Erika Macarty Velazquez

Director

Erika is the Head of US Partnerships at Oxfam, where she leads on strategic engagement with the US Government on humanitarian cooperation to enhance funding opportunities and support humanitarian emergencies worldwide. In this role, she leads on resource mobilisation strategies for humanitarian programmes focused on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Emergency Food Security and Vulnerable Livelihoods (EFSVL) and Protection for the most vulnerable groups, including children.

Erika’s journey in children’s rights commenced with a focus on addressing inequality and poverty. Over the last 14 years, she has taken leadership roles in critical areas such as child protection, social policy, online child protection, disability rights and care reform. She has successfully built and managed strategic partnerships across the world, collaborating with governments, donors, civil society organisations and academia to create long lasting change for children and young people.

Erika holds an MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics (LSE), and her experience includes working for Oxfam, the Lumos Foundation, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the European Union, and international academia.

Originally from Mexico, but now calling Scotland her home, she has dedicated the last 8 years of her career to the UK nonprofit sector. She lives in Glasgow and enjoys exploring the Highlands and the Lochs, finding joy in both hiking and kayaking.