Natalie Rodriguez Dowdell

  • nroddow@gmail.com
  • Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico
  • 21/06/2024
Field work, Office work Conservation and ecology Coastal management Marine policy

Personal Summary

I am a lifelong enthusiast of biodiversity conservation and community development. I am positive that I can contribute to tackle critical environmental issues through community engagement, political advocacy, and the implementation of innovative solutions. I am a skilled and results-driven leader with proven abilities to inspire teams in diverse environmental projects, ranging from coastal and marine conservation to sustainable agriculture and watershed management. 

One of my strengths is to lead teams to achieve common goals, oversee operations, including program development, fundraising and relationship management, as well as use both scientific and traditional ecological knowledge and behavioural sciences to identify the benefits and barriers perceived by diverse audiences, and design interventions specifically targeted for them. In addition, I have substantial experience on the field to mobilize and support collective action that sustain the coexistence of communities and ecosystems.

I am a dual Mexican and British citizen and willing to relocate. In my free time I love to water my gardens, learn new things, study Korean, draw, paint, write and do exercise.

I meditate daily as I believe it is the key to remain calm even when phasing the most difficult challenges.

My mission in life is to make a lasting positive impact on biodiversity conservation and improve the wellbeing of people.

Work Experience

Program Manager
Mar 2021 - Present Pronatura Noroeste

Direct successful behavior changes for conservation, improve content and training methodologies. Analyse environmental data and trends to inform strategic decision-making and policy development for effective conservation management in Northwest Mexico. Engage with local communities and organisations to promote sustainable practices and foster community involvement in environmental conservation efforts.

·       Contribute to the declaration of new protected areas in Northwest Mexico by collaborating with federal, state, and municipal stakeholders to design fundamental technical studies.

·       Secure substantial funding to support key conservation initiatives by presenting compelling project proposals.

Senior Manager
Aug 2017 - Jul 2020 Rare Colombia

Oversaw Rare's inaugural sustainable agriculture project in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, to deliver ground-breaking solutions and set a precedent for future initiatives. Successfully engaged key stakeholders in the sugar cane sector to secure critical financing for on-the-ground activities. Built and strengthened strong relationships with government entities, NGOs, and community leaders to foster collaboration and support for Rare's environmental initiatives in Colombia.

·       Improved technical, institutional, and governance aspects of the Pride for Reciprocal Agreements Campaigns across 14 watersheds by providing expert advice and mentorship to Valle del Cauca’s Environmental Authority.

·       Increased program effectiveness and stakeholder engagement by evaluating project performance and impact and utilising data-driven insights.

Reciprocal Agreements Manager for Latin America
Jan 2013 - Jul 2017 Rare Inc

Negotiated and secured reciprocal agreements with various stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, and government agencies, to advance conservation efforts across Latin America.

·       Achieved notable watershed conservation outcomes by coaching personnel in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru and improving technical and institutional effectiveness of Pride Campaigns.

·       Maximised conservation impact and community benefits by assessing effectiveness of reciprocal agreements, making data-driven adjustments to strategies and approaches

Strategic Projects Coordinator
Jan 2010 - Dec 2012 National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP)

Orchestrated key international conservation initiatives by collaborating with NOAA, the US Park Service, Parks Canada, and the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans under the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation. Formulated and advocated influential public policy proposals to advance the conservation of island ecosystems, whale sharks, and sea lions and critically evaluated marine environmental legislative initiatives.

·       Led successful formulation and implementation of public policies to achieve marine resource conservation.

·       Orchestrated a comprehensive capacity-building program for more than 20 prominent organisations engaged in marine resources management and conservation to amplify effectiveness and influence within the industry.

Collaborated with esteemed counterparts in the United States and Canada, including aquarium institutions, to create and disseminate a series of influential marine resources conservation videos on YouTube.

Varios
Sep 1996 - Dec 2009 Varios

Affiliate Lecturer, Universidad de Texas en El Paso

Planning Coordinator, Integrated Ecosystem Management Project CONANP-UNDP

Projects Coordinator in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C.  

Consultant, UNESCO – Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Project

Intern, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Halifax, Canada

Project Leader, Islands of the Gulf of California Protected Area – Baja California

Project Coordinator, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Facultad de Ciencias Marinas  

General Manager, PRODYMA, S.A. DE C.V. Naucalpan, Estado de México

Project Coordinator, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Ensenada, B.C.

Director’s Assistant, Islands of the Gulf of California Protected Area, National Ecology Institute

Indepent Translator, Ensenada, B.C.

Education

Master in Marine Management
Aug 2005 - Aug 2006 Dalhousie University
Bachelors Degree in Oceanography
Jan 1992 - Jun 1996 Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
Certificate
Jan 2009 - Dec 2009 LEAD Program, Colegio de Mexico

Name and surname

Natalie Rodriguez Dowdell

Nationality

Mexican

Years of experience

More than 20 years

Are you looking for a job in:

I am willing to move abroad

Additional training

Economic Tools for Conservation, Conservation Strategy Fund- 2016

Project Management for Development Professionals Level 1 Examination, APM Group- 2016

Leadership and Climate Change: Impacts, Innovation and Interdependence, LEAD-Peking University Center for Nature and Society- 2009

Language (indicate level)

Spanish: excellent

English: excellent 

Korean: intermediate

Digital competences (indicate level)

Spreadsheet, Word, Power Point, Design software: excellent