Leonardo Velasquez
Development Professional
Tegucigalpa
Summary
International development professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in economic and social development, humanitarian affairs, sustainability, programming, business development, advocacy, project management, and global sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean. I have led high-impact fundraising efforts, built organizational structures from the ground up, and developed cross-border partnerships to drive sustainable change.
Professional leader in international business with solid track record in driving market growth and operational excellence. Proven ability to lead diverse teams, adapt to changing environments, and foster collaboration to achieve strategic goals. Skilled in market analysis, strategic planning, and relationship management, ensuring impactful results and sustained success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Country Manager
Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
06.2024 - Current
- Launched Humanity & Inclusion operations in Honduras, starting with one €112K project and expanding to secure a new €345K, 24-month project with ECHO.
- Built the organization from the ground up: recruited and managed a team of 8 professionals.
- Expanded operations to two cities in Honduras and established presence in Guatemala.
- Developed strategic partnerships, donor relationships, and institutional visibility to ensure sustainable growth.
Executive Director & Partner
Nex Fundraising
05.2020 - Current
- Lead the regional partnerships and business development strategy, growing from zero to over 25 projects and clients in less than four years.
- Generated over $100K in revenue in the first year through strategic fundraising and capacity-building projects.
- Advise NGOs and social enterprises on fundraising, communications, advocacy, and strategic alliances.
Regional Director of Development and Alliances
Junior Achievement Americas
10.2018 - 04.2020
- Coordinated and executed regional fundraising efforts totaling USD $5M.
- Managed regional partnerships and events across 30 countries in the region.
- Built and maintained relationships with global donors such as Citi Foundation, SAP, Delta Airlines, and USAID.
Regional Advocacy Director
World Vision
01.2017 - 07.2018
- Coordinated implementation of the global campaign 'It Takes a World to End Violence Against Children' across 14 countries.
- Aligned national advocacy strategies with global priorities and supported emergency response fundraising efforts.
Country & Civil Society Coordinator
AGCID (Chilean International Agency for Development Cooperation)
03.2012 - 07.2014
- Designed and implemented the 2012–2014 South-South Cooperation Strategy for the Caribbean.
- Successfully coordinated a portfolio of 12 multi-sector projects with an annual budget of over USD $1M.
- Strengthened bilateral and multilateral partnerships, enhancing Chile’s presence in the region.
Regional Development Director
TECHO (Un Techo para mi País)
01.2011 - 12.2011
- Led development and fundraising across 45 offices in 19 countries, raising USD $10M in 2011.
- Managed global corporate partnerships and institutional donor engagement.
Communications and Youth Advisor
Netherlands Development Cooperation (SNV)
06.2008 - 12.2009
- Established and led the first regional communications department for Central America.
- Designed and executed youth-focused programs, including innovative campaigns that reached over 5,000 young beneficiaries and strengthened vocational training initiatives.
National Youth Advisor
GIZ (German International Cooperation Agency)
12.2005 - 05.2008
- Coordinated the national “Youth-to-Youth: Orientation and Skills for Work” program, directly benefiting 2,500 youth through employability and life skills training.
- Developed partnerships with government, private sector, and civil society organizations, resulting in increased funding and the expansion of youth employment initiatives nationwide.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Administration
Columbia University, School of International And Public Affairs
New York City 1 2014 - 1 2016
Bachelor of Science - Marketing and International Business
UNITEC
Tegucigalpa, Honduras 1 2003 - 1 2007
Skills
- Fundraising
- Strategic Partnerships
- Organizational Development
- Program Management
- Advocacy
- Communications
- Business Development
Websites
Timeline
Country Manager
Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
06.2024 - Current
Executive Director & Partner
Nex Fundraising
05.2020 - Current
Regional Director of Development and Alliances
Junior Achievement Americas
10.2018 - 04.2020
Regional Advocacy Director
World Vision
01.2017 - 07.2018
Country & Civil Society Coordinator
AGCID (Chilean International Agency for Development Cooperation)
03.2012 - 07.2014
Regional Development Director
TECHO (Un Techo para mi País)
01.2011 - 12.2011
Communications and Youth Advisor
Netherlands Development Cooperation (SNV)
06.2008 - 12.2009
National Youth Advisor
GIZ (German International Cooperation Agency)
12.2005 - 05.2008
Master of Arts - Public Administration
Columbia University, School of International And Public Affairs
1 2014 - 1 2016
Bachelor of Science - Marketing and International Business
UNITEC
1 2003 - 1 2007
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