Work Experience
I have worked for more than ten years in strategic communication, project management, technology literacy and media; providing guidance, training and strengthening digital skills to civil society organizations, journalists and human rights activists.
Programme Officer
Feb 2022 – Present
Project management with organizational international partners, providing methodological and technical support on human rights documentation and implementing the flagship tool, Uwazi.
- Managed a projects portfolio with European-based and international partners, serving as the primary point of contact throughout the entire project lifecycle from initial scoping and discovery through implementation, data migration, and closure, while maintaining strong and confident relationships with partners, internal teams, and stakeholders and ensuring timely, quality, and budget-compliant project delivery.
- Identified partner needs through user discovery sessions, focusing on information management requirements, communication goals, documentation workflows and needs.
- Provided comprehensive technical and methodological support to partner organizations, including implementation and configuration of Uwazi platform, secure data management tools, and custom solutions.
- Created and proposed data models based on discovery processes and partner-specific requirements.
- Led data migration initiatives, performing data cleaning and optimization using tools like OpenRefine, configuring Uwazi database instances, and collaborating with internal developers to implement specific features.
- Supported the implementation and training of machine learning models through data labeling and categorization, as part of comprehensive processes for a range of complex projects.
- Designed, coordinated, and facilitated training sessions to build organizational capacity in documentation, information management practices, and digital security.
- Developed reusable training resources and materials to strengthen information management capabilities among human rights organizations within the community.
- Actively collaborated with the technical team through GitHub by submitting issues, conducting testing, providing development insights, and contributing to feature requests and bug reports.
- Participated in the creation, testing, and translation of user guides for Uwazi, managing documentation update cycles and facilitating knowledge transfer between the Programmes and Tech teams.
- Conducted strategic outreach and networking activities to identify potential partners requiring documentation support, participating in regional and international convenings to expand organizational reach.
Technical Advisor in Digital Security
Oct 2019 – Feb 2022
Server administration and support for the local office team and human rights defenders of Central America from the Shelter City Program on free software tools and digital security proceedings.
- Design and implementation of a specialized digital security curricula for Central American human rights defenders, adapted to individual profiles, technical capabilities, and length of stay in comprehensive protection program.
- Comprehensive support to human rights defenders through remote and in-person consultations, developing relocation/return plans, digital risk assessments, and systematically documenting each intervention with impact indicators.
- Facilitation of digital protection sessions with Costa Rican organizations, including methodology, implementation, and systematization of digital security plans as part of organizational comprehensive protection strategies.
- Development of educational materials, technical manuals, and presentations to strengthen digital security capacities of individuals and organizations supported by the Foundation.
- Specialized technical support and continuous training to office staff on digital security tools (VPN, GPG, Veracrypt, Signal) and configuration of operating systems with LUKS encryption and secure communication software.
- End-to-end management of technology infrastructure lifecycle: acquisition, implementation, and configuration of computing equipment, mobile devices with alternative ROMs, MikroTik routers, and network solutions for Costa Rica office and beneficiaries.
- Corporate server administration with Nextcloud, including preventive maintenance, RAID diagnostics, backup strategies, and migration between Linux distributions.
- Testing and deployment of custom developed Modular Security System (MSS) on Raspberry Pi 4 devices, supporting allied organizations in vulnerability analysis of their technological and network infrastructure.
- Contribution to development of cross-cutting institutional policies on gender and psycho-emotional support protocols within the comprehensive protection framework for defenders.
Latin America and Caribbean Campaigner
Aug 2020 – Dec 2020
Supporting the Advocacy and Policy teams on the regional priorities, outreach and media engagement, through content production, campaigns and initiatives for social media channels, both in English and Spanish.
- Supported Advocacy and Policy teams by identifying key human rights issues across Latin America and the Caribbean and helping develop campaign strategies.
- Conducted outreach to regional organizations, activists, and media contacts to build support for campaigns and policy initiatives.
- Monitored regional developments and provided analysis on political and human rights trends to inform organizational priorities.
- Created bilingual content for social media channels in English and Spanish, developing posts, graphics, and videos for different platforms.
- Designed and ran digital campaigns on region-specific human rights issues, adapting messaging for local audiences and contexts.
- Produced campaign materials including press releases, fact sheets, and multimedia content to support advocacy goals.
- Built relationships with regional journalists and media outlets to increase coverage of human rights issues.
- Coordinated media outreach and served as spokesperson for organizational positions in interviews and public events.
- Tracked media coverage and campaign performance, providing regular updates on reach and impact.
- Developed partnerships with human rights organizations and advocacy groups across the region to strengthen campaign impact.
- Organized and participated in regional meetings and strategy sessions to coordinate advocacy efforts.
- Evaluated campaign results and documented lessons learned to improve future initiatives.
RightsCon Regional Outreach Coordinator
Jan 2020 – Jul 2020
Conducting local and regional stakeholders outreach and community engagement for RightsCon, the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age.
- Conducted stakeholder mapping and outreach across Latin America to drive regional participation in RightsCon, the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age.
- Coordinated strategic partnerships and engagement with local and regional organizations, attending meetings with potential partners under guidance of the RightsCon Director.
- Collaborated with Access Now’s advocacy and policy teams to align regional priorities and ensure Latin American perspectives were integrated into RightsCon programming.
- Developed bilingual content strategy alongside the RightsCon Communications Coordinator, producing content for channels in English and Spanish to maximize regional reach.
- Managed regional champions advisory group for RightsCon Costa Rica, facilitating community leadership and local expertise integration.
- Ensured regional representation in programming by providing strategic input to the RightsCon Program Associate and coordinating to amplify Latin American voices and priorities.
- Adapted outreach strategies for virtual format when COVID-19 shifted the event online, maintaining community engagement and participation despite format changes
- Contributed to post-event analysis, outcome reporting and identifying opportunities for continued collaboration.
Journalist
Managua Furiosa (now Furiaca)
Mar 2015 – Feb 2016
Web manager and reporter for online for arts, culture, technology and youth issues for a innovative media outlet in Nicaragua.
- Served as the web manager, overseeing the maintenance and updates of the publication’s website.
- Reported on and published content online, covering topics related to arts, culture, technology, and youth issues.
- Edited articles to ensure they met the publication’s editorial standards and WordPress formatting requirements.
- Collaborated with the team to create and publish new content, maintaining consistent web standards.
- Contributed to the media outlet’s consultancy service, providing guidance on digital marketing strategies for eight media hubs and social media strategies for organizations.
- Coordinated the website improvement and development efforts for these media hubs, ensuring their online presence was optimized and aligned with best practices.
Digital Communication Coordinator
Jul 2013 – Feb 2015
Supporting the company on digital engagement and communication, designing and implementing digital campaigns and strategies for several corporate clients.
- Develop and implement tailored digital communication strategies and campaigns for a variety of clients, including corporate, media, cultural, academic, and civil society organizations.
- Create engaging and relevant digital content (social media posts, website content, email newsletters) for each client’s unique needs and audience.
- Manage and optimize the performance of digital campaigns using analytics and data-driven insights to continuously improve results.
- Collaborate with the creative team to design visually appealing and on-brand digital assets for client projects.
- Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all digital touchpoints for each client.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest digital trends and best practices, and recommend new opportunities to clients.
- Provide training and support to clients on effective digital communication practices, social media management, and improving their online presence.
- Support the Public Relations team in publishing statements and managing crises for clients, when needed.
- Contribute to the media monitoring team by drafting and building reports for clients.
- Coordinate website development with external providers for clients who require new or updated digital platforms.
- Create shareable resources for social media on strategic communication, internet trends, and other relevant topics to support client workshops and thought leadership.
- Foster strong relationships and open communication with a diverse range of clients to understand their unique needs and deliver impactful digital solutions.
Communications and New Technologies Advisor
Jan 2012 – Jun 2013
Building excellent client relationship and content production with emphasis on digital engagement for several corporate clients.
- Collaborated with the Digital Communication Coordinator and team to develop innovative digital communication strategies and campaigns.
- Advised clients on the strategic use of emerging digital tools to enhance their communication efforts.
- Researched and analyzed the latest communication trends, technologies, and platforms to identify opportunities for clients and the company.
- Served as the the person of contact for clients delegated by the team, building a strong relationship and identifying their communication needs.
- Assist clients in navigating the evolving digital landscape and staying ahead of their competitors.
- Identified and recommend new communication tools and platforms that can improve client engagement, reach, and impact.
- Conduct training sessions and workshops for clients on the effective use of new communication technologies for their organizations.
- Contribute to industry publications and events as a thought leader and subject matter expert.
Freelance and Consulting Experience
I have leveraged my diverse skills set to provide a range of consulting and freelance services across various domains, mainly in areas related to Internet, web development and digital strategic communication.
Digital Security
Since 2018
- Advised senior researchers on a Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA) toolkit implementation.
- Strengthened digital security systems and capacity building for organizations managing human rights information, civil society and media partners.
- Recovered and secured digital infrastructure for media outlets.
- Trained and supported journalists and activists on improving digital security skills.
Strategic Communication
Since 2015
- Evaluated EU online presence and reach in Nicaragua through social listening tools.
- Social media and email management for literary festival Centroamérica Cuenta (2019).
- Designed communication plan for a civil society advocacy program in Nicaragua.
- Conducted baseline study for the digital strategy of the EU in Nicaragua (2018-2020).
- Guided university journalism projects for local digital media contest.
- Served as visiting professor for Strategic Digital Communication program.
- Media monitoring and analysis for CIVICUS Civil Society Index.
Website Development
Since 2014
- Coordinated website design, implementation and training on the management of a WordPress multisite setup for a bloggers community.
- Facilitated discovery sessions to understand user requirements, goals, and objectives.
- Created wireframes and prototypes to visualize and iterate on website designs.
- Developed and implemented website WordPress based websites.
- Maintained and updated websites, ensuring they remain secure and up-to-date.
- Provided guidance on search engine optimization (SEO) to improve website visibility and discoverability.
- Worked on information architecture to ensure intuitive navigation and content organization.
- Rescued websites from malware infections, cleaned and secured them for continued operation.
Professional Training
Technology and Digital Security
- Security Auditing Framework and Evaluation Template for Advocacy Groups (SAFETAG)
- Introduction to network security (Campus LACNIC)
- Digital security (Seguridad en Democracia – SEDEM)
- Information protection (Seguridad en Democracia – SEDEM)
- GNU/Linex (Red Iberoamericana para la Cooperación Tecnológica – IBERCOTEC)
Internet Governance and Digital Rights
- Introduction to Internet governance in Latin America (Campus LACNIC)
- Cultural rights and copyright in the digital environment (Centro Cultural de España en Nicaragua – CCEN; Centro Cultural en Linea ÁRTICA)
Journalism and Communication
- Professional Fellowship Program (Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, International Center for Journalists – ICFJ)
- Self-publishing eBook (Plataforma/C)
- Hyperlocal journalism (Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas)
- Cultural journalism in Central America: experiences and new approaches (Centro Cultural de España en Costa Rica – CCECR; Project ACERCA)
- Audio and video podcast production and editing (beginner level) (Portal de Juventud para América Latina y el Caribe – radiosuronline.net)
Humanitarian Assistance and Human Rights
- Saving lives with dignity: Human mobility approach from humanitarian assistance and human rights (Iniciativa Ciudadana para la Promoción de la Cultura del Diálogo, A. C.)
- Building Memories (Fundación Luciérnaga)
Social and Community Development
- Digital empowerment and social work with young people (Fundación Desafíos y Red Latinoamericana de Juventud Rurales (RELAJUR))
- Political culture and democratic values for the construction of citizenship (Observatorio Nacional de la Democracia y Gobernabilidad, Instituto para el Desarollo y la Democracia – IPADE)
- Male sexuality, Training of facilitators and participatory methodologies, Gender and masculinity, Sexual and reproductive health (Centro para la Educación y Prevención del SIDA – CEPRESI)
- Family constellations (Department of Psychology, Universidad Centroamericana – UCA)
- Theater Directing, Acting with an emphasis on Theater (Project “El Carromato” – Sala de Teatro Justo Rufino Garay, Grupo de Teatro Justo Rufino Garay)
Speaking & Outreach
I have participated in a wide range of events to share my expertise and engage with like-minded professionals, in the areas of Free/Libre/Open-source tools, OpenStreetMap, strategic communication, arts and culture, Internet and digital rights.
Mobile mapping tools with OpenStreetMap
Fundación OpenLab | Online
2022
RightsCon
Acess Now | San José (Costa Rica) & Online
2020 – 2025
- Workshop (2023): “Developing data models for human rights documentation”.
- Panel (2022): “How to include digital security in Temporary Relocation Programs oriented at Human Rights Defenders?”.
- Meeting (2020): “Latin America Digital Rights Community”.
Central American Free Software Meeting
SLCA | Managua (Nicaragua) & San José (Costa Rica)
2016 – 2017
- Workshop & Conference (2017): “Mapping bicycle infraestructure with OpenStreetMap”.
- Conference (2016): “The fee software movement as expression of resistance and criticism against cognitive capitalism”.
State of the Map
Brussels, Belgium
2016
- Conference: “Nicaragua’s new crowd-sourced bus map: Lessons learnt”. [watch]