Gabriela is an architect specialising in territorial equity, inclusive urban development, and the integration of social, cultural, and spatial dimensions in public policy and development programmes. Her work focuses on addressing urban and rural territorial inequalities through participatory planning, institutional strengthening, and place-based approaches that connect social inclusion, climate resilience, and cultural heritage.
Gabriela currently serves as a Consultant at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), within the Housing and Urban Development Division. In this role, she supports the design and preparation of urban development, housing, and cultural heritage operations in Panama and the region, working closely with national and municipal governments on territorial planning, project structuring, and implementation readiness. Her recent work emphasises linking spatial planning with financial and institutional capacity, enabling cities to move from diagnostics to investment-ready, equity-focused urban interventions.
Gabriela has over a decade of leadership experience across civil society organisations, international nonprofits, and academic initiatives, where she has designed and managed grassroot and community-driven development programmes, philanthropic initiatives, and governance models centred on inclusion and community participation. Her background bridges executive management and technical practice within various fields, with a strong focus on cross-sector collaboration among governments, multilateral institutions, academia, and civil society.
After completing her undergraduate degree in Architecture at the University of Panama, Gabriela became a Fulbright scholar and was able to conduct a master’s in Architecture at the Ball State University. She also holds an MSc in Inequalities and Social Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
In today's variant economies, my inspiration derives from all the variant capabilities and economic systems alternating to provide access to more people. I am also equally inspired by the self-determination, confidence, strength, resilience, and empowerment that inclusive and diverse processes deliver to those people and communities that are brought into the conversation and equally acknowledged. As a changemaker, I aspire to continue to have a seat at the table and be part of the processes that bring change and equitable access to more communities in Panama and Latin America.Gabriela Valencia