Sandra Milena Ardila Tellez (she/her)

 

"I am a social worker with 20 years of experience in social projects and consulting."

"My lived experience: I have learned that barriers to water access persist, especially affecting women, girls, and excluded groups in Latin America."

"I am committed to ensuring equitable access to water and giving marginalized communities a voice in its management."

Water Experience

I am a social worker with a specialization in Public Management and a Master's in Peace, Conflict, and Development Studies, with 20 years of experience coordinating social projects with a territorial and gender focus in Colombia. My work contributes to gender equity in water management by mainstreaming the GESI approach in WASH projects in Latin America, strengthening community and institutional capacities, and promoting inclusive participation. Additionally, I have designed pedagogical tools for sustainable water management and led initiatives to empower women and communities in addressing environmental and social justice challenges.

Opportunities of Interest

• Speaking engagements (e.g., conference panels, keynote addresses)
• Leadership roles (e.g., board member, committees)
• Public outreach (e.g., media interviews, podcasts)
• Consulting (e.g., government, industry, not-for-profit sector)
• Research (e.g., academic, not-for-profit, government)
• Being a Mentor

Opportunities Offered

• Fieldwork
• Graduate student training (e.g., masters, PhD)
• Mentorship Short-term (e.g., attend a mentorship circle or event; 1-3 meetings with an individual)
• Mentorship Long-term (e.g., regular attendance at mentorship circles, frequent meetings 6+ months)
• Research assistant
• Student internships
• Visiting Professorships