I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology, security, and human rights—and that’s exactly where my work has taken me. But beyond the technical side, what drives me most is understanding people and the way we interact with technology. I’ve worked with communities in Latin America, the U.S., and Europe and seen firsthand how access to knowledge, security, and digital resilience can change lives. This is why I’m passionate about building sustainable strategies for at-risk organizations, helping them navigate challenges while keeping security at the forefront.

My background isn’t just in strategy and operations—I started in architecture and design, and I still bring that structured, creative mindset into everything I do. I believe that a well-designed program, like a well-designed space, should be both functional and human-centered.

Outside of work, you’ll find me:

• Playing the violin—a lifelong passion that keeps me grounded.
• Traveling and exploring different cultures, constantly learning new perspectives.
• Taking care of my cats and advocating for responsible pet care.
• Diving into architecture & interior design because good design makes life better.

Great work happens at the intersection of passion, purpose, and adaptability. If you’re interested in collaborating, exchanging ideas, or discussing projects related to international development, security, and policy strategy, let’s connect!

Spending over three years at Internews wasn’t just about managing digital security projects but navigating the complex reality of protecting information in some of the world’s most repressive environments. It meant working closely with communities facing threats that aren’t hypothetical but immediate and real.

During this time, I learned that digital security isn’t just about tools or protocols; it’s about people. It’s about understanding risk in context, making security accessible, and ensuring that strategies work on the ground. It’s a balance of technical expertise, trust-building, and constant adaptation.

These lessons continue to shape how I approach my work today, whether designing safer digital spaces, advising on risk mitigation, or ensuring that security solutions are effective and sustainable.

The FADe Project started as a technical endeavor to expand and implement the research from the University of Washington’s SEAGLASS project to detect IMSI-catchers and assess surveillance threats in Latin America. But over time, it became much more than that. It evolved into a bridge between technical research, real-world risk, and strategic action. Surveillance in high-risk environments isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a lived reality with profound implications for activists, journalists, and communities on the frontlines. Leading FADe meant refining methodologies and ensuring that our findings had real-world impact. It meant translating data into policy recommendations, advocacy strategies, and security frameworks that could actively counter digital threats.

This role has been about more than directing research—it’s been about building resilience:

• Expanding FADe’s regional implementation ensures that its findings shape reports and real-world security decisions.
• Securing strategic funding and partnerships to sustain long-term research and the deployment of privacy-enhancing technologies.
• Working directly with human rights organizations, security researchers, and legal experts to ensure our work leads to tangible protections.
• Leading risk mitigation efforts that go beyond theory, providing operational guidance and technical solutions for vulnerable communities.

FADe reinforced a belief I’ve carried through my work: digital security isn’t just about tools; it’s about context, accessibility, and impact. The real challenge isn’t just detecting threats—it’s ensuring that those most affected by them have the knowledge and resources to stay protected. That’s the gap we’ve worked to close and the mission that continues to drive my approach to digital resilience in Latin America and beyond.

At South Lighthouse, we develop technology-driven security solutions to protect human rights and privacy in high-risk environments. Our work bridges technical innovation with real-world resilience, focusing on:

• Digital security methodologies tailored for high-risk contexts.
• Consulting, training, and monitoring across Latin America.
• Mapping and analyzing emerging surveillance threats to inform security strategies.

As Chief Operating Officer, I ensure our initiatives remain impactful and sustainable by:

• Leading multi-country donor-funded projects with strategic oversight.
• Managing stakeholder relations, budgets, and compliance for global initiatives.
• Overseeing team coordination and security research implementation.

At its core, South Lighthouse isn’t just about research. It’s about equipping communities with the tools to navigate digital threats safely.

The SDA Manual is designed to complement the work initiated by civil society organizations in digital security and risk mitigation. This practical guide provides customizable security policies that adapt to organizational needs and emerging threats. As an external consultant, I:

• Led project feasibility analysis, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely execution.
• Directed content editing, graphic design, and bilingual translations (EN/ES).
• Worked alongside security facilitators to refine methodologies for organizational use.

The manual is now actively used by trainers, implementers, and civil society organizations seeking to strengthen internal security frameworks.

During five years of my (other) life, I dedicated myself entirely to being part of the development of architectural and big-scale construction projects. Most of my work can be seen here!