Viridiana Garcia-Quiles, Author at

Viridiana Garcia-Quiles

Viridiana Garcia-Quiles is a United Nations Officer working on socio-economic development and women’s economic empowerment. She services as the eTrade for Women Economic Affairs Officer at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Viridiana works with successful women leaders and women digital entrepreneurs in developing countries, providing them with opportunities to learn, network, and make their voices heard at the policy table, to advance gender equality & prosperity for all. Prior to joining UNCTAD, Viridiana held various positions in the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in France, Lebanon and the USA. Viridiana graduated in Public Affairs from Sciences-Po Paris, France. She holds a master's degree in Development Economics from the Paris School of Economics (PSE), and a master's degree in Population and Development from the London School of Economics (LSE). She speaks French, English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Entrepreneurship is a powerful avenue for economic empowerment and inclusion. Yet women continue to face more obstacles than men in starting and growing a business. They relate to gender bias and social norms, a lack of entrepreneurial skills, and unequal access to funding,