Carlos Pastor is a political scientist. He graduated from Universidad Central del Ecuador, with a master's in International Relations and is a doctoral candidate in Latin American Studies at Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar in Ecuador. Carlos has more than 14 years of experience working with academic institutions and non-governmental organizations, including rural, indigenous, ecological, environmental and youth organizations and worker cooperatives. He has also worked on projects aimed at strengthening territorial institutions.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowerment of Rural Women in the Andes of Ecuador 

The project improved the technological and leadership skills of 30 rural women students of the Instituto Superior Tecnológico de la Economía Social Popular y Solidaria-ISTEPS in Azuay by promoting the development of computer and leadership skills. Four training workshops focused on topics such as basic office applications (Microsoft Office, email and search engines) and leadership (soft skills, accountability, teamwork, effective communication). Participants also worked on self-esteem and healing that has allowed them to make significant changes in their personal, family and professional lives. Carlos published the book, Empoderamiento de las mujeres rurales en los Andes del Ecuador, which shares inspiration and motivational messages drawn from the life stories of the participants.

Carlos was also a panelist for the IVLP Impact Awards Alumni Discussion Series panel on “Women’s Empowerment,” which you can read more about here.

“We are powerful women, this experience helps us to move forward, to heal wounds and make friends.” – Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Carlos participated in the IVLP Project Higher Education in the United States: Innovation and Opportunities for Partnership, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning in partnership with Global Minnesota, Columbia Council for Internationals, Global Ties Alabama, and World Partnerships, Inc.

Carlos's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "Seeing that women hold important positions, both public and private, with equal opportunities, was an inspiration to promote and replicate these practices in my country, but especially in my workplace."

U.S. Communities Visited

Denver, CO; Washington, DC; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL; Milwaukee, WI

Country: Ecuador

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