Maria Eugenia is a global health consultant with nearly two decades of experience in public health policy and a strong scientific background. She co-founded The Round Group to tackle systemic health and equity issues and empower future generations of women and minority leaders. As the Policy & Stakeholder Partnerships Lead, she applies systems thinking and mental models to design and implement cross-sector engagement strategies. She has delivered successful projects for various clients, such as WHO/EURO, PAHO, the CDC Foundation, and the biotech & pharmaceutical industry; and is a member of the UNICEF Roster of Experts on leadership, management, coordination, and strategic planning and of the U.S. Pharmacopeia’s DEIB Expert Panel. During her extensive leadership role in a health policy consulting firm, she oversaw the company's performance, growth strategy, and talent development, as well as managed a diverse project portfolio across multiple countries and policy areas. Her career spans microbiology & biotechnology research, social marketing and health communications, and policy analysis and advocacy, with a focus on strengthening health systems, enhancing equity and quality in healthcare, and advancing cross-sector partnerships. She holds an M.P.H. in global health policy from The George Washington University and a B.Sc. in Physiology and Neurobiology from the University of Maryland.