CRECE is a nonprofit think tank in Puerto Rico focused on poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship, and simplifying the process of doing business. I was recruited to join CRECE’s founding team by its founder (former Governor of Puerto Rico) to build the organization, serving in multiple leadership roles (e.g. Communications Director, Strategic Advisor). For the past several years I have served primarily in part-time consulting and advisory roles. Highlights & Responsibilities:*Co-lead and manage CRECE programs, research, and fundraising. *Lead efforts to raise public awareness of the benefits of individual freedoms and free markets. *Published 30+ pieces (op-eds, articles, studies) on various topics addressing economic development, barriers to prosperity, policy reform. Publications and studies included Puerto Rico Economic Freedom Index, Competitiveness Toolkit, Global Perspective and Freedom to Prosper in PR.*Design, implement, and oversee multiple programs aligned with core institutional and programmatic priorities. These programs include offerings on financial literacy, economics, and entrepreneurship education, and have been delivered to thousands of students and young adults. *Develop CRECE's communication vision including strategy for traditional and social media channels. CRECE has achieved over 2M social media impressions to date. *Hosted 20+ events including conferences, webinars, and workshops focused on economic freedom, democracy, and human rights. *Expanded public outreach and strengthened stakeholder relations by securing 11 signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with state, municipal, industry trade, and non-profit organizations.

US HAEA is a nonprofit patient advocacy organization focused on increasing awareness of HAE and finding a cure. I joined the nonprofit as Communications Director and was promoted to VP/COO, with oversight for day-to-day operations and 16 staff as a report to the CEO and Board. Highlights:*Co-led efforts to pivot US HAEA’s focus from a call center offering support for clinical trials recruitment to a highly sophisticated advocacy and education organization with outgoing communications to the patient community and collaborative relationships with pharmaceutical providers. *Achieved highest patient conference registration in 21-year history with 1,200 participants registered, and reached 165% of sponsorship goal.*Operationalized fundraising efforts and led long-term strategic planning sessions. *Spearheaded government affairs initiatives, leading to a successful legislative policy adoption through strategic grassroots campaign efforts and collaboration with key stakeholders over a two-year period.*Grew membership and funding nearly 2x. *Restructured and relaunched the organization as part of its 20th anniversary celebration. *Guided efforts to rebrand marketing materials including websites, logo, the HAE ER toolkit, and production design for a biannual national patient conference.

I founded MC Relativity as a communications strategy consultancy serving public/private businesses and nonprofit organizations. My services spanned strategic communications, crisis management, rapid responses, public relations, public affairs, and marketing, with clients that included Puerto Rico’s Office of the Governor, Health and Police Departments, Public Broadcast Station, and corporate clients.Highlights:*Created a communications plan and registration campaign for the Puerto Rico Health Department that reached 1.5M beneficiaries, hospitals, service providers, and insurance companies with enrollment procedures and benefits for state healthcare reform program (Medicaid), resulting in 40% of the population receiving public insurance coverage.*Mitigated public and media perception of security and environmental concerns through execution of crisis management plans following an oil refinery explosion. *Developed crisis management strategies for the Puerto Rico Health Department during AH1N1 pandemic and dengue epidemic.

As Communications Director for Fortuño’s 2008 campaign for Governor of Puerto Rico, I was responsible for the campaign's PR strategy, communications logistics, collateral, web and social media presence, while leading a 30-member team, advertising agency staff, and overseeing $8M ad budget.

As Communications Director for Luis Fortuño during his tenure representing Puerto Rico in the US Congress, I oversaw communication strategy and response for emerging public policy issues. I was responsible for all PR, national/state media, and agency initiatives and inquiries, leading a three-member team plus contracted staff. I also partnered with the Chief of Staff to draft speeches and presentations.

Built image and recognition of first-time congressional candidate by developing and implementing media relations plan. Researched, wrote, and distributed press releases. Coordinated press events and media interviews.

M.A. in International Relations

Supported regional marketing initiatives by designing, developing, and implementing public relations and communications strategies and plans. Positioned company as premier brand in crowded marketplace by developing and implementing strategic plans to communicate value proposition of differentiated fuels and their unique benefits to key interest groups across Caribbean and LATAM region.

Developed and deployed marketing communications and media relations for corporate and government accounts. Partnered with advertising and direct marketing agencies to develop fully integrated campaigns and branding, image and crisis management programs.