Forty Over 40

Forty Women to Watch Over 40

Frances Colón

francescolonFrances Colón: Government Advocate for Science and Innovation in Public Policy and Diplomacy
Deputy Science and Technology Adviser, U.S. Department of State
Twitter: @fcolonindc, @STASatState
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-a-col%C3%B3n-33471b5
Website: http://www.state.gov/e/stas/staff/index.htm#colon

Bio: Deputy Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State; previously Science and Environment Adviser for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Dept. of State.

Innovating in Field of Work:

  • Utilizes expertise as scientist to build bridges between science, technology and innovation and high-level decision-makers in the U.S. around the world
  • First Executive Branch official to meet with Cuban science and environment ministries in Cuba in more than 50 years
  • Launched a series of emerging technology briefings for senior decision-makers to interpret potential foreign policy impact of disruptive technology trends

Impact:

  • An ambassador for the power of science, technology and innovation as diplomacy tools
  • Represented U.S. Government as Vice Chair of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development
  • Launched Cenadores Puerto Rico, a nonprofit that harnesses the connections and expertise of the Puerto Rican diaspora to empower civil society on the island- “because it is time to give back to the place that shaped me”.

Role Model:

  • Outspoken advocate for women/girls to pursue leadership roles in STEM
  • One of the highest-ranking Hispanic women in foreign policy
  • Launched a women leadership series as Board Member of the University of Puerto Rico Alumni and Friends Abroad

Reinvention / Risk / Momentum:

  • Graduate of National Hispana Leadership Institute, one of the most prestigious leadership programs for women in the US.
  • Part of the White House ‘Untold History of Women in STEM’ project, sharing stories honoring unsung heroines
  • Board Member Grupo Guayacan, nonprofit that spearheads private equity investment in Puerto Rico’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

[She] “is extremely passionate about mentoring women and lifting others as she climbs….On multiple occasions she has nominated me to attend or speak at events in her place.”