About Watkins Advisory
A Little About Me
I am a strategic leader in climate policy and governance. I recently served as the Chief of the Climate Change Division at the Inter-American Development Bank. My work focused on advancing integrated approaches to green transformation, sustainable infrastructure, and enhancing finance flows to Latin America and the Caribbean. I have a background spanning biodiversity conservation and institutional reform, bridging global frameworks with country-level action to drive change.
How I Got Here
I earned my PhD at the University of Pennsylvania and my MA at Oxford, building the academic foundation for a career in climate and sustainability. I then led institutions like the Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galápagos and the Iwokrama Centre in Guyana, where I worked to bridge science, policy, and governance. Those experiences prepared me for my last role at the Inter-American Development Bank, where I led climate policy and finance initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean.
My Approach
I work with people through collaboration and inclusion, making sure diverse voices shape decisions. I drive change by designing clear frameworks, sequencing reforms, and grounding them in evidence and measurable outcomes. My approach blends strategic rigor with participatory leadership, embedding transparency and accountability to make reforms sustainable.
Successes
60+ Peer-Reviewed Articles
60+ Peer-Reviewed Articles
60+ Peer-Reviewed Articles
More than 60 articles on biodiversity, climate policy, and sustainable infrastructure, drawing on my experiences in Guyana, the Galápagos, and across Latin America. Through this work, I translate global frameworks into actionable strategies for governments and institutions, bridging science, policy, and governance to drive systemic change..
Galapagos
60+ Peer-Reviewed Articles
60+ Peer-Reviewed Articles
Co‑authored Galápagos: Both Sides of the Coin to showcase the islands’ extraordinary wildlife and landscapes through powerful photography and narrative. The book celebrates the beauty of the Galápagos while underscoring the urgency of conserving its fragile ecosystems.
Rupununi
60+ Peer-Reviewed Articles
Community-Based Conservation
Co‑authored Rupununi: Rediscovering a Lost World to showcase the region’s extraordinary biodiversity and cultural heritage. The book combines vivid photography and narrative to celebrate Guyana’s Rupununi while underscoring the importance of conserving its unique ecosystems and supporting local communities.
Community-Based Conservation
Community-Based Conservation
Community-Based Conservation
Advanced community‑based conservation by building partnerships that empower local and indigenous communities to manage their forests and natural resources. My focus has been on ensuring that community voices shape governance, livelihoods, and conservation outcomes, creating more equitable and sustainable approaches to resource management..
Sustainable Infrastructure
Community-Based Conservation
Sustainable Infrastructure
Mainstreamed and promoted sustainable infrastructure at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) by developing comprehensive frameworks, spearheading knowledge generation, and integrating climate considerations into bank operations
Climate and Change
Community-Based Conservation
Sustainable Infrastructure
Led the climate division at the Inter-American Development Bank, where we more than tripled climate finance in 10 years. I have guided institutions through major transitions by aligning science, policy, and governance to deliver systemic change.