Map opportunities, fund them, and tell the story the world needs to hear.
Hi, I'm Elsie
I'm a Peruvian strategist based in Copenhagen who turns decolonial thinking into real-world impact. I help mission-driven teams unlock insights, craft bold narratives, and raise the capital that makes real change possible. I'm the Editor of UNTOLD.ink Magazine, and Co-Founder & Executive Director of Sur Global, the nonprofit startup behind the Global South Sessions, an international yearly conference gathering the brightest minds from the South to talk about innovation, sustainability, technology, and foresight, among other topics.
Current work
Sur Global is a nonprofit Start-up where Decolonial Thinking, Design, and Sustainability meet to educate, create democratized learning communities, and foster responsible innovation. We work remotely to improve people's opportunities in the Global South, offering a range of initiatives that include in-person and online events, educational courses, publications, and consultancy. We welcome all cultures and perspectives into our events and activities.
Background
Until May 2024, I was the Head of LATAM & Program Manager at Design Matters. There, I designed, curated, and organized conferences about digital design. I also wrote for and served as the Editor of an online magazine, strategized and created content for web and social media, all while securing funding for the Latin American programs.
Doing field work in Peru while working at CARE
At CARE, one of the largest humanitarian organizations fighting global poverty, I took the role of Fundraising & Communications Director. I was a member of the Executive Team, and of the Board of Directors in representation of the staff (elected by them). I led organizational change by merging the Communications and Fundraising departments, all while drafting and executing a new brand strategy, targeting funding from the private sector, in addition to managing institutional funding, and coordinating our participation in multiple national and international projects, like Girl Rising (here's an article about it).
At a human settlement, working with TECHO.org
I played a pivotal role in the inception of TECHO.org, one of the largest youth and south-to-south organizations in LATAM fighting poverty. I served in several roles, and the last was in leadership, as the CEO for the Peruvian chapter.
I studied Political Science and hold diplomas in Human Rights (Inter-American System) and Corporate Social Responsibility. I have over 10 years in international cooperation and social development across Latin America, and 8 years in Europe as a consultant in strategic project design, management, fundraising, public relations, and content design (copy and graphic).
My interests revolve around sustainability, innovation, futures design, creativity, and how these can become catalysts for community development and building better forms of participation and governance. I'm driven to work with teams that create regenerative impact for people and the planet.