Social entrepreneur with 30 years of experience in the environmental sector. Currently International Consultant on sustainable and institutional development. All of the projects where she is involved have at its core the improvement of living conditions of rural communities and indigenous groups to foster sustainable development and the facilitation of interaction between the business and social sectors.
Highlights of her career include: International Consultant (2018 to present) leading projects such as introduction of oils and butters from the Peruvian Amazon to the US Personal Care market on behalf of CANDELA Peru and proposal development for Earth Innovation Institute. Former CEO of WWF Peru (2011-2018) launching the Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Indigenous Peoples of the World Bank in Peru; early implementation of the Peru-Norway Agreement to reduce emissions from deforestation; and first management plan for isolated indigenous peoples in collaboration with the Peruvian Government.
Ms. Leon-Melgar lived in the Pacific from 2001-2011. During this time she led a successful international consulting firm leading the creation of the Sustainable Policy Framework for the Republic of Palau; and launching The Nature Conservancy’s Micronesia Leaders in Island Conservation – a leadership learning network across the region. Formerly she was Director of Compatible Development and NGO Self-Sufficiency for The Nature Conservancy based in Virginia (1994-2001) where she led the creation and early capitalization of EcoEnterprises Fund – a venture capital fund that foster the creation of sustainable businesses in the tropics and the creation of Continuous Education Program on NGO Management with TEC de Monterrey.