Laura Escalante

Most recently, Ms. Escalante served as Lead Program Manager for the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) in Washington, D.C. In this role, she managed a portfolio of projects valued at more than $6 million focused on government digitalization, trade facilitation, and process optimization. She directed multinational project teams across Latin America and Eurasia, overseeing risk management and program delivery, and serving as the primary liaison with government agencies, donor organizations, and private-sector stakeholders. Her work has supported the implementation of innovative solutions that improve trade efficiency, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Prior to her work in the private sector, Ms. Escalante spent more than a decade with the Government of Costa Rica. As Trade Facilitation Coordinator for the Ministry of Foreign Trade, she led programs to modernize trade procedures and address barriers to commerce. She designed and implemented a $100 million border integration program, coordinated national efforts to modernize trade processes, and led trade facilitation negotiations through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and multiple trade agreements, including those with Colombia, Peru, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). She also worked closely with industry advisory groups and public-sector stakeholders to strengthen logistics and border-management systems.

Earlier in her government career, Ms. Escalante served as Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister and the General Director of Foreign Trade, where she coordinated cross-functional operations, managed budgets and consulting contracts, and oversaw stakeholder engagement and international cooperation initiatives. She also served as a Legislative Adviser and Negotiator, supporting the approval of major trade legislation and participating in negotiations related to free trade agreements and dispute-settlement mechanisms involving the European Union and China. 

Fluent in English and Spanish, Ms. Escalante holds a Master of Arts in International Law and Dispute Settlement from the United Nations Mandated University for Peace and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Trade from Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica. She is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and has completed executive studies in trade policy at Harvard Kennedy School.