Leonie Zapata Silvestre
Hometown:
Miami, Florida
Connect: LinkedIn
Leonie is excited about the potential to foster transformative change in the binational entrepreneurial support landscape at the US-Mexico border. For her, witnessing the positive transformation of communities on both sides of the border through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives will be deeply fulfilling, personally and professionally.
Leonie Zapata is a distinguished professional with a passion for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Certification in Public Policies and Management from the prestigious Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government.
In 2001, Leonie took a pivotal step in her career by founding a consulting firm dedicated to advising international organizations and developing nations on social and economic development projects. Her impactful contributions were felt through collaborations with prominent institutions such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, Korean Advanced Institute for Science and Technology and United Nations Women.
Since 2007, Leonie has concentrated her efforts on shaping public policies that propel entrepreneurship and innovation forward. During her nine-year tenure as the Innovation Director at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Dominican Republic, she spearheaded national programs that left an indelible mark on the country’s landscape.
Leonie Zapata’s academic prowess, coupled with her extensive experience working with influential international organizations, showcases her as a dynamic and influential figure in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation. Her journey reflects a tireless dedication to shaping policies and programs that not only catalyze economic growth but also empower individuals and organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
ERC Project
Project Title:
Binational Entrepreneurial Support Trade-Association
Host Community or Region:
Texas
Host Organization:
City of El Paso & County of El Paso
As talent migrates to larger cities, the El Paso, Texas region faces a disparity in access to technology, investment, and job opportunities. This project aims to bridge the gap by cultivating an innovation-driven technology culture for inclusive economic prosperity. The ERC Fellow will understand the region's evolving needs, particularly in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity and contribute to a program addressing supply chain gaps and developing implementation tools supporting border regions. Collaborating with community leaders along the Texas-Mexico border, the fellow will manage and implement best practices for cross-border entrepreneur support organizations, while strengthening innovation in areas of interest. The overarching goal is to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, retaining talent and promoting economic growth in El Paso and beyond.
Interested in supporting this project or learning more? Contact the ERC program team here.
