The Observatory on Latin America (OLA) of the New School University was created in 2006 with the aim of generating new opportunities for multiple narratives and public debate about reform and the process of change occurring in the hemisphere.

The broad theme of the OLA is "Social Democracy in a globalized world: anticipating the future in Latin America," with the goal to improve academic and public understanding by observing and studying the political and economic change in the region. The organization is equally concerned with generating a public dialogue between the US and Latin America on the challenges in building a social democracy in a globalized world. The OLA also provides an opportunity for Latin American leaders to express their views directly to an audience in the US.

 

As Coordinator, I managed the daily operations of the organization and oversaw the creation and implementation of events. During my time with OLA our events doubled and attendees typically filled to standing-room-only. Our directors brainstormed an idea or a person they wanted to bring to the university and I, along with our associates would make the event happen. The work included requesting meeting space, creating the invitations and social media messages, keeping track of RSVPs, and coordinating with other university departments, vendors and additional outside staff. I was on-site lead for all events and utilitized my bi-lingual Spanish/English skills daily.