With over 10 years navigating complex programs, I'm a versatile humanitarian professional excelling in pioneering programs, research in mental health, monitoring, and milestone achievement. As a dedicated problem solver, I contribute collaboratively, mitigate risks, report efficiently internally and to donors. In over 5 years of fundraising, I leverage analytical problem-solving, proposal writing and securing sponsorships through strategic engagement. My commitment lies in the belief that relevant and appropriate interventions are the result of collaborative efforts and placing vulnerable population at the center.
Hi, I’m
Carolina Vega Legarda
humanitarian, fundraiser and corporate responsability advisor
Copenhagen
Summary
Overview
10
years of professional experience
4
Certifications
5
Language
Work History
University of Copenhagen, Environmental Politics
Research assistant, part time
01.2023 - 12.2023
Job overview
- Collaborated with researchers from the University of Toronto and Copenhagen University to enhance the understanding of systemic transformation towards sustainable and low carbon futures and study the lifecycle impact of the 100 Resilient Cities initiative (100RC)
- Built relationship and conducted interviews with senior public sector staff, private sector leaders related to green technology and researchers
- Led case study research on Vejle, Denmark, involving qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Designed interview guides, databases, and reports framed around climate change, equity, and justice dimensions
- Developed case study research in Quito (Ecuador) Medellin (Colombia) providing reports on lifecycle impact related to 100RC.
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis.
- Created surveys and questionnaires to collect data for research projects.
- Worked both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced laboratory environment.
HIAS, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
Emergency Airbnb Housing Coordinator
03.2022 - 07.2022
Job overview
- Guided the implementation of Airbnb.org accommodation program for families displaced by the war in Ukraine
- Acted as focal point for the donor, strengthening engagement and providing monitoring and evaluation indicators and tracking performance
- Supported the development of flash appeals and emergency funding documents
- Adapted methodologies, worked with local partners and applied best practices from previous HIAS-Airbnb partnership
- Provided technical support, guidance, and follow-up coordinating regionally, and with the global team to ensure technical and financial parameters were met
- Represented the organization in various emergency clusters, events and meetings.
(HIAS)
Regional Research Program Coordinator, MHPSS LAC
06.2021 - 03.2022
Job overview
- Coordinated implementation of the USAID Health Evaluation and Applied Research Development (HEARD) project, for community-based psychosocial support for refugee and migrant women in Ecuador and Panama
- Acted as focal point for the donor (USAID) and partners URC, providing periodic reports and managing requests, questions during the execution
- Efficiently managed budget execution in coordination HQ financial teams and secured successful extension requests
- Ensured quality data collection in adherence to research protocols for impactful outcomes
- Organized and presented in several platforms and events sharing insights on project design, participative approach and COVID-19-adapted community-based intervention example
- Collaborated with research partners from Columbia University (Mailman School of Public Health), Copenhagen University (Department of Public Health, Global Health section).
(HIAS)
National Manager Airbnb Housing Program
04.2019 - 05.2021
Job overview
- Launched and managed the first Airbnb
- Org Shelter Program in Latin America, that provided safe housing and complementary services to over 11000 refugees during the first year of implementation
- Guided the creation of terms of reference and staff recruitment for the program, nationally and internationally
- Designed in coordination with the donor and HQ reports, indicators and communicational material
- Arranged field visits for the donor, meetings and events, including interviews with beneficiaries
- Negotiated strategic changes with donors during the pandemic, prioritizing the use of digital tools
- Successfully presented to the donor technical and financial proposals of expansion of the program to two more cities in Ecuador and three more countries in the region (Peru, Colombia, and Guyana)
- Monitored budgets, ensured adequate local fund distribution, and systematized program results
- Promoted holistic intervention in the program prioritizing support for Gender-Based Violence Victims and child protection.
ISF, Fundation
Fundraising Program Director
02.2016 - 04.2019
Job overview
- Managed and expanded donor’s portfolio, optimizing funding potential and fidelity plans
- Organized events with local stakeholders including diplomats, community leaders, university representatives and private sector leaders to secure funding for cooperation programs, specifically related to technical scholarships, access to innovation high tech services and education opportunities mainly for women
- Engaged with legal advisors and individual donors for analyzing tax benefits from donations and investments
- Created and developed communicational materials for investors and donors, tailored according to their interest
- Cultivated partnership individual giving programs and ensured their request and needs are met and supported sale force
- Designed in coordination with the executive director strategic plans and mechanisms for in-kind and cash reception.
Centre for the Promotion of Employment and Territorial Economic Devel
Manager of Development and Fundraising Unit
10.2012 - 01.2016
Job overview
- Strengthened grants and proposal systems with logical framework, ensuring effective communication and report to donors according to their interest and motivation
- Represented the organization in events, engaging with donors, community leaders, local and governmental authorities, NGOs, and other agencies and institutions, tackling long term relationships
- Promoted surveys, qualitative analysis and marketing research to gather data on the effectiveness of funding strategies, risk concerns and technology mechanisms preference for communication and reporting
- Supported the creation of a donor advise account and use of different platforms for crowdfunding
- Identified, engaged and successfully recruited high donation individuals and enterprises
- Advising on tax benefits.
Latitud Zero Kft. Fair Trade and environmentally responsible Ecuadorian Handicraft
Co-owner and General Manager
02.2009 - 12.2011
Job overview
- Established a Fair Trade and environmentally responsible Ecuadorian Handicraft shop, including investment decisions regarding equipment, infrastructure, and product selection
- Represented Ecuadorian culture in over 40 expositions through engagement with the embassy of Ecuador
- Participated in workshops related to pre-Columbian indigenous culture, traditions, and symbolism
- Evaluated and selected Fair Trade artisans based on their environmental responsibility and production processes.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGENCopenhagen, Denmark
Master of Disaster Management from Faculty of Health and Medical Science
University Overview
Thesis: Urban resilience in the age of climate migration: Examining equity and justice policies for migrants and refugees in the 100 Resilient Cities initiative.
HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL
Certificate on Nonprofit Financial Stewardship from Executive Education
University Overview
Thesis: Concepts and Techniques for Strategic Management
WEITZ CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIESRehovot, Israel
Certificate on Municipal platforms for local strategic development from MASHAV Scholarship
University Overview
UNIVERSIDAD LATINA DE COSTA RICASan José, Costa Rica
Biologist with Emphasis on Ecology and Sustainable Development
University Overview
Thesis: Commit 15 hours per week to Research, Biotechnology
Skills
Excelundefined
Certification
UNICEF- Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Harassment
Interests
Playing ukelele
Swimming
Photography
Leadership Experience
Leadership Experience
- Airbnb Open Homes Program, Quito, Ecuador, 04/2019, 02/2021, Promoted community building approach and integration with Hosts, enterprises and donors of the Housing Program participating in Airbnb program LAC: interaction, experience sharing and networking. Workshops and distribution of communicational materials.
- Roadmap Development Plan, European Union, Quito, Ecuador, 03/2015, 06/2015, Represented of civil society (NGOs) organizations in the economic field, among more than 1000 participants.
- Ecuador Association in Hungary, Budapest, Hungary, Board member, 01/2010, 01/2012
Publications
Publications
Greene, M.C., Bonz, A., Cristobal, M., Vega, C., et al. Evaluating the feasibility of a group psychosocial intervention for migrant and host community women in Ecuador and Panama: protocol for a multi-site feasibility cluster trial.
M. Claire Greene, Annie Bonz, Rachel Isaacs, Vega, C., et al. Community-based participatory design of a psychosocial intervention for migrant women in Ecuador and Panama, SSM - Mental Health, Volume 2, 2022.
Greene MC, Bonz AG, Cristobal M, Vega, C., et al. "Mixed-methods evaluation of a group psychosocial intervention for refugee, migrant, and host community women in Ecuador and Panamá: Results from the Entre Nosotras cluster randomized feasibility trial," Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health, 2023;10:e42.
Availability
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Quote
Opportunities Don't happen.You create them.
Timeline
Research assistant, part time
University of Copenhagen, Environmental Politics
01.2023 - 12.2023
Emergency Airbnb Housing Coordinator
HIAS, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
03.2022 - 07.2022
Regional Research Program Coordinator, MHPSS LAC
(HIAS)
06.2021 - 03.2022
National Manager Airbnb Housing Program
(HIAS)
04.2019 - 05.2021
Fundraising Program Director
ISF, Fundation
02.2016 - 04.2019
Manager of Development and Fundraising Unit
Centre for the Promotion of Employment and Territorial Economic Devel
10.2012 - 01.2016
Co-owner and General Manager
Latitud Zero Kft. Fair Trade and environmentally responsible Ecuadorian Handicraft
02.2009 - 12.2011
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN
Master of Disaster Management from Faculty of Health and Medical Science
12.2023
HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL
Certificate on Nonprofit Financial Stewardship from Executive Education
11.2020
WEITZ CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
Certificate on Municipal platforms for local strategic development from MASHAV Scholarship
08.2014
UNIVERSIDAD LATINA DE COSTA RICA
Biologist with Emphasis on Ecology and Sustainable Development
05.2012
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