Andrés Felipe Lasso: Interamerican Development Bank

by Olga L. O’Hearn

Andrés Felipe Lasso’s career in development started years before he graduated from the Universidad Javeriana de Cali with a degree in Business Administration. It was during those years as an undergraduate student that he became aware of not just the needs and problems of Colombia and Latin America but also of the role that he could play in order to alleviate them. While working at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture in their Agricultural Investment Program and later at Deloitte as a Project Management Officer, Andrés Felipe met many expats who were working in Cali to enhance the quality of life of Colombians through the reduction of poverty and hunger and the protection of the country’s natural resources. That interaction created a spark that drew him to help Colombia from a different perspective: as a Colombian professional working overseas.

Andrés Felipe arrived in Washington, DC in 2015 to work as an Institutional Strategist at the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB). Having the opportunity to work on different projects, he is aware of how his work directly contributed to critical decisions made at the C-suite level to advance development goals. He believes that it is the responsibility of every Colombian to work tirelessly to build a better country, a sentiment that is echoed in his work at the IDB.

In addition to working full time at the IDB, he has dedicated these past four years while in Washington, DC to exercise. In particular, he enjoys riding his bike, paddle boarding, and indoor rock climbing. Within the next few weeks, Andrés Felipe will start coursework towards a Master’s of Business Administration at the Universidad de los Andes. After completion of that program, he hopes to return to DC and continue helping Colombia from abroad through his passion for development. Always with a good demeanor and participating in different professional, social and volunteer events throughout the city, he enjoys meeting new people. Although he is very social, he warns that he is “the only caleño that does not know how to dance salsa”, a shocking statement considering that the world’s best salsa music and ‘salseros’ come precisely from his native Cali.

Andrés Felipe learned about PorColombia DC (PCDC) Professional Chapter during an event at the Colombian Consulate in Washington, DC. He believes that PCDC’s work is vital for young professionals and Colombians new to the DC area, but also that it is a great tool for networking and keeping in touch with one’s roots. As a member of PCDC he has been able to meet seasoned and newly graduated professionals as well as entrepreneurs with interesting jobs, businesses, stories, and ideas. He would like to hear more about them and encourages PCDC to continue showcasing its members. PCDC is listening, Andrés Felipe! Stories of successful Colombian professionals like you who are proud of their roots and work hard for the benefit of their country are worth sharing. Safe travels and best wishes on your new endeavors. We look forward to seeing you again after you complete your degree!