Paula Henao

Paula joined the NFF in 2026 and serves as a Corporate Associate Giving Officer. In this role, she builds relationships and secures funding that drives high-impact conservation outcomes across National Forests.

Prior to joining the NFF, Paula worked at The Nature Conservancy as an Associate Director for the Cause Marketing & Brand Partnerships team where she was responsible for developing and securing marketing commitments from large multi-national and international brands. In that role, she built brand awareness, engaged target audiences, inspired action, and achieved revenue goals. Paula’s professional background also includes ten years of B2B and B2C marketing experience working in the private sector where she managed brand, product, and sponsorships.

Paula studied Design at The Art Institute of Atlanta and earned a master’s degree in International Relations in Spain at the Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals. Her master’s was focused on Environmental Politics and her research on climate policy and disaster risk reduction. The inspiration for her research came from working with United Nations while earning her postgraduate degree.

In addition to her formal studies, Paula holds a certificate in Negotiation Mastery from Cornell University and has completed a Science Summer Program Term at the University of Cambridge. Growing up in Colombia, one of the most biodiverse countries on earth, she spent a lot of time in nature with her family and friends. From an early age she learned to appreciate, respect, and protect nature—a passion that drives her to work in the environmental space.

Paula currently lives in Kentucky with her husband and rescue GSP. She enjoys taking long walks with her family, traveling to new places, trying new restaurants, and having a nice cup of Colombian coffee every morning.

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