Paula Andrea Henao is a senior leader in international higher education with more than 17 years of experience designing and implementing global engagement, internationalization, science, technology, and innovation strategies across Latin America.

She currently serves as Vice-Rector for International Affairs at Universidad Espíritu Santo (UEES) and Corporate International Director at Universidad ECOTEC in Ecuador. Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, including Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, International Director at ICETEX, Internationalization Director at COLCIENCIAS (now Colombia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation), and Chancellor at Universidad del Rosario.

Paula has played a key role in strengthening international partnerships, advancing institutional reputation, fostering research collaboration, and promoting student and faculty mobility across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. She has represented institutions and governments in international initiatives supported by organizations such as the World Bank, the European Union, Partners of the Americas, and the Newton Fund.

She served as Chair of the QS Global Advisory Committee for the Americas and remains actively engaged in global discussions on higher education, internationalization, innovation, employability, and university rankings.

Paula holds a degree in Industrial Engineering, a specialization in International Business and Marketing, and an MBA. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies focused on emerging trends in the economy and higher education leadership.