MARIA ANTONIETA ALCALDE CASTRO
Mexico City
Summary
Accomplished Executive Director with a wealth of leadership experience spanning over two and a half decades in the social impact sector, with a focus on advancing gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Demonstrated expertise in spearheading strategic operations and driving substantial global, regional, and national impact. Global South feminist with a deep understanding of global challenges and innovative solutions. Extensive experience in guiding organizations through startup and growth phases, with a proven track record of securing multi-million-dollar funding and cultivating high-performing teams. Committed to fostering a collaborative, impact-driven organizational culture, mentoring emerging leaders, and championing social justice on a global scale.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Ipas Latin America and the Caribbean
09.2019 - Current
- Led the strategic and operational functions of the organization across Latin America and the Caribbean, doubling the budget in five years and driving significant growth and impact.
- Spearheaded organizational transformation from an INGO with a national presence to a regional feminist organization with a global membership, navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing social impact environment.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with governments, NGOs, and international bodies, ensuring alignment with global mission and values.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Led initiatives that advanced gender equality and women's leadership, influencing systemic change in eleven countries and across the region.
- Mentored and managed a diverse team of leaders, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Director, United Nations Liaison Office
International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)
09.2013 - 07.2019
- Developed and executed IPPF's UN strategy, effectively influencing global policies on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
- Served as the primary point of contact, fostering strong relationships between internal teams and external partners.
- Strengthened the capacity of IPPF Member Associations worldwide to advocate for systemic change at the UN, advancing gender equality at national and regional levels.
- Played a pivotal role in positioning IPPF as a leading global voice in SRHR, engaging with crucial UN bodies and Permanent Missions.
- Led cross-functional teams, driving strategic initiatives aligned with IPPF's mission and values.
Director of Advocacy
IPPF/Western Hemisphere Region
10.2011 - 07.2019
- Crafted and implemented IPPF/WHR's Advocacy Strategy, leading efforts to address complex, interconnected social challenges.
- Built and nurtured strategic partnerships across sectors, enhancing the organization's influence on gender equality and health issues.
- Secured funding from institutional funders and high-net-worth individuals, expanding IPPF/WHR's advocacy reach.
- Led the organization through significant growth phases, balancing broad change with achievable goals and impact.
- Developed materials such as fact sheets, white papers, and reports to support advocacy efforts and inform policymakers about key issues.
- Built strong coalitions with diverse stakeholders to advance organizational goals and improve community outcomes.
Deputy Director of Public Affairs
IPPF/Western Hemisphere Region
02.2008 - 10.2011
- Directed IPPF/WHR's Public Affairs strategy, with a focus on advocacy and communications in a global context.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to successfully execute large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
- Recruited and developed a high-performing team, driving results in a cross-cultural environment.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, transparency, and open communication among team members.
- Managed budgets and financial resources effectively, optimizing resource allocation for maximum impact.
Advocacy Officer
IPPF/Western Hemisphere Region
10.2005 - 02.2008
- Established the Advocacy Department, leading the development of IPPF/WHR's strategic approach to advocacy.
- Developed informative training materials for staff members, volunteers, and community partners to improve understanding of advocacy topics.
- Participated in external conferences and networking events to represent the organization professionally within the broader sector community.
Executive Director
Balance
01.2001 - 10.2005
- Led successful fundraising initiatives, securing resources to support key gender equality projects.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Built a strong organizational culture, focused on impact and accountability.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
Program Coordinator
Mexico City's Youth Institute
05.1999 - 12.2000
- Developed and implemented the 'Youth for the City' program, empowering youth in marginalized communities.
Education
Master's Degree in Gender, Society, and Policies -
Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales
Buenos Aires, Argentina01.2020
Youth Leadership Diploma -
Simone de Beauvoir Leadership Institute
Mexico City, Mexico01.2002
Gender Studies Diploma -
El Colegio de México
Mexico City, Mexico01.2002
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting -
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Mexico City, Mexico01.1997
Skills
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Leadership development
- Global perspective
- Relationship building
- Program leadership and management
- Innovation and creativity
- Public speaking
- Community Engagement
Languages
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Portuguese
Intermediate (B1)
BOARD MEMBERSHIP & PUBLIC SERVICE
- Board of Directors of The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), NGO Constituency representative (2022-2025)
- She Decides, Champion (2020-actual)
- Nexus, Founder and Coordination Committee member (2018-2019)
- High-Level Taskforce for the International Conference on Population and Development, Member (2012-2016)
- UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board, North America NGO representative (2009-2011)
- Center for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA), Board member (2001-2006)
- Mexican Foundation for Family Planning (MEXFAM), Board member (2000-2005)
- Youth Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, Co-Founder and Chair (1999)
Continuing education
- Public Budget Analysis and Advocacy, International Budget Partnership, Fundar and Grupo Propuesta Ciudadana, Chaclacayo, Peru, 2008
- Achieving the Millennium Development Goals: Poverty Reduction, Reproductive Health and Health Sector Reform, World Bank Institute, Bangkok, Thailand, 2006
- Institutional Building and Sustainability Workshop, CEDPA (Center for Development and Population Activities), Antigua, Guatemala, 2001
- Training of Trainers, CEDPA, Antigua, Guatemala, 2001
Awards
- Ipas Champion Award, 2004
- Co-Chair, Global Health Council Annual Meeting, 2004
- Honorable Mention, IPPF Personal Contribution to Family Planning Award, 2003
Timeline
Executive Director
Ipas Latin America and the Caribbean
09.2019 - Current
Director, United Nations Liaison Office
International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)
09.2013 - 07.2019
Director of Advocacy
IPPF/Western Hemisphere Region
10.2011 - 07.2019
Deputy Director of Public Affairs
IPPF/Western Hemisphere Region
02.2008 - 10.2011
Advocacy Officer
IPPF/Western Hemisphere Region
10.2005 - 02.2008
Executive Director
Balance
01.2001 - 10.2005
Program Coordinator
Mexico City's Youth Institute
05.1999 - 12.2000
Master's Degree in Gender, Society, and Policies -
Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales
Youth Leadership Diploma -
Simone de Beauvoir Leadership Institute
Gender Studies Diploma -
El Colegio de México
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting -
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
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