Mariaesmeralda Paguaga

Mariaesmeralda Paguaga is a seasoned professional in strategic communications and innovation, currently serving as Vice President at Americans for the Arts since August 2022. As a founder and Strategy & Creative Director at WeAid, Mariaesmeralda drives innovation for social good and community engagement. Previous roles include Director at the U.S. Institute of Peace's PeaceTech Lab, where leadership encompassed a 22-member communications team; directing the Office of Social Innovation & Strategy at the Pan American Development Foundation; and serving as a Senior Advisor for the Executive Office of the Mayor in Washington, D.C. Mariaesmeralda has also held significant positions at the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, where as Executive Vice President, strategic planning and event production were key, including the prestigious Hispanic Heritage Awards, and at the World Health Organization, focusing on global health marketing and partnerships. Mariaesmeralda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Carleton University and has further education from Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology.