United Nations Development Programme
Effective Collaborative Action Adviser — Food Systems
Global | 2024–Present
Advises governments, UNDP Country Offices and national stakeholders on collective action, inclusive governance, institutional capacity and food-systems transformation across Latin America, Africa and Asia.
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Oversight of international multi-donor portfolios of up to USD $3.4 million.
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Application of power analysis to representation, incentives and systemic exclusion.
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Facilitation of high-level institutional coordination for low-carbon agriculture in Brazil.
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Strengthening of women’s and Indigenous participation in coffee and cacao governance processes in Peru.
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Contribution to funding proposals aimed at philanthropic, multilateral and vertical funds.
ASOFRUANDES Women-Led Rural Producers’ Association
Member and Adviser to the Board of Directors
Andes, Antioquia | 2024–Present
Supports the governance, organizational development and long-term sustainability of a women-led association representing more than 80 rural producers.
Board-level advice on strategy and governance accountability.
Support for women’s economic empowerment.
Partnership development and resource mobilization.
Regenerative agriculture and rural livelihood strategies.
Strengthening of collective decision-making.
Finca Casa Naranja
Co-Founder and Regenerative Rural Development Practitioner
Andes, Antioquia | 2021–Present
Co-leads a financially sustainable rural enterprise integrating agriculture, environmental stewardship, tourism and territorial development.
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Commercial and financial sustainability.
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Coffee, plantain and banana production.
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Regenerative land management.
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Rural employment and enterprise realities.
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Connecting systems thinking with practical territorial implementation.
Fundación Nutresa
Executive Director | Medellín | 2013–2021
Provided executive leadership for one of Colombia’s largest corporate social-investment foundations, with responsibility for organizational strategy, financial sustainability, Board accountability, culture, risk and institutional representation.
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Led Fundación Nutresa’s social investment and community-development strategy.
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Reported to and worked closely with governance and senior leadership structures.
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Led multidisciplinary teams and coordinated social-development leaders across territories.
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Oversaw strategic planning, institutional accountability, risk and programme alignment.
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Built partnerships across government, business, civil society, academia and international cooperation.
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Advanced approaches to measuring and strengthening social impact.
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Developed learning and knowledge-sharing approaches to strengthen institutional capacity.
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Contributed to humanitarian and education partnerships with national institutions and civil-society organizations.
Project Coordinator | 2007–2013
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More than 20 inclusive-business initiatives.
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Regional Agricultural Encounters.
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Connections among smallholders, institutions and buyers.
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Peace Initiatives recognition.
Education
María Clara’s academic background combines international development, peacebuilding, leadership and social work, providing a strong foundation for her executive leadership in systems transformation, governance and inclusive development.
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MSc in Globalization and Development (With Distinction) – University of Antwerp, Belgium
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Postgraduate Specialization in Action Without Harm and Peacebuilding – Universidad Nacional de Colombia
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Diploma in Leadership and Community Management – IREX & U.S. Department of State
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Bachelor's Degree in Social Work – Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana