Nicole Ledesma
Anti-Corruption/
Human Rights/
Project Management for International Development
Nicole Ledesma is a J.D. and experienced international development professional with vast project management experience working with a wide array of donors including USAID, UNDP, and the Inter-American Development Bank, during her time as an Associate at DAI and Program Manager at the Inter-American Dialogue. She has also developed a technical expertise in human rights and anti-corruption. Nicole worked as a contractor for the Department of Justice's Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Unit, in several of the Fraud Section's highest priority cases, investigating individuals or entities that curtail and hamper a country's competitive economic environment, democratic sustainability, and good governance by bribing foreign officials. For her work on the massive corruption scandal involving the Brazilian company Odebrecht, Nicole was awarded the Assistant Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service in 2017. Nicole has continued her anti-corruption work with Searby PLLC investigating corruption internationally, supporting NGOs develop strategic litigation plans, and organizing international workshops for prosecutors and civil society. Nicole has also investigated matters of forced labor and labor violations in Asia and in Latin America and Caribbean.
Nicole's legal experience also delves into international law as seen through her past support to United Nations International Law Commission Member Claudio Grossman, research and recommendations to rapporteurs for the United Nations Convention Against Torture through the Kovler Practicum, and participation in the International Human Rights Law Clinic at the Washington College of Law.
Expertise
Project Management
Rule of Law
Human Rights
Education:
American University, Economics and International Relations with a specialization in Development
American University, Washington College of Law, Juris Doctorate
Languages:
English (Fluent)
Spanish (Fluent)
Portuguese (Proficient)