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Marisa Arias Thayer is an experienced leader in Panama’s nonprofit and public sectors, currently serving as the International Cooperation Director at Panama’s Ministry of Public Works and as the founder and managing director of ConSocia, a consulting firm dedicated to strengthening development initiatives in Panama and the region. Previously, she was the founding Executive Director of United Way Panamá (Asociación Fondo Unido de Panamá) from its inception in 2010, where for over a decade she led impactful strategies, championing cross-sector collaboration and capacity-building within Panama’s nonprofit ecosystem.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Marisa has a strong background in corporate social responsibility, having promoted CSR strategies across the private sector; Her efforts in these roles have contributed to aligning corporate practices with sustainable and socially responsible objectives that support community development.
Throughout her career, Marisa has spearheaded key projects and international partnerships with influential organizations across the region. This includes leadership in advocacy for children’s rights, notably through the Aliados por la Niñez y Adolescencia movement, advancing Panama’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in Quality Education and most recently, Climate Action.
Marisa co-founded the Cámara Panameña de Desarrollo Social, Panama’s first chamber for nonprofit. She was recognized as one of Panama´s young emergent leaders by Capital Financiero by receiving the "40 Menores de 40" Award in 2009 and was given the keys to the City of Panama in 2012, an honor given by the Mayor´s Office.
With a B.A. in Political Science from Vassar College and advanced studies in Non-Profit Management at NYU’s Wagner School of Public Administration, Marisa also brings leadership insights from the Aspen Global Leadership Network as a Fellow of the 10th class of the Central America Leadership Initiative-CALI. A devoted mother to Susan and Julian, she continues to build initiatives that advance social impact and sustainable development across Panama and Latin America.
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