Maribel García
Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy & Communications – Patient Centered Experience & Gender Focus
San Mateo Atenco, México
Summary
Senior professional with nearly 20 years of experience leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of social programs with a gender perspective focused on improving health and quality of life for vulnerable populations. Skilled at building strategic alliances with Key Opinion Leaders, physicians, healthcare institutions, NGOs, patient organizations, legislators, and government entities at local, national, and international levels. In the past decade, I have specialized in Communications, Public Affairs, and Patient Advocacy, internal and external communication strategies, executive messaging, media relations, and patient engagement. Recognized for a strong ability to create partnerships, engage stakeholders, and deliver patient-centered initiatives with measurable impact.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
16
16
Certifications
Work History
Patient Advocacy, Public Affairs & Communication
Ipsen México, S.A.
10.2023 - 01.2025
- Managed and delivered monthly international communication strategies reflecting corporate objectives (e.g., Pride Month, Compliance Week, International Patient Safety Week).
- Created and disseminated corporate newsletters showcasing new hires, exits, achievements, therapeutic updates, sales performance, and global events.
- Oversaw content creation for educational materials (e.g., LGBTQ guides, inclusion videos, cultural awareness campaigns, Spotify playlists).
- Led internal campaigns for Patient Safety Week, integrating efforts from Communications, Pharmacovigilance, and Medical Affairs.
- Employee Engagement Initiatives
- Founded the Cooltura Committed and Workplace Wellbeing Committee, driving mental health, corporate values, and workplace culture through engagement programs.
- Directed and reviewed committee contents, ensuring alignment with corporate brand and internal communication strategy.
- Served as Local Lead for Latin American initiatives in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, advancing patient-centered strategies.
- External Communications and Media Relations
- Managed media campaigns with AMIIF, strengthening corporate reputation through health-related commemorations and Patient Safety Week initiatives.
- Directed & developed external storytelling campaigns to promote medical safety practices, including character-driven educational content for broader outreach.
- Crisis Communications Management
- Led internal communications on medicine substitution alerts and initiated the development of crisis management protocol approved by global headquarters.
- Public Policy & Gender Perspective
- Actively monitored and contributed to public policies related to rare diseases and the National Care System, ensuring gender-sensitive approach.
- Enhanced stakeholder engagement through CANIFARMA and AMIIF committees, and international collaborations with Club Santé Mexique.
- Designed procedures for crisis prevention and reputational risk mitigation.
- Patient-Centered Advocacy & Networking
- Led networking and development of patient education programs with civil society organizations, medical associations, and key opinion leaders in kidney cancer, cerebral palsy, cerebrovascular events, and rare diseases.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Voluntary Support
Mexican Organization for Rare Diseases
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Supported the institutionalization program to enhance the structure and sustainability of institutional advocacy efforts.
- Supported Rare Disease Patient and Education Programs, providing patients and caregivers with key resources to navigate their health journey.
- Supported Patient Journey Insights initiatives to identify challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and access to care.
- Promoted Rare Diseases Advocacy, strengthening patient representation at public policy discussions.
- Institution Strengthening & Program Development
- Patient Education & Awareness
- Patient Advocacy & Public Engagement
Patient Advocacy & Public Affairs Manager
Boehringer Ingelheim México, S.A. de C.V.
10.2017 - 08.2022
- Established relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), patients, and civil society members to co-create internal content reflecting diverse healthcare perspectives.
- Led risk-assessment strategies for internal distribution, ensuring compliance with corporate and legal standards.
- Built and strengthened network with key opinion leaders, medical associations, patient organizations, pharmaceutical chambers, politicians, and stakeholders to improve treatment access, adherence, and patient support strategies.
- Developed and executed public affairs strategy to orient policy in alignment with therapeutic areas relevant to the company.
- Led the development of public policy initiatives with the Upper and Lower Houses of the bicameral legislature, contributing to disease policy and clinical practice guidance.
- Led the Human Pharma Sustainable Lead for Future for Generations Mexico & CamCaR (OPU) program, aligning activities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Supported NGOs in international cooperation programs, focusing on capacity-building and resource mobilization.
- Market Access Leader for 'Multipliers' global program promoting excellence among employees at Boehringer Ingelheim Mexico.
- Assisted the launch of Readiness Office and Clinical Operations Management, gathering Patient Journey insights to enhance healthcare strategies.
- Internal Communications and Content Development
- External Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
- Policy & Stakeholder Engagement
- Sustainable Development
- Market Access
- Built relationships with key stakeholders to foster collaboration and promote organizational goals.
- Secured partnerships with influential organizations, expanding reach and amplifying messaging impact.
- Increased employee engagement by creating an internal newsletter highlighting company news and accomplishments.
- Developed targeted messaging strategies for diverse stakeholder groups, ensuring relevance and understanding across audiences.
- Coordinated special events and conferences, raising awareness of company initiatives and engaging target audiences.
- Worked closely with government affairs team members on legislative initiatives affecting the organization''s interests, crafting tailored messaging strategies.
General Manager
Mexican Diabetes Association in Nuevo León, A.C.
01.2015 - 09.2016
- Established institutional policies for patients and caregivers living with diabetes in vulnerable conditions, creating a comprehensive and replicable model.
- Led the alignment, restructuring, and design of health programs to empower patients and their families.
- Developed strategic alliances with local and federal governments, businesses, and public and private health institutions to strengthen diabetes initiatives.
- Designed and implemented a recurring donations and self-sustainability program, aligning institutional programs with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to facilitate international cooperation and fundraising.
- Oversaw the financing growth of the organization, increasing monthly product sales for people with diabetes from MXN 6,000 to MXN 65,000 and boosting resource allocation by over 20%.
- Increased the Type 1 diabetes program's target population increased by 20%. Enhanced pediatric patient adherence to treatment, reaching 94.6%.
- Increased the Type 2 diabetes patient population from 300 to over 1,300 beneficiaries in less than a year. Maintained patient adherence above 70%.
- Institutionalized, utilized, and secured recognition from the International Diabetes Federation.
- Enhanced the organization's communication strategy through patient material and digital media.
- Professionalized and institutionalized organizational goals and indicators, gaining recognition from the Life for a Child program of the International Diabetes Federation.
- Supported the organization's certification process with the Mexican Center for Philanthropy and secured a scholarship for the International Fundraising Program.
- Strengthened the organization's fundraising and patient communication strategy, developing brochures, guides, and reports while implementing specialized outreach.
- Maintained administrative oversight, ensuring compliance with legal requirements for authorized donations.
- Institution Development & Policy Implementation
- Sustainable Growth & Fundraising
- Patient Outreach & Impact
- Institution Recognition & Public Engagement
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
Various Roles
Fund for Peace, I. A.P.
01.2006 - 01.2014
- Led the creation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of marketing, communication, and advertising strategies.
- Managed public relations with state and national agencies, securing cooperation agreements to enhance institutional visibility.
- Oversaw internal communication efforts, managing digital platforms such as websites, Facebook, Causes, and Twitter.
- Established strategic media partnerships, including collaboration with Fundación Acir and key journalists.
- Designed and executed institutional events, including reports, press conferences, and presentations.
- Coordinated the 2013 community leader meeting, bringing together organizations working in a network.
- Secured over ten million pesos in media exposure through public relations efforts in 2012.
- Marketing & Communication Strategy
- Public Relations & Media Impact
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Education
Diploma - ESG Business For Sustainability
Panamerican University
Ciudad De México, México 05.2001 -
Postgraduate Diploma - Public Policy Processes And Applications
Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences
Ciudad De México, México 05.2001 -
Master’s Degree - Anthropological Studies of Mexico (no Titled)
University of Americas
Puebla City, Puebla, Mexico 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Communications Science
University of Americas
Puebla, Mexico City, Mexico 05.2001 -
Skills
Internal Communication Strategy
Leadership
Communication
Employee Engagement Programs
External Communications and Media Relations
Content Development
Reputation Risk Prevention and Crisis Management Procedures
Teamwork and collaboration
Friendly, positive attitude
Problem-solving
Patient service
Dependable and responsible
Certification
Dynamic Workshop, Structure and Purpose of Civil Society Organizations, AFP 2015
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Patient Advocacy, Public Affairs & Communication
Ipsen México, S.A.
10.2023 - 01.2025
Voluntary Support
Mexican Organization for Rare Diseases
05.2023 - 10.2023
Patient Advocacy & Public Affairs Manager
Boehringer Ingelheim México, S.A. de C.V.
10.2017 - 08.2022
General Manager
Mexican Diabetes Association in Nuevo León, A.C.
01.2015 - 09.2016
Various Roles
Fund for Peace, I. A.P.
01.2006 - 01.2014
Diploma - ESG Business For Sustainability
Panamerican University
05.2001 -
Postgraduate Diploma - Public Policy Processes And Applications
Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences
05.2001 -
Master’s Degree - Anthropological Studies of Mexico (no Titled)
University of Americas
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Communications Science
University of Americas
05.2001 -