Maria Fernanda Salazar Mejia is a powerhouse of innovation and advocacy, whose career has been marked by a steadfast dedication to advancing gender equality, social justice, and systemic change. With over 18 years in of progressive experience in domestic and international development, Maria Fernanda has pioneered numerous high-impact programs that have shifted social norms, strengthened governance, and empowered women and girls in communities across the globe. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that a more equitable world is possible—and that the path there is forged through inclusive, strategic, and sustainable actions.

Currently, Maria Fernanda is an independent consultant and TransformNorms Fellow, where she uses her extensive expertise to advise on gender equality and social inclusion strategies. As part of this fellowship, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and managed by the Apolitical Foundation, she designs programs that challenge and dismantle complicit behaviors enabling gender-based violence in politics. Maria Fernanda’s recent keynote address at the UNGA 79 Feminist Futures Festival showcased her belief in social norms’ power to create lasting change, as she called on leaders to prioritize gender-based violence (GBV) interventions with cultural sensitivity and strategic foresight.

From 2019 to 2024, Maria Fernanda served as Vice President of Impacto Social at Metropolitan Group, where she guided a diverse portfolio of initiatives that spanned reproductive justice, women’s rights, and democratic governance. Her projects with USAID, Ford Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations reshaped local policies and empowered thousands across multiple regions. Notably, Maria Fernanda co-led a groundbreaking effort in El Salvador that resulted in the release of 17 women imprisoned for obstetric emergencies, a milestone achieved through a coalition she built with NGOs and grassroots activists. Her leadership fostered a culture of collaboration, engaging over 250 NGOs in a strategic communications network that accelerated social change and solidarity.

Maria Fernanda’s impact on women’s rights extends to her work with UN Women Mexico, where as a Technical Consultant, she developed research and policy recommendations that directly influenced national laws supporting women in politics. Her efforts laid the groundwork for legislative advances and made her a trusted voice in discussions with civil society and government partners. At UN Women, she brought a unique blend of analytical rigor and empathy, qualities that allowed her to bridge the gap between policy and practice in gender equality.

Earlier in her career, Maria Fernanda served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Mexican House of Representatives. Leading a team of 18, she managed budgets exceeding $2.5M and crafted training sessions that empowered over 200 officials in strategic communications. Her innovative citizen engagement strategies helped build transparency and fostered trust between policymakers and the public. This role honed her resilience in navigating complex political landscapes, a skill that would become central to her later work.

Maria Fernanda’s expertise in political strategy was further developed during her tenure as an Advisor to the President of the Mexican Senate. She crafted impactful legislative policies and speeches, contributed to political campaigns, and led strategic communications efforts for the Senate’s leadership. Her commitment to transparency was recognized when, as Director of the Senate’s Transparency Unit, she guided the institution to achieve a top-three ranking in federal transparency—a testament to her integrity and dedication to accountability in public service.

Her academic background is equally impressive. Maria Fernanda holds a Master’s degree in Constitutional Law and Human Rights from Universidad Panamericana, where her thesis examined the evolution of constitutional review mechanisms. Her education has continued through specialized certifications in public policy from the London School of Economics and peacebuilding from the Austrian Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution, equipping her with the tools to address complex social challenges with both a local and global lens.

Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, Maria Fernanda brings her multilingual skills to every project, fostering understanding and collaboration across cultural and linguistic divides. She has lived and worked in the Global South while also reporting to donors and partners from the Global North, bridging worlds with ease and forging partnerships that drive meaningful change. Her leadership style—anchored in empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to learning—has made her a sought-after expert for cross-cultural and high-stakes initiatives.

At her core, Maria Fernanda is deeply passionate about social justice, children’s rights, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation. Her work is guided by a personal mission to create spaces where women and girls, in all their diversity, can live fearlessly and thrive. Whether through her advocacy for agricultural workers in Tunisia, her dedication to reproductive justice in Latin America, or her strategic influence on global gender policy, Maria Fernanda’s vision for a just future shines through.

Character:

Maria Fernanda is a principled leader with unwavering dedication to social justice, empowering communities and advocating for women and girls worldwide. Her resilience and integrity drive her to create inclusive, transparent environments where transformative change can take root.

Knowledge:

With deep expertise in gender equality, public policy, and social norms, Maria Fernanda designs programs that are culturally relevant and impactful. Her academic and professional experiences equip her to address complex social challenges with innovative, evidence-based solutions.

Strategic:

Maria Fernanda is a visionary strategist skilled at building coalitions and fostering partnerships across diverse sectors. Her approach blends creativity with strategic planning, resulting in initiatives that yield systemic, long-lasting change.

Communication:

Known for her multilingual proficiency in Spanish, English, and French, Maria Fernanda excels in engaging and inspiring diverse stakeholders. Her ability to communicate across cultures enables her to foster collaboration and drive impactful advocacy on a global scale.