has led her to tackle some of the most pressing issues in Ecuador, particularly those affecting children, women, and indigenous communities.
In her role within the Ministry of Social Development, Cecilia initiated transformative policies such as the cross-sectoral early childhood policy and legislation that integrated unpaid household workers into the social security system. Her visionary efforts also included interventions to eradicate child labor from rubbish dumps and the enforcement of new food labeling laws to promote healthier nutrition choices.
Beyond her government service, Cecilia has collaborated with various civil society organizations, including her earlier roles at CESTAS and Fundación Esquel, where she worked towards enhancing community resilience. Her international experience includes notable stints with prestigious organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Furthermore, Cecilia has made invaluable contributions to academia as a part-time professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador in Quito, as well as a Fellow on the Politics of Globalization at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, USA.
Recognizing the evolving demands of urban development, Cecilia is currently pursuing an executive master’s degree in Cities from the esteemed London School of Economics. This 18-month program is specifically tailored for professionals aiming to implement meaningful changes in urban areas.
Education and Achievements
Cecilia Vaca Jones's educational background is rich and diverse, which has laid a solid foundation for her extensive career in social policy. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Policies for Sustainable Development from the University of Bologna in Italy, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities. This advanced education has equipped her with the analytical skills necessary for tackling complex social issues.
Moreover, Cecilia completed her undergraduate studies in International Relations at the Pontifical Catholic University in Ecuador, which provided her with a broad understanding of the political and social frameworks influencing policy development in Latin America and beyond. Her ongoing studies at the London School of Economics signify her dedication to continuous learning and adaptability in the face of evolving global challenges.
One of Cecilia's notable career achievements includes her leadership in launching significant policies that have positively impacted Ecuadorian society. For instance, her initiative to remove child labor from rubbish dumps has not only improved the lives of many children but has also raised public awareness around social responsibilities. Her work in various ministries has left an indelible mark, reinforcing the importance of inclusive social policies that prioritize vulnerable populations.
Beyond her policy work, Cecilia is deeply engaged in social causes as evidenced by her long-standing commitment as a volunteer for Ayuda Directa, an Italian NGO focused on rural community development in regions such as Chimborazo and Cotopaxi. Her passion for community service reflects her unwavering belief in building a more just and equitable society.
Personal Interests and Volunteer Work
In addition to her professional undertakings, Cecilia Vaca Jones is a passionate sportswoman who embraces physical challenges as a way to foster resilience and commitment. She has taken part in several competitive events, including marathons and Ironman 70.3 triathlons, showcasing her dedication to fitness and personal excellence. Furthermore, she founded a women’s cycling club, reflecting her commitment to empowering women through sports and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Her adventurous spirit is also evident in her passion for mountaineering, where she has successfully scaled the highest peaks in Ecuador – an achievement that speaks volumes about her determination and love for the outdoors. Cecilia’s multifaceted interests not only highlight her dynamic character but also her ability to inspire others through both her professional and personal commitments.
Achievements
- Over 20 years of experience in social development policy-making
- Former Coordinating Minister of Social Development of Ecuador
- Key policies launched on early childhood and social security integration
- Advocacy for the rights of children, women, and indigenous populations
- Experience with international organizations like OAS and UNDP
- Ongoing education in urban development from the London School of Economics
- Volunteer for Ayuda Directa focusing on rural community projects
- Competitor in various sports events, including marathons and Ironman 70.3
- Founder of a women’s cycling club
- Successful ascender of Ecuador's highest peaks.
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Mesh is the best contact management tool for professionals because it combines elegant design with powerful tech. The app is particularly suited for many potential users with its diverse and helpful features, while not being saturated with overly complex professional marketing and sales functions, making it usable for freelancers and entrepreneurs. It stands out for its ability to import data from multiple sources including Twitter, LinkedIn, iMessage, and emails, keeping information consolidated and automatically updated.
Mesh offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Mesh is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Mesh's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Mesh has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
Mesh offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Mesh offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Mesh's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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