Speaker: Laura
Job title: Foreign Service Officer
Company: Global Affairs Canada

About the spreaker
Laura Hernandez Merlano is a Foreign Service Officer at Global Affairs Canada and the lead for the Global Partnerships window of the LGBTQ2I International Assistance Program. She is also currently onboarding as a Foreign Service Officer. Laura brings a multidisciplinary background in international development, public policy, partnership building, and community mobilization, with experience advancing inclusive and rights-based approaches across Canada’s international assistance portfolio. Prior to her current role, she supported policy and programming under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, providing analysis and strategic advice on sustainable development, climate change, disaster risk reduction, and international partnerships. Outside government, Laura has held leadership roles with environmental and youth-focused organizations, including the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, Sustainable Oceans Alliance, and BrainSpa. A passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and meaningful community engagement, she has spoken at international forums and contributed to initiatives that strengthen civic participation, environmental justice, and human rights. Laura holds a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Ottawa.