Catalina D. Lillo López is an economist and international development expert with extensive experience leading education and governance initiatives across Latin America, the Caribbean, South Asia, and the Middle East. As CEO and Founder of CLF Cordillera Advisory Group, she guides the firm’s strategic vision and advisory portfolio, helping public and private clients design data-driven solutions that expand opportunity, strengthen institutions, and foster sustainable growth.

Before founding CLF Cordillera, Catalina managed major World Bank Group operations in Pakistan, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Central America, where she advanced educational reform, gender equity, and innovation in public service delivery. She also served as Program Manager for the National Democratic Institute (NDI), directing multi-million-dollar democracy and governance programs in Venezuela and Ecuador. Her expertise spans education policy, institutional reform, political risk, and inclusive development strategies in fragile and transitioning contexts.

Catalina holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Political Science from American University and a Master’s in International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).