Maria Rocio Vargas

Maria Rocio Vargas is a lawyer from Universidad de los Andes with a Specialization in Public Management. She brings extensive experience in the public and private sectors, focusing in Public Policy, Government Affairs, International Business, and Project Finance for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

​

Maria began her career at DeVivero y Asociados a boutique law firms specialized in public law, and then transitioned to Philippi, Prietocarrizosa, Ferrero DU & Uría (PPU), a leading law firm in Colombia with a presence across Latin America and Spain. At these roles, she advised the national government and international companies on public utilities, infrastructure projects, and PPP Project Finance.

In 2018, Maria joined President Ivan Duque’s team at the Presidency of Colombia as an Advisor to his Chief of Staff, María Paula Correa. She was responsible for coordinating the President’s national and international agenda, managing public relations and engagements, and was appointed by the President as Technical Secretary of the Ministerial Cabinet Meetings to support the development of key public policy initiatives. During this time, she was also nominated by the U.S. Embassy in Colombia to participate in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the U.S. Department of State, completing the program in 2021.

​

Following her tenure at the Presidency, Maria worked at ProColombia, Colombia’s investment promotion agency, as a Senior Investment Representative based in Washington, D.C. In this role, she promoted foreign direct investment in Colombia, managed public relations, led promotional activities, and supported companies in developing investment strategies.

​

Currently, Maria is an international consultant and advisor, supporting nonprofits and companies expanding into Latin America and promoting investments into the region. Her work focuses on Public Policy, Government Affairs, and International Business Development.