Maria Fernanda Zistecatl

Maria Fernanda Zistecatl is a Program Officer at Panorama Strategy, where she supports the design and implementation of initiatives focused on community wellbeing and economic opportunity. In her role, she works closely with MidPen Housing to launch and coordinate resident-centered programs, including efforts to expand access to financial support, health services, and essential resources.

She brings a background in philanthropy and civil society, with experience spanning Latin America and global contexts at the intersection of technology, human rights, and social justice.

Before joining, Maria spent over three years at Luminate, where she built and managed a grantmaking portfolio supporting digital rights and civic participation across the Americas. She also led a regional capacity-building program for civil society organizations, working closely with partners to strengthen governance, strategy, and long-term resilience. Her work in the nonprofit sector included designing public policy pilots on care and labor in Mexico, as well as collaborating with funders and partners to secure funding and advance initiatives on gender.

Maria holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Gender. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to equity, thoughtful problem-solving, and building relationships rooted in trust and care.

Outside of work, she enjoys running, baking, and spending time in nature, especially near the ocean.