MARÍA JOSÉ PALACIO
Urban Health Strategist
Bridging Research, Design, and Policy to Build Healthier, Resilient Cities
About Me.
Multidisciplinary professional with 5 years in urban planning and stakeholder engagement, 2 years in project management, and 1 year in urban health research across public, private, NGO, and multilateral sectors.
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Experienced in community-led development, capacity building, integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and participatory approaches into urban planning, and delivering equitable, healthy, and sustainable outcomes for communities in diverse urban contexts.
Work Experience
Languages
May 2024 - November 2024
Urban Health Intern
United Nations Human Settlements Programme, Nairobi
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Led the biodiversity and public space assessment for San José, Costa Rica, integrating geo-analysis, stakeholder coordination, and spatial strategy development.
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Conducted green public space mapping, compiling spatial data to guide urban biodiversity planning and policy recommendations.
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Created and authored the Urban Health Brochure, synthesising evidence-based insights and actions to promote healthier cities globally.
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Supported participatory workshops and multi-stakeholder dialogues, fostering local capacity in urban health strategies in India, Colombia and Senegal.
Spanish
Native
English
Professional level
German
Intermediate level
October 2023 - July 2024
Research Assistant
Ain Shams University, Cairo
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Produce visually engaging presentations and reports.
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Coordinated meetings with +10 local stakeholders for insights into community development and sustainable urbanism.
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Conducted comprehensive data collection and research to establish baseline criteria for masterplan development, ensuring informed decision-making.
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Interpreted and analyzed data to extract meaningful insights and inform urban planning strategies.
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Worked closely with research Principal Investigators (PIs) to facilitate project
progress and meet established objectives.
September 2022 - February 2023
Urban Planner
Ain Shams University, Cairo
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Analized neighborhood's urban dynamics and needs
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Proposed methods for transforming an informal commercial street implementing participatory methods.
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Led the creation of an integrated design proposal of 42000m2 outlining mixed uses & urban dynamics.
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Collaborated with +20 local stakeholders during the planning process.
February 2022 - July 2022
Urban Planner
University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart
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Managed the ideation process for a +22,000m2 mixed-use building, incorporating affordable and inclusive housing to serve diverse social classes, cultures, and ages.
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Conducted community sessions with +10 residents to co-create strategies for engaging locals to develop innovative ideas.
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Produced and organized a public exhibition with +60 attendants including government stakeholders and residents.
December 2021 - July 2022
Project Manager
Northern Sustainable Futures, Arvisdjaur
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Led and secured €300K funding for a 3-month project supporting artists affected by geopolitical conflicts.
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Coordinated funding and developed an emergent artistic residency program for +100 artists and their families.
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Developed and implemented a comprehensive organizational and processes systemization framework, resulting in a 25% increase in project efficiency and a 20% reduction in operational costs.
February 2020 - March 2022
Community Administrator Freenity, Mellieha
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Freenity is a platform designed to create social impact through ACT and Web 3.0 technologies.
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Led and participated in 10 impactful projects, coordinating +20 volunteers globally.
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Forged +5 international partnerships to support socially committed causes.
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Streamlined project communication and collaboration channels, resulting in a 20% increase in team efficiency and a 15% reduction in project completion time.
June 2017 - December 2017
Architect-technical Leader
Estrategia Habitarte
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Led urban regeneration initiatives across 14 localities, implementing public space revitalization and facade improvements that enhanced social cohesion.
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Developed vocational training programs integrating urban health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
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Delivered high-quality reports to the Municipal Authority, showcasing measurable project outcomes.
April 2016 - May 2017
Architect Designer
ADHA, Bogotá
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Led and contributed to +10 architectural projects, winning recognition and construction of a public building through design competitions.
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Supervised a team of 4, fostering a collaborative and respectful working environment.
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Developed construction plans and architectural details, collaborating closely with contractors.
Education
Skills
2023
MSc Integrated Urbanism and Sustainable Design
University of Stuttgart and Ain Shams University
The master's program provided me with a comprehensive understanding of urban planning principles, sustainable design strategies, and the integration of environmental, social, and economic factors in urban development. I gained insights into innovative approaches to addressing urban challenges such as climate change, resource management, social equity, and community engagement. Additionally, I improved my practical skills in spatial analysis, design thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration to create resilient and liveable urban environments.
2016
Bachelor in Architecture
Pontifical Javeriana University
Throughout my Bachelor studies in architecture, I honed a diverse set of skills essential for the field. These include proficiency in architectural design, encompassing conceptualization, spatial planning, and visualization using software tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Additionally, I developed a robust understanding of architectural principles, construction methods, materials, and building codes/regulations. Moreover, I strengthened my communication abilities, both verbal and written, as well as visual, enabling me to effectively convey design ideas to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Furthermore, I mastered presentation techniques, adeptly communicating design concepts through drawings, models, renderings, and oral presentations.
Sustainable development
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Stakeholder management
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Multisector coordination
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Project development
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Community engagement
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Research and data analysis
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Literature review
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Interdisciplinary collaboration
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Inclusive & participatory planning
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Leadership & communication
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Critical thinking
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Problem-solving
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Capacity-building & workshop
facilitation
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Policy development & technical
reporting
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Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite,
AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, SketchUp,
GIS, Jamovi