Open to opportunities

Erika López

@erikalpez

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Economist and project management specialist with extensive social project experience.

Colombia

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that allows me to drive impactful social projects, fostering collaboration and sustainable development.

I am an economist and project management specialist with a strong background in formulating, managing, and executing social projects and public policies. My experience spans across public, private, and international cooperation funding sources, allowing me to effectively contribute to various social enterprises and organizations focused on equity and sustainability.

Throughout my career, I have successfully led initiatives that promote productive chains and social entrepreneurship, particularly within rural and marginalized communities. My role as a consultant has enabled me to design strategies that foster collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring the successful implementation of projects that benefit local populations. I pride myself on my ability to generate trust and engagement among diverse groups, facilitating participatory processes that lead to impactful outcomes.

My academic background, including a specialization in Project Management, complements my practical experience, equipping me with the analytical and strategic skills necessary to navigate complex project landscapes. I am passionate about leveraging my expertise to drive positive change and contribute to sustainable development initiatives.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Consultant

Zerproye

Dec 2024 - Apr 2025 (4 months)

Coordinated a consulting contract with CORCRESER and the Swiss Cooperation Agency, developing deliverables for the Swiss Responsible Gold Initiative project. Designed a strategy to promote the creation and strengthening of productive linkages around the mining chain in specific regions.

Project Coordination Design Strategy Mining Sector Public Policy

Technical Coordinator

Portafolio Verde

Aug 2024 - Dec 2024 (4 months)

Led the construction of the socio-productive strategy for the Taparales project, overseeing social, technical, and environmental activities. Successfully built trust with cooperative associates, leading to high participation in strategy design.

Socio Productive Strategy Community Engagement Resource Management

Fair Trade Unit Leader

Corporación Molienda Real

Apr 2018 - May 2024 (6 years 1 month)

Designed and coordinated the fair trade unit, promoting sustainability in food productive chains for small producers. Achieved project approvals from public entities and international organizations, managing budgets over three billion pesos.

Fair Trade Project Management Organic Production

Advisor on Public Policy

Alcaldía de Itagüí

Mar 2018 - Dec 2022 (4 years 9 months)

Advised and supported the Secretariat of Citizen Participation in formulating the public policy for citizen participation in Itagüí. Successfully reconciled diverse viewpoints, leading to the unanimous approval of the public policy.

Public Policy Municipal Governance

Lecturer and Researcher

Fundación Universitaria Católica del Norte, Universidad Autó

Sep 2017 - Apr 2018 (7 months)

Conducted research on labor demand and taught a module on projects as a unit of public planning and management. Completed research on labor demand in the social and solidarity sector and agricultural/livestock sectors within tight deadlines.

Research Teaching Project Planning

National Projects Director

Grupo Gestor Empresarial y Corporación ETICA

Mar 2016 - Jun 2017 (1 year 3 months)

Led the projects area, encompassing social, knowledge, and project management processes nationally. Designed guidelines and procedures for comprehensive project formulation and structuring, facilitating efficient operations.

Project Management Knowledge Management Strategic Planning

Project Management Leader

Fundación Colombia Social y Corporación GCS

Jun 2011 - Dec 2015 (4 years 6 months)

Led project formulation, management, sales, legalization, and development processes, overseeing allied companies and project leaders. Achieved project approvals from public entities, ensuring financial sustainability for the organization.

Project Management Business Development Quality Management Systems Training Delivery

District Coordinator

Unión Temporal Medellín 2011 (Microempresas de Antioquia – C

Dec 2009 - Mar 2011 (1 year 3 months)

Provided support and monitoring for productive projects with a focus on solidarity economy for the Secretariat of Social Development and the Secretariat of Women of the Mayor's Office of Medellín. Successfully executed allocated resources for productive units within established timelines, fostering strong community relationships.

Monitoring Community Development Resource Execution

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB)

Specialist in Project Management, Project Management

Completed a specialization program focusing on advanced project management principles and practices. Gained expertise in project formulation, execution, and evaluation.

Universidad de Antioquia

Economist, Economics

Studied economic theories, principles, and their application to real-world scenarios. Developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to economic policy and development.