Upnotch
Check out Mariela's profile on Upnotch
My career began in a Venezuelan newsroom, reporting on public health and education for underserved communities. That foundation in purposeful storytelling has shaped everything since: press freedom advocacy at the International Press Institute, senior communications leadership at the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) and Asylum Access, and most recently, independent consulting and ¿Venezolano, yo? — an illustrated children's book on migration and identity.
Over two decades working across NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and media, I've led global communications strategies, built and managed remote multicultural teams, driven digital transformation, and advised senior leaders through growth, crisis, and institutional change. Based in Vienna, I've consistently worked across time zones and geographies, with teams and stakeholders in Latin America, Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Now I'm making the transition from staff roles to building my own practice — fractional work, consulting, and mentoring — and I'm as interested in learning as I am in giving back.
As a mentor, I can help you with:
- Narrative and messaging strategy for mission-driven organizations
- Editorial direction and content strategy
- Executive positioning and thought leadership
- Digital communications and audience growth
- Communications for human rights, social justice, and global development
As a mentee, I'm looking to learn from:
- Consultants and fractional executives who have built sustainable independent practices
- People who have navigated the shift from senior staff roles to running their own business
- Anyone with hard-won experience in pricing, positioning, client acquisition, and building recurring income outside traditional employment