Claudia Martinez P.

Claudia Martinez P. serves as the Country Representative for Colombia and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Manager for Zakat Foundation of America. With more than 25 years of professional experience across the private and nonprofit sectors, she has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for underserved communities through strategic leadership and community-centered development. 

Born and raised in Medellín, Colombia, Ms. Martinez earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science in her hometown. Having personally experienced the impact of Colombia’s civil conflict during her childhood, she developed a deep conviction to serve as a bridge builder, advocating for vulnerable populations and creating pathways for sustainable growth. Her leadership is grounded in an empathetic and servant-based approach, with a particular emphasis on expanding access to education as a driver of long-term development. 

Awarded a scholarship to study in the United States, she attended North Park University in Chicago, where she earned a dual master’s degree: a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries. She also holds professional certificates in nonprofit management, nonprofit governance, and healthcare management, along with certification as a compliance auditor for nonprofit organizations. 

Ms. Martinez began her work with the Zakat Foundation of America in 2018 as a volunteer at its headquarters in Chicago. She later joined the organization as Program Coordinator, where she played a key role in leading its COVID-19 response efforts across the United States. In 2021, she returned to Colombia to assume her current leadership role, overseeing regional strategy, institutional partnerships, and program implementation across Latin America and the Caribbean.