connecting policy, practice, and people

For the past 26 years, I have dedicated my career to creating innovative policies, strategies, and programs that support children, youth, and families around the world. My journey into social justice began with a BA in History from Yale and deepened with an MSW in Clinical Social Work and a JD in International Human Rights from Columbia University.

As a therapist, social worker, and policymaker, I bring a multifaceted perspective to complex challenges, bridging diverse contexts and viewpoints. From child welfare in New York City to juvenile justice in Rio de Janeiro, post-conflict recovery in Liberia, and Afghan refugee assistance in Pakistan, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with individuals and teams across cultural and professional landscapes.

A native Spanish and English speaker with Uruguayan, American, and British citizenships, I have worked in more than 20 countries spanning six continents. Along the way, I’ve been honored with awards like the Aspen Institute Fellowship through the American Express Leadership Academy, recognizing my commitment to making a meaningful impact.

uruguayan influence

I feel a profound connection to Uruguay, the country of my roots and home to two of the most inspirational people in my life. My mother, who devoted her life to raising my brother and me with unwavering love and care, and my grandmother, whose courage and commitment to justice instilled in me the values that guide my work today.

education

  • Doctor of Law (J.D.)
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    Lowenstein Public Interest Fellowship (full scholarship for demonstrated extraordinary commitment to social justice and human rights)

    Parker School Recognition of Achievement in Foreign and Comparative Law

    Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar (awarded in recognition of superior academic achievement)

    Robert Noxan Toppan Prize (awarded annually for the best Constitutional law examination)

  • Master of Social Work (L.M.S.W.)
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    Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice

    Crisis intervention and individual and group therapy clinical social work internships

    Student Representative to Dean’s Advisory Council for 500-student body

    Barbara Smith Financial Aid Fellowship

    Roothbert Fellowship (academic and public service award for individuals “motivated by spiritual values”)

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History
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    Andrew White Prize for Best History Senior Thesis in English, European or Third World History

    Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society

    Founder of children’s theater therapeutic group at Yale-New Haven Hospital Children’s Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

countries and territories in which I have lived, worked, and traveled

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Czech Republic, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Guinea, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Mexico, Namibia, Netherlands, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, State of Palestine, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Viet Nam, Wales

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let’s work together

Contact me to learn more about my work and how I can support you. I also look forward to connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations. Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts.