María Paula Duque Samper is a prominent Colombian executive with vast experience in technology and communications. She has also stood out for her leadership in promoting women's roles.
Duque has dedicated a lot of time and funds to her education. She has a law degree from Universidad de los Andes in Colombia, a specialization in public opinion and electoral marketing from Universidad Javeriana, and a postgraduate MBA degree from INALDE Business School. She also holds a Master's in Communication Management from the University of Strathclyde in England and a Master's in Sustainability and Circular Economy from EALDE Business School.
"I believe the most important thing I've achieved in my career is highlighting the role of women at the corporate level; overcoming the reality of being a minority to become the 'immense' minority, and showing that women have a different approach, a different way of handling problems."
She served as Colombia's Vice Minister of Telecommunications from 2002 to 2005, where she helped shape and redefine the institution, implementing social projects in rural and remote areas, and developing public policies for digitalization, among other achievements.
After working for the government, she joined Microsoft in the Andean Region as Public Sector Manager and Director of the Business Segment. She later served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Relations and Customer Experience at Avianca Holdings, where she led the company through difficulties, including the 54-day pilots' strike, the longest in global aviation history.
In 2021, she became the Managing Director at FTI Consulting Colombia, where she worked in strategic communications and crisis management.
Since December 2021, Duque has been Microsoft's Director of Sustainability for Latin America. She is recognized for the leadership she provides and her experience in digital transformation, sustainability, and female empowerment. She is also the founder of groups like Mujeres TIC and a member of the 30% Club Colombia — a campaign promoting diversity and the inclusion of women. The organization is named after its goal of reaching a minimum of 30% female participation on corporate boards by 2026.
"Diversity is a strategic imperative for 21st-century companies that goes beyond political rhetoric. Diversity attracts better employees, better executives, better markets, and drives growth."
Duque has also spoken on topics like female leadership and her work on various events and conferences. Aside from her work in numerous companies, she's also served on the boards of major companies, including Avanz Consultores, Promigas, EWA Capital, Seguros Bolivar, and CredibanCo.