Maria Alejandra Salinas Gomez

Born and raised in Colombia, Maria Alejandra is dedicated to reducing inequality and fostering inclusive communities. With over five years of experience in public policy, international cooperation, and strategic program development, she has focused on migrant integration, gender equality, and social inclusion. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Human Development (Migration Studies minor) from Maastricht University-UNU MERIT, and a Bachelor’s in Political Science (Public Policy minor) from Universidad de Los Andes. She speaks Spanish, English, and French.

Her path in development began after completing her bachelor’s degree when she worked as an Information Analysis Intern at two UN agencies in Bogotá, providing insights for international officials. To further her expertise, she pursued a master’s, and her thesis examined barriers Venezuelan migrant women faced in accessing maternal healthcare in Bogotá. This research strengthened her commitment to addressing inequalities and led her to join the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá in 2021.

At the Secretariat of Social Integration, she played a key role in supporting vulnerable populations, including women, children, and migrants, by improving data collection and advocating for better resource allocation. Later, as Advisor to the Chief of Staff, she co-coordinated the creation of Bogotá’s Center for Socioeconomic Integration of Migrants in partnership with IOM. This center supports migrants by providing employment training, legal assistance, and psychosocial support.

Her most significant achievement was leading Bogotá’s Local Care Strategy (2022–2023) at the Secretariat of Government, aligning local resources with the three R’s of care (recognition, reduction, and redistribution). She ensured localities’ investments were effectively allocated to expand the city’s Care Blocks, benefiting women and caregivers through job training, childcare, healthcare, and legal support.

Now based in Washington, D.C., she continues working on gender equity and migrant rights, and volunteering in local community organizations. She envisions shaping international care policies by 2030, advocating for better resource allocation and innovative frameworks. During her free time, she enjoys dancing, long walks with her dog, and photography in her free time.