Carolina Avila

Innovation and design strategist, Founder @crea-ti-v

EdTechGovernment & Public ServicesLife Science & Health CareFounderBusiness OwnerC-level ExecutiveStartup FounderExecutive CoachTranslatorSoft Skills Trainer🐦 DesignConsultingEducationLecturerProduct ConsultantIndustrial DesignLife CoachingAdvisorCustomer Researcher

I believe innovation is most powerful when it empowers people to reimagine what’s possible. Over the last 15+ years, I’ve designed and led programs across two continents to help startups, students, and organizations unlock creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact. I’ve built my career at the intersection of innovation, program development, education, and ecosystem building. As Project Director for the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá, I led Ciempiés, the award-winning initiative that transformed safe school commutes for children and won the 2016 Bloomberg Mayors Challenge—recognition for bold ideas in public sector innovation. I’ve consulted for organizations like Plan International and UNDP to design and facilitate innovation portfolios and sustainable development strategies in Colombia, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic. Recently, I serve as Head of Program Development and Innovation at the European Innovation Academy, where I crafted inclusive, creativity-driven programs for startups, students, and universities worldwide. My journey includes launching innovation centers, achieving Ashoka Changemaker Campus recognition, and collaborating with leading NGOs, universities, and consultancies to nurture global startup ecosystems where changemakers thrive. At the heart of my work is a genuine commitment to empowering the next generation of changemakers—helping organizations and teams navigate complexity with design thinking, leadership, and strategic planning for a better, more equitable future.

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Work Background

Head of Program Development and Innovation

European Innovation AcademyHead of Program Development and Innovation

Sep. 2024 - Sep. 2025Portugal

Program Director

European Innovation AcademyProgram Director

Apr. 2024 - Sep. 2024Portugal

Strategic innovation strategist / facilitator

Chôra FoundationStrategic innovation strategist / facilitator

Jan. 2021 - Sep. 2021Netherlands

Strategic innovation strategist and facilitator

ConicStrategic innovation strategist and facilitator

Jan. 2021 - Sep. 2021Chicago, Illinois, United States

Founder / Innovation and Design strategist

crea-ti-vFounder / Innovation and Design strategist

Jul. 2019Portugal

Head of innovation and entrepreneurship center

Colegio de Estudios Superiores de AdministraciónHead of innovation and entrepreneurship center

Aug. 2016 - Sep. 2017Bogotá D.C. Area, Colombia

Project Director / Bloomberg Mayors Challenge (Bloomberg Philanthropies )

Alcaldía Mayor de BogotáProject Director / Bloomberg Mayors Challenge (Bloomberg Philanthropies )

Mar. 2016 - Jul. 2019New York, United States

Innovation and special projects Director

Colegio de Estudios Superiores de AdministraciónInnovation and special projects Director

Sep. 2015 - Aug. 2016Colombia

Innovation Consultant

100%OpenInnovation Consultant

Mar. 2014 - Sep. 2015London, United Kingdom

External Innovation Consultant

Compartamos con ColombiaExternal Innovation Consultant

Apr. 2013 - Feb. 2014Colombia

Innovation Consultant

SIT - Systematic Inventive Thinking®Innovation Consultant

Dec. 2011 - Aug. 2013Colombia

Innovation Consultant - Project Manager

Katharsis - InnovaciónInnovation Consultant - Project Manager

Jan. 2011 - Dec. 2011

Innovation and Design Strategist intern

1HQ Brand AgencyInnovation and Design Strategist intern

Sep. 2009 - Mar. 2010London, Greater London, United Kingdom

Marketing and Business Development Internship

Eye Magazine, The International Review of Graphic DesignMarketing and Business Development Internship

Feb. 2009 - Apr. 2009London, United Kingdom

Co-founder / Design director

Duo Design StudioCo-founder / Design director

Jan. 2006 - Sep. 2008

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