Every leader has a beginning.
Before the boardrooms, the big decisions, and the impact, there was a girl with a dream, a challenge, or a moment that changed everything.
HerStory is a space to uncover those beginnings, the real stories of women who stayed true to themselves, who found clarity in uncertainty, and who built their path, step by step. We talk about childhood dreams, turning points, and the lessons life taught them along the way. Because leadership isn’t just about titles, it’s about everything that shaped the person behind them. At HRIC, we believe leadership deserves visibility. HerStory is more than a podcast, It’s a tribute to the women who lead with heart, with purpose, and with courage.
Because every story matters.
Every leader starts somewhere.
And the future is shaped by those who dare to lead.
This is HerStory. Let’s share it with the world.
Conversations
#003| Lina Mondragón: Vice President of Strategy and Sustainability at Corficolombiana
Welcome to a new chapter of HerStory by HRIC, where we celebrate the stories and leadership of women who are transforming the world with purpose and determination.
Today, we introduce Lina María Mondragón-Artunduaga, a strategic leader from Colombia who is redefining the role of the private sector in sustainability and development. As Vice President of Strategy and Sustainability at Corficolombiana and Executive Director of the Corficolombiana Foundation, Lina drives environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agendas with an innovative and impact-focused approach.
In this interview, we explore her journey and vision:
“I believe in the power of partnerships to fund development—there is no transformation without collaboration between the public, private, and multilateral sectors.” Lina shares how her experience in multilateral banking and public policy has shaped her approach to sustainable and inclusive growth.
From global to local: With 15 years as a counterpart to multilateral banks and 7 years on the boards of state-owned enterprises, she has built bridges between sectors to mobilize resources that create real impact.
Finance with purpose: A specialist in social project evaluation and financial structures, her work proves that profitability and impact can go hand in hand.
A legacy of leadership: From the Ministry of Finance to the executive presidency of CAF, her career reflects how technical expertise and strategic vision can drive systemic change.
A revealing fact: She was the first woman to chair the Board of Directors of CAF Asset Management, a key vehicle for financing infrastructure in Latin America.
This conversation is an invitation to rethink female leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors, challenge existing structures, and build more equitable economic models.
Don’t miss this interview filled with profound insights and key takeaways.
#002| Virginia Saiz: Leadership, Justice, and Transformation
In this second chapter of our series, we’re thrilled to introduce Virginia Saiz, Director of Localization and Decolonization at Plan International. A passionate leader who, from the Dominican Republic, works tirelessly to transform global development into a more equitable, sustainable, and just model.
Welcome once again to HerStory by HRIC, the space where we celebrate the authentic voices, stories, and leadership of exceptional women who are shaping a better world!
In this honest and powerful interview, we uncover her purpose, her journey as a citizen of the world, and the moments that have defined her path.
Here are some highlights from the conversation:
- “I don’t want to wait for the future; I want to create it, with justice and equity for all”: Virginia shares this defining phrase, a reflection of her vision and commitment to active, transformative leadership.
- From Spain to the world: Born in Spain, she’s spent over half her life crossing continents—Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America—becoming Dominican along the way and embracing a global identity.
- Transformation from within: Her fascination with organizational transformation has led her to guide multidisciplinary teams in countries like Uganda, Egypt, and England, always with a human-centered and sustainable approach.
- A legacy of impact: From ending child marriage in the Dominican Republic to managing key programs across the globe, Virginia has shown that leadership is action.
- Over 20 years creating change: Two decades of experience that inspire us to rethink how we build an inclusive, equitable future.
Something few know about her: In 2012, she convinced Egyptian authorities to light the pyramids in pink to commemorate International Day of the Girl Child.
Don’t miss this interview full of inspiration, deep reflections, and lessons for action. Subscribe to our HerStory by HRIC channel and turn on notifications so you don’t miss our upcoming chapters.
Follow us on social media and share this video to amplify these stories that deserve to echo everywhere. Together, we’re building this movement!
Find us on LinkedIn, Spotify, and YouTube: @herstorybyhric
Learn more about Virginia Saiz and Plan International’s work on their official channels:
plan-international.org
#001| Carmen Correa: Leadership, Resilience and Reinvention
In this first chapter of our series, we are honored to introduce Carmen Correa, CEO of Pro Mujer, an inspiring leader who has dedicated her career to opening doors for women throughout Latin America.
On March 8, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, we published the full interview with Carmen Correa. An honest and real conversation where we discover her story, her purpose and the moments that defined her path. Some key points of the interview: “I was always a dreamer with big aspirations since I was a child”: Carmen shares with us how her visionary spirit and determination led her to defy stereotypes from an early age, along with her love for Uruguay’s natural surroundings. “I met women who break paradigms from a very young age”: Her experience in organizations such as the OAS and the IDB inspired her to work for female empowerment. “Women reinvent themselves several times, and we have to be resilient”: Reflections on the ability of Latin American women to adapt and thrive in challenging environments. “Thinking outside the box”: She shares with us some of the key points that she believes are essential to generate greater entrepreneurship that benefits women in the region. “Support networks to explore the maximum”: The importance of building strong networks that drive personal and professional growth. Something few people know about her: Her passion for painting. An intimate side of Carmen that few know about and that helps her connect with her creativity. Don’t miss this interview full of learning and motivation. Subscribe to our channel HerStory by HRIC and activate the little bell to receive notifications of our