Ana Cristina Santellanes Ruiz

Ana Cristina Santellanes Ruiz is an accomplished consultant specializing in economic empowerment and innovative financing projects at UN Women since April 2021. Santellanes leads the design of a gender-focused outcome-based financing mechanism in Latin America, successfully mobilizing $1.2 million from diverse partners. Previously, as the Second Chance Program Manager, Santellanes directed initiatives impacting over 9,000 women in Mexico through education, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship. Prior roles include serving as the General Coordinator at the Secretaría de Igualdad Sustantiva entre Mujeres y Hombres and as Deputy Director for Expropriations at the Secretaría de Desarrollo Agrario Territorial y Urbano. With extensive experience in legal advisory, anti-corruption efforts, and legislative support, Santellanes holds several advanced degrees, including a Master's from The London School of Economics, enhancing a strong foundation in public policy and law.