Karla Salas Penilla
Huixquilucan, México
Summary
Adept at strategic planning and fostering teamwork, I enhanced operational efficiency and client satisfaction at The Boston Center for Latin America. My expertise in change management and cultural awareness led to significant improvements in DEIB policies, achieving a notable increase in inclusion across various projects.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
DEIB Policies and Projects Senior Consultant
The Boston Center for Latin America
Mexico City (Remote)
07.2021 - Current
- Mentored junior consultants, helping them enhance their skills and contribute more effectively to projects.
- Delivered high-quality solutions for clients through comprehensive research and analysis of industry trends.
- Presented findings and recommendations to executive-level stakeholders, effectively communicating key insights and action plans.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing tailored consulting services and effective problem-solving strategies.
- Built strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and proactive problem-solving efforts.
- Evaluated existing business processes, recommending improvements that led to increased operational efficiency.
Human Rights Advisor
Electoral Court of the Federal Judicial Branch
Mexico City
02.2020 - 06.2021
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on Human Rights and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to cases at all times.
- Managed risk effectively by closely monitoring sentences projects and making timely adjustments.
- Compiled complex regulatory requirements to ensure compliance in all advisory activities.
- Fostered culture of equality within advisory team, encouraging knowledge and analysis of theories and methodologies.
- Led team in development of digital Open Justice platform, enhancing accessibility and engagement with the Court.
- Facilitated workshops on Gender and Violence for the Staff, improving their understanding of equality in the justice practice.
Equal Employment Opportunity Director
Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT)
Mexico City
10.2018 - 01.2020
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved equal opportunity processes within the organization.
- Improved efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased inclusion.
Fiscal Education Program Administrator
Tax Administration Service
Mexico City, Mexico
09.2016 - 09.2018
- Coordinated budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
- Mentored staff members by sharing knowledge and insights gained through years of experience in the field, fostering a supportive work environment conducive to professional growth.
- Identified opportunities to streamline processes and improve office and events operations and efficiency.
- Collaborated with external partners such as allies, vendors or governments as needed to execute projects efficiently within specified timelines successfully.
- Developed strategic plans for program growth, identifying key areas for expansion and improvement based on participants and allies feedback.
- Coordinated events with precision, overseeing logistics, registration, arrangements, and other critical details to ensure successful outcomes.
- Created informative reports for senior management, presenting findings on program performance in concise yet thorough manner.
- Recruited volunteers to support various aspects of the NAF's (Fiscal Support Centers) program's operation while providing them with guidance and mentorship throughout their service tenure.
- Enhanced program visibility through the development of marketing materials, leading to increased participant engagement and enrollment.
- Negotiated program contracts and agreements to obtain cost-effective pricing.
Planning Administrator
Tax Administration Service
Mexico City
05.2013 - 08.2014
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management.
- Organized workflow and delegated tasks effectively to ensure timely project completion without compromising quality.
- Managed office inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies were available while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.
- Established an organized filing system that streamlined document retrieval and reduced misplaced files.
Gender Equality Policy Director
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
Mexico City
05.2010 - 03.2013
- Conducted rigorous evaluations of existing policies and programs, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary adjustments.
- Developed strategic plans for policy implementation, resulting in regulatory and budget compliance.
- Negotiated contracts with service providers to optimize resource allocation while maintaining quality standards.
- Balanced competing priorities effectively by establishing clear goals, delegating tasks efficiently, and tracking progress closely throughout each program's lifecycle.
- Recommended updates to current legislation, regulations and policies.
- Managed implementation of policy and program initiatives.
- Organized high-level meetings with key stakeholders, fostering productive dialogue around pressing policy issues.
- Presented policy proposals to senior management and government officials, securing funding and support for initiatives.
- Drafted comprehensive reports on policy impact, guiding future decision-making processes.
- Enhanced communication channels between internal departments by streamlining information flow processes, promoting greater understanding of shared objectives.
- Facilitated communication and relationship development between different stakeholders.
Deputy Director of Transparency and Archives
National Electoral Institute
Mexico City
12.2005 - 12.2009
- Developed strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, ensuring alignment with company''s mission and vision.
- Oversaw project management efforts, ensuring timely completion of projects within allocated budgets and scope.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to successfully execute large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Collaborated with INAI and AGN agencies to accomplish key objectives.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize performance.
- Ensured regulatory compliance across all areas through diligent monitoring of policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
Deputy Director of Social Policy Analysis
Ministry of Welfare
Mexico City
10.2003 - 11.2005
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, transparency, and open communication among team members.
- Developed strategic program designs to achieve mandatory goals, ensuring alignment with the legislation, policies and regulations.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to successfully execute large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Analyzed social trends and tracked activities to sustain inform decision making for social policies.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Turned mandates into actionable operational strategies and programs design.
- Monitored performance metrics, analyzing trends to identify areas requiring attention or improvement.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Policy Analysis
Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO)
Mexico City07.2013
Master of Arts - Economics
The College of Mexico (COLMEX)
Mexico City07.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing
Monterrey Institute of Technology And Higher Educa
Mexico City12.1998
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Teamwork mindset
- Processes and procedures
- Best Practices Implementation
- Change Management
- Cultural Awareness
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
DEIB Policies and Projects Senior Consultant
The Boston Center for Latin America
07.2021 - Current
Human Rights Advisor
Electoral Court of the Federal Judicial Branch
02.2020 - 06.2021
Equal Employment Opportunity Director
Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT)
10.2018 - 01.2020
Fiscal Education Program Administrator
Tax Administration Service
09.2016 - 09.2018
Planning Administrator
Tax Administration Service
05.2013 - 08.2014
Gender Equality Policy Director
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
05.2010 - 03.2013
Deputy Director of Transparency and Archives
National Electoral Institute
12.2005 - 12.2009
Deputy Director of Social Policy Analysis
Ministry of Welfare
10.2003 - 11.2005
Master of Arts - Public Policy Analysis
Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO)
Master of Arts - Economics
The College of Mexico (COLMEX)
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing
Monterrey Institute of Technology And Higher Educa