Natalia Olson-Urtecho

Natalia Olson-Urtecho is a distinguished sustainability expert, advisor, and entrepreneur whose extensive experience in government, business, and urban planning makes her a sought-after speaker on global sustainability issues. Known for her visionary leadership in creating smart, healthy cities and fostering innovation ecosystems, Natalia is regularly hired to inspire audiences on how to design more resilient infrastructure while promoting inclusive growth. With over two decades of global experience, she bridges public and private sectors, bringing valuable insight to the challenges of sustainable urban development, entrepreneurship, and policy innovation.

Natalia’s career began with a strong foundation in political science and economics, earning her BA from Northeastern University before pursuing advanced degrees at the University of Pennsylvania and The Wharton School. Her early roles included serving as Chief of Protocol at the U.S. Department of State in 1997, before becoming CEO of EG, a consultancy focused on sustainable strategies. Her appointment as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Obama marked a significant milestone, positioning her at the forefront of small business innovation and sustainability in public policy. These roles laid the groundwork for her ongoing influence in shaping smart city policies and guiding innovation-led growth.

In recent years, Natalia has expanded her impact through numerous advisory and executive roles. She serves as a strategic advisor and board member for various forward-thinking organisations, including IDEAED, RepScan, and Startup Sherpas. She played an active role in urban environmental strategies through her position on the Board of Advisors at greehill, supporting urban forest management as a key lever for public well-being. As a member of the European American Enterprise Council and a governance advisor at RadicalxChange, she remains deeply involved in global dialogue around equity, public policy, and technology. Her portfolio reflects a commitment to social impact, sustainable infrastructure, and smart technology adoption.

Natalia is consistently hired as a speaker because of her rare ability to connect big-picture sustainability challenges with actionable strategies. Her global perspective, rooted in experience across continents and sectors, allows her to engage diverse audiences – from policymakers and entrepreneurs to urban planners and corporate leaders. With her dynamic presence and passion for systemic change, she empowers others to think innovatively and act responsibly for the greater good.