Maria España
Bogotá
Summary
Experience in environmental sustainability and conservation, I am dedicated to creating positive impact through solutions that protect ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and address climate challenges. My mission is to serve by safeguarding the planet, fostering inclusive well-being, and contributing to a healthier, more harmonious society. I lead teams in advancing sustainability goals and building partnerships that drive meaningful, long-term change for people and the environment.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
2076
2076
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
3
3
Languages
Work History
Sustainability Director
ASOCOLFLORES
05.2023 - Current
- Lead strategic initiatives promoting regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices in the floriculture sector, fostering climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
- Serve as the Managing Director of the Florverde Sustainable Flowers certification scheme, overseeing operations in Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, promoting good agricultural, environmental, and social practices across certified flower farms.
- Achieved a 20% growth in certified area and expanded the certification to new geographies, enhancing its global reputation for credibility and transparency through strong international partnerships.
- Secured the financial self-sustainability of Florverde's projects and operations by implementing effective resource management and innovative funding strategies.
- Lead multi-stakeholder collaborations, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners, to implement innovative financing mechanisms for conservation, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Design educational programs for key stakeholders, integrating nature-based solutions as a central approach to ecosystem protection and livelihood improvement.
- Represent the organization in international platforms, advocating for policies that merge sustainability with equitable development.
Sustainable Businesses Development Director
Bio D S.A.
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Led a groundbreaking new business project focused on developing agricultural inputs derived from by-products of the certified sustainable palm oil industry (RSPO), supporting the transition to a circular economy by repurposing agro-industrial residues.
- Advanced regenerative agriculture by creating inputs that enhance soil health and contribute to sustainable farming practices.
- Spearheaded the design and execution of the first approved and developed new business project within BioD's innovation department, showcasing the potential of bio-based solutions to drive sustainability in agribusiness, aligned with global standards for sustainability and climate resilience.
National Manager, Environmental Affairs & Quality
Alpina Productos Alimenticios S.A. BIC
12.2017 - 10.2022
- Led a multidisciplinary team of over 200 professionals across five food processing plants in Colombia, ensuring the highest standards in quality management and environmental operations.
- Oversaw compliance with environmental regulations and managed key industrial operations, including water treatment systems, wastewater treatment plants, and biogas production facilities for renewable energy generation.
- Directed the implementation of regulatory frameworks and ensured full adherence to Colombian environmental laws, fostering a culture of sustainability within operations.
- Successfully integrated quality assurance and environmental performance into industrial processes, strengthening Alpina’s reputation as a sustainable and compliant food industry leader.
Scientific Researcher
EMBRAPA Agroenergy
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Company Overview: A unit of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) promotes Brazilian bioeconomy competitiveness through innovation.
- Contributed to the “Dende Palm” project, focusing on genomic strategies for sustainable palm oil production, supporting biodiversity and reducing environmental impacts.
- Developed innovative bio-based solutions aligned with nature-positive approaches, driving sustainability within Brazil’s bioeconomy.
Education
Executive MBA - The Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit
Westfield Business School
Miami - FL, U.S. 05.2001 -
Executive Master in Exponential Transformation - Leadership, Innovation Strategy, Digital Skills
EIG Business School
Granada - España04-2024
Master of Science - Plant Biotechnology
Universidade Federal De Lavras (UFLA)
Lavras - MG, Brazil 05.2001 - 05.2017
Master's - Food Safety
Universidad Para La Cooperación Internacional
San José, Costa Rica03-2023
Bachelor of Science - Agroindustrial Engineering
Universidad Del Atlántico
Barranquilla, Colombia 05.2001 - 05.2015
Skills
- Regenerative Agriculture and Conservation Expertise
- Project Management and Leadership
- Fundraising and Partnership Development
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Knowledge of Environmental and Sustainability Standards
- Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
- Policy Advocacy and Knowledge
- Cultural Competency and Cross-Cultural Collaboration
- Fieldwork Experience
Publications
- Chemical characterization of the American oil palm from the Brazilian Amazon forest., España, M. D., et al., Crop Science, 58, 5, 2018, 1982-1990
- Eucalyptus leaf byproduct inhibits the anthracnose-causing fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides., España, M. D., et al., Industrial Crops and Products, 108, 2017, 793-797
Certification
Lean Scrum Practitioner
Timeline
Sustainability Director
ASOCOLFLORES
05.2023 - Current
Sustainable Businesses Development Director
Bio D S.A.
10.2022 - 05.2023
Lean Scrum Practitioner
01-2020
National Manager, Environmental Affairs & Quality
Alpina Productos Alimenticios S.A. BIC
12.2017 - 10.2022
Scientific Researcher
EMBRAPA Agroenergy
01.2015 - 01.2017
Executive MBA - The Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit
Westfield Business School
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Plant Biotechnology
Universidade Federal De Lavras (UFLA)
05.2001 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Agroindustrial Engineering
Universidad Del Atlántico
05.2001 - 05.2015
Executive Master in Exponential Transformation - Leadership, Innovation Strategy, Digital Skills
EIG Business School
Master's - Food Safety
Universidad Para La Cooperación Internacional
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