FP2030, the global partnership dedicated to advancing voluntary family planning for all, is pleased to announce that Maria Paula Martinez will become the first Managing Director of the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Regional Hub. Maria has spent her career in the region working to uphold the rights of girls, adolescents, youth, women, and people displaced by poverty, violence and natural disasters. She is uniquely well-positioned to lead FP2030 into its next phase of growth and impact in the region. 

Maria brings 25 years of experience to FP2030, working in key roles in humanitarian and cooperation organizations, most recently as Executive Director of Save the Children Colombia. Her proven leadership in advancing sexual and reproductive health, coupled with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within this region, make her the ideal choice to lead FP2030's mission. 

"I am truly excited to join FP2030 and lead the Latin America and Caribbean Hub in its pursuit of universal access to family planning services in the region," Maria said. "Family planning is an essential component of global health and development, and I look forward to working collaboratively with our partners, stakeholders, and the whole FP2030 team to make a lasting impact – starting in our region, but felt globally. Together, we will ensure that family planning is recognized as a fundamental human right and an essential part of sustainable development worldwide.” 

In her new role, Maria will be responsible for overseeing and implementing the regional hub’s strategic initiatives, forging new partnerships, and establishing FP2030 as a key partner in the robust regional reproductive health and rights sector.  

Dr. Samukeliso Dube, FP2030 Executive Director, welcomed her to the team and said “Maria is well suited to lead our work in the region, as she brings a uniquely intersectional lens and clear passion to drive universal access to voluntary family planning. Her experience in expanding programs and building intersectional partnerships will be critical, given the need to work across multiple sectors in the Latin America and Caribbean region.” 

FP2030 is a global partnership that brings together governments, civil society, private sector partners, and development organizations to work collectively toward achieving its ambitious goal: building a world where everyone, everywhere can make their own decisions about their fertility. The organization is comprised of five regional hubs. With Maria at the helm in the Latin America and Caribbean region, FP2030 will continue to advocate for family planning as a critical element in achieving gender equality, poverty reduction, and improved health outcomes. 

Maria will begin her role as Managing Director of the Latin America and Caribbean Hub on October 31.  

For more information about FP2030 and its mission to expand access to family planning services, please visit www.fp2030.org.