Biography

Nathalie Rayes is a transformational leader with decades of experience in public service, philanthropy, business strategy, advocacy, and diplomacy. With a proven ability to lead large-scale initiatives and foster collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Nathalie has dedicated her career to advancing equity, social innovation, and systemic change on a global scale. She served as the 10th United States Ambassador to Croatia, where she oversaw efforts to advance economic prosperity, security, and cultural partnerships. Her leadership was instrumental in strengthening global alliances, addressing regional challenges, and promoting sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.

Previously, Nathalie served as President and CEO of Latino Victory, where she mobilized millions of voters, expanded fundraising efforts, and elevated Latino representation in leadership roles across the United States. Her tenure included building governance frameworks, recruiting and evaluating senior leadership, and driving operational accountability to sustain organizational growth. Earlier in her career, Nathalie served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn, overseeing intergovernmental and international relations, citywide initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships for the second-largest city in the United States. In the private sector, she gained extensive corporate experience at Grupo Salinas, a leading Mexican conglomerate, where she honed her expertise in corporate strategy, cross-border relations, and corporate social responsibility.

Nathalie’s global perspective is enriched by her board service which includes leadership roles in prominent institutions where she led innovative board initiatives, strategic governance and leadership development. She was a visionary behind the creation of the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program, shaping initiatives that focus on economic mobility, civic engagement, and leadership development. She chaired the Hispanic Federation, guiding governance reviews, CEO succession planning, and programs to strengthen Latino communities. She also founded and chaired the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Binational Fellowship and Advisory Group, fostering a pipeline of diverse leaders across industries in the United States and Mexico. Her service on the boards of the Woodrow Wilson Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace reflects her commitment to advancing democratic values, peacebuilding, and international collaboration. Nathalie also served a decade-long tenure on the board of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she worked to advance reproductive rights and address health disparities, while ensuring sound governance and compliance frameworks.

Nathalie has been widely recognized for her leadership and impact, including being named 2014 Alumna of the Year by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Luskin School of Public Affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Public Policy from UCLA.

Fluent in English and Spanish, and conversational in Arabic, Nathalie draws on her multicultural background and personal experiences to build bridges across diverse communities. As a dedicated wife and mother of two, Nathalie finds joy in exploring breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage with her family. She believes deeply in the power of public service and the profound impact of representing the United States abroad, while remaining grounded in her values of equity, justice, and opportunity for all.