NATALIA CORTES

I am a trans-disciplinary, cross-cultural UX designer and researcher with 11 years of global experience. My background in social sciences, international relations, business, and tech allows me to expertly analyze cultures and behaviors, define problems, and guide decisions toward impactful solutions. I specialize in design, product strategy, and UX research, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. I leverage AI tools to enhance research, drive innovation, and deliver human-centered, sustainable products with a focus on social impact.

Woman in a denim jacket and jeans standing on a sandy beach near the water, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, during sunset.

INTERNATIONAL BACKGROUND

I am a global citizen who has lived in 10 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.

I speak 5 languages fluently: English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese. I can also speak some German and Japanese.

Four people standing together indoors, three men in tuxedos and a woman in casual attire, smiling at the camera.

I possess a diverse range of experience garnered from working in various industries within the Corporate World, including Marketing, Sales, Product Development and the Non profit world working in Human rights, Social impact, Innovation, International Development, and Project Management.

Group of seven people standing in front of a wall with 'musafir.com' logo, smiling and posing for a photo.

Colombian Embassy, Stockholm

Woking in Mumbai for Musafir India

These collective experiences have equipped me with invaluable skills and insights that enable me to adapt and thrive across different sectors and effectively manage myself in diverse professional settings.

EDUCATION

My journey began with a solid academic foundation with 3 Bachelor Degrees in Political Science, International Relations, and Business. Plus a Masters in Marketing and endless preparation in Generative AI.

I had the opportunity to pursue my University in Europe (UK, France, Italy and Germany)  gaining valuable academic experiences.

A large group of people gathered together indoors, dressed in traditional clothing from various cultures, smiling and posing for a group photo.

Global Village for Future Leaders and Industry. University of Lehigh, Pennsylvania.

In addition, I have actively participated in International Programs and fellowships in the United States and Asia, amplifying my professional development and fostering expansive networking opportunities. This experiences have equipped me with valuable skills and insights that enable me to thrive in diverse professional environments.

Large diverse group of people gathered outdoors on a sunny day with trees and a stone wall in the background. They are posing for a group photo, many smiling and making various gestures.
A woman standing on a pink carpet in front of an audience of seated people at a conference or seminar, speaking into a microphone.

Hive Global Leaders Summit, CA

A few years ago, I made the decision to transition into the field of technology and I moved to Silicon Valley to become a UX Designer/Researcher and Design Strategist.

I am an avid pursuer of lifelong learning, consistently expanding my expertise and displaying exceptional aptitude in rapidly grasping new concepts.

Logo for InnoSocial Colombia featuring a stylized '19' in green, yellow, and red, with the words 'InnoSocial Colombia' beneath.

i was once the ceo of a non-profit

Founding and leading InnoSocial Colombia, a non-profit organization in my home country, has been an incredibly fulfilling and privileged experience. It allowed me to directly collaborate with marginalized communities on the outskirts of Bogota, Colombia, making it the highlight of my career.

InnoSocial Colombia's mission centered around five core pillars: innovation, peace, inclusion, reconciliation, and entrepreneurship. We were dedicated to fostering leadership and technological development within extremely impoverished communities.

Operating in a nation that endured a 60-year-long conflict, our organization was committed to promoting integration among diverse social actors, including individuals affected by the war and those transitioning into civilian life. With a strong commitment to creating social impact, we implemented transformative projects that harnessed the power of technology to empower individuals and communities facing socio-economic challenges.

Additionally, we worked collaboratively with students and young entrepreneurs to broaden our influence. Our emphasis was on nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and offering valuable resources such as education, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Group of smiling young people and children posing together indoors against a brick wall, with chairs in front and a plaque on the wall behind them.
Group of people walking down a dirt street decorated with colorful triangular flags hanging overhead, in a neighborhood with buildings made of brick and concrete.
Group of people, including children and adults, celebrating outdoors with several holding Brazilian flags and smiling for the camera.

We had different educational projects with a group of volunteers from South America in Altos de Cazucá, a community located in the outskirts of Bogota, 2016

Group of six young adults dressed in formal attire standing together in front of the entrance to an auditorium named Aurelio Arturo, smiling and posing for the photo.
Group of students and teachers in a classroom, posing for a group photo.
Group of eleven diverse adults standing together in an indoor setting, smiling at the camera.
Four young people standing together at a conference or event, with balloons and a banner that reads 'GRUPO MUSICAL' in the background. They are smiling and wearing name tags.
A woman giving a presentation to a seated audience at an indoor event, with a banner reading 'InnoSocial Colombia' visible behind her.
Group of children seated in chairs attending a presentation or event, some holding flyers or papers.

We actively participated as speakers and project evaluators in University entrepreneurship fairs and conducted capacity-building sessions for international organizations such as Oxfam Quebec. Additionally, we taught courses on social innovation at universities, promoting transformative thinking among students.

Group of people attending a meeting or workshop in a cafe, with a banner that reads 'InnoSocial Colombia' in the background.
A man in a suit and glasses is speaking into a microphone in front of an audience in a casual setting, possibly a restaurant or a cafe.
A group of people sitting around a table in a bar or pub, socializing and drinking, with a music screen and vibrant lighting in the background.
A woman in a gold jacket speaking to an audience in a room with purple and brown walls and a mural on the left side

Events held to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among students and young entrepreneurs. These included conferences, networking events, and pitching sessions, providing valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Bogotá, Colombia

A woman is standing on a stage holding a microphone, giving a presentation in front of a large screen displaying the Inn0Social Colombia logo.
Poster for the First National Meeting on Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Business Leadership held on September 5 at Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Colombia, featuring speakers Sergio Fajardo, Catalina Cock, Freddy Vega, Henry Murrain K., Sebastian Bustamante, Gabriel Peralta, Mauricio Hoyos, and Daniela Galindo.
A man stands on a stage holding a microphone, next to a wooden podium with the seal of Universidad de Guadalajara, in front of a large screen with a logo and text that are partially visible.
People attending a presentation in a dimly lit conference room with wooden walls, seated in rows facing a screen and whiteboard at the front.
Three people smiling and standing together in front of a teal backdrop with the text 'un innov' repeated. They are dressed in business attire, with two men and one woman.

In 2016 we organized the first National Congress of social entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership in Colombia with the most influential leaders of the country recognized by the MIT Review such as Freddy Vega & Daniela Galindo and we had special participation of Sergio Fajardo an authority in social innovation that gave the city of Medellin the Prize of the most innovative city in the world in 2013 by the Urban Land Institute, Citigroup and the Wall Street Journal.

MY WORK WITH THE PEACE NOBEL PRIZE PROFESSOR MUHAMMAD YUNUS, CREATOR OF BANK OF THE POOR

Group of women and girls of various ages, many wearing colorful traditional clothing and headscarves, gathered in an indoor setting with green walls.
Yunus Centre logo featuring two leaf icons on a blue background

In 2018, I had the honor of working with a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in Bangladesh, contributing to groundbreaking initiatives that made a lasting impact on vulnerable communities.

I had the unique privilege of immersing myself in the dynamic ecosystem of the Grameen Group, gaining firsthand exposure to its diverse range of companies. Notably, my time spent working in the Innovation lab in Dhaka and the Yunus Centre proved to be an exceptionally enriching experience, fostering unparalleled professional growth and offering invaluable insights.

The knowledge and expertise I acquired during this transformative journey have deeply influenced my approach to design strategy, shaping my ability to generate innovative solutions and drive positive change in the realm of international development.

Three people standing in front of a bookshelf in a room with wooden furniture. The woman on the left is wearing a blue dress with a green scarf. The man in the center is wearing a checkered shirt and white pants. The woman on the right is wearing a floral top and blue jeans.
A group of nine women and one man standing in front of a wall with blue leaf logos and the text 'Yunus Centre'. The women are dressed in a variety of traditional and modern clothing, and everyone is smiling.

Hello, Hola, Salut, Ciao, Oi, Hallo, أولا, こんにちは, Merhaba

Hello, Hola, Salut, Ciao, Oi, Hallo, أولا, こんにちは, Merhaba

LANGUAGES

Spanish: Native

English: Full Professional Proficiency

French: Full Professional Proficiency

Italian: Full Professional Proficiency

Portuguese: Professional Proficiency

German: Limited Working Proficiency

Japanese: Elementary Proficiency

Arabic: Elementary Proficiency

Countries i lived

London, England

Lyon, France

Bologna, Italy

Stockholm, Sweden

Katowize, Poland

Obninsk, Russia

Istanbul, Turkey

Cairo, Egypt

Sao Paulo, Brazil

San Francisco, USA

WHEN I AM NOT WORKING…

  • I'm traveling

    I travel since I am 16 years old. I love going abroad to far away places where people do not normally go. I have been to 68 countries. .. Elevate your journey with expert travel tips for cool places, best national parks, accommodations, tours, museums, gastronomy, and hidden gems. Elevate your journey with expert insights.

    My Tips
  • My conversation with a cherokee

    I'm Blogging

    As a seasoned traveler and cultural enthusiast, my blog delves into immersive experiences with diverse communities worldwide analyzing how traditions, history, ethnicity, geography, languages, art, religion, architecture, and technology shape societies and impact the cultural behavior. Join me on this insightful journey!!

    My Blog

  • I'm Learning

    You will find a captivating narrative of my involvement in numerous international programs, fellowships, and communities dedicated to fostering positive global change and knowledge exchange. I take pride in showcasing my journey of fluently mastering five languages and successfully navigating a career change..

    Resources

  • AI creations

    AI is definitely disrupting this era..I have been experimenting with AI lately. Check out my humble creations where I mix Generative AI mixed with fantasy stories…

    Click Here

  • Music

    In my free time I play the piano and sing. I enjoy listening to classical music and opera. Check my recommendations of my favorite opera arias…

    Playlist

  • Social Impact & Innovation

    Get inspiration from amazing projects that are changing the life of people around the world, as well as social entrepreneurs that are disrupting industries…

    Coming soon

¨People ignore designs that ignore people¨ Frank Chimero

If you've made it this far, it's crucial for any endeavor we embark on together that you understand my values. They are a fundamental aspect of my life, and I don't compromise on them:

PERSONAL

Integrity

Respect

Strong Work Ethic

Empathy

Loyalty

Reliability

Trustworthy

PROFESSIONAL

Ownership

Accountability

Inclusion

Impact

User Focus

Social Responsibility

PODCASTS

Chapter 23: Natalia Cortes, Colombia Born Citizen of the World. People I Know Show  Curt Carstensen

Capítulo 034: Innovación Social con Natalia Cortés. Los Imparables La increíble historia detrás de los emprendedores.

Consultancy Services

As an international negotiation consultant, I offer expertise in cross-cultural understanding and effective communication, enabling clients to achieve successful outcomes. My services empower organizations and individuals to navigate complex global contexts, bridging cultural gaps and facilitating fruitful collaborations.