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Puerto Rican scientist one of 40 Women to Watch

Mónica Ivelisse Feliú-Mójer's picture
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Congratulations to Borinqueña Dr. Frances Colón who was recently named one of 40 over 40 Women to Watch who are reinventing and disrupting and making an impact!


 

Bio: Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State; previously Science and Environment Adviser for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Dept. of State.

Innovating in Field of Work:

  • Utilizes expertise as scientist to build bridges between science, technology and innovation and high-level decision-makers in the U.S. around the world
  • First Executive Branch official to meet with Cuban science and environment ministries in Cuba in more than 50 years
  • Launched a series of emerging technology briefings for senior decision-makers to interpret potential foreign policy impact of disruptive technology trends

Impact:

  • An ambassador for the power of science, technology and innovation as diplomacy tools
  • Represented U.S. Government as Vice Chair of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development
  • Launched Cenadores Puerto Rico, a nonprofit that harnesses the connections and expertise of the Puerto Rican diaspora to empower civil society on the island- “because it is time to give back to the place that shaped me”.

Role Model:

  • Outspoken advocate for women/girls to pursue leadership roles in STEM
  • One of the highest-ranking Hispanic women in foreign policy
  • Launched a women leadership series as Board Member of the University of Puerto Rico Alumni and Friends Abroad

Reinvention / Risk / Momentum:

  • Graduate of National Hispana Leadership Institute, one of the most prestigious leadership programs for women in the US.
  • Part of the White House ‘Untold History of Women in STEM’ project, sharing stories honoring unsung heroines
  • Board Member Grupo Guayacan, nonprofit that spearheads private equity investment in Puerto Rico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

[She] “is extremely passionate about mentoring women and lifting others as she climbs….On multiple occasions she has nominated me to attend or speak at events in her place.”

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