Diana Zuluaga
Diana completed her Politics and International Relations degree in 2006. Since then she’s worked in some of the most important international organisations in the world. And for Diana, this is just the beginning…
A strong family background
"I'm the youngest of four, and come from a very close-knit, loving family in Colombia. I was always very ambitious, even from a young age - I knew I wanted to travel, and quickly learned that I had good leadership skills too. My parents were always very encouraging and right behind me.
A high-profile career
Having left UWE in 2006, I worked as an International Project Manager for the United Nations Association in the Dominican Republic. This brought me into close contact with the President, Dr.Leonel Fernández, and gave me my first taste of an international role. I was fortunate to meet the former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in 2006, during his visit to the Dominican Republic. He's a very impressive person - for all his power, he was incredibly humble.
In 2008, I went to work for the World Federation of United Nations Associations in New York. This involved organising large, international conferences and directing high-level panels with diplomats, and government and UN officials.
At the same time, I started a Masters in Public Administration at New York University, Wagner School of Public Service. I wanted to specialise and excel in a more technical role.
After a year, I went on to work for the Clinton Foundation in development projects for Latin America. I had the ideal profile for the job, particularly being from Colombia, and an English and Spanish speaker. A real buzz was meeting President Clinton himself - we had a chat about Colombia, and he was extremely knowledgeable about the history, literature and culture of my home country.
New York
I'm currently working in New York City Mayor's Office, at the Office of Management and Budget. We deal with how the Government uses resources to fulfil the social services all citizens need. My passion is public service and this job has given me the chance to really see how governments are run from the inside. I love New York and am proud to be working in the Mayor's office of one of the most important cities in the world.
Looking forward
My goal now is to become an expert in public administration and be involved in government agencies, hopefully in decision-making positions that serve the public good.I'd also like to do a PhD in Economics or Political Economy at some point in the future. Working in Europe is also an option - at this point I feel my career could take me anywhere in the world.
Sometimes my friends ask what drives me. I think being a woman from a developing country makes me want to succeed and excel - it's important to prove just what's possible."
Page last updated 1 November 2011