Her Story
About Tatiana
Tatiana Benavides is the Director of Social Impact and Analytics at United Way, where she connects research, innovation, and action to advance economic mobility in the Greater Atlanta region. Her work draws on United Way's unique capacity to pair meaningful community impact with the generation and dissemination of data and knowledge to inform decision-making. After completing her studies in Political Science at the University of Costa Rica and the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle in France, she launched her career in public service in her native Costa Rica and later worked across multiple countries with international organizations, designing and leading initiatives focused on democratic governance, electoral administration, development, and peacebuilding. Throughout her career, she has led cross-functional and cross-country teams across the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Benavides served as affiliated researcher at Columbia University and lectured at the United Nations-mandated University for Peace and other institutions, educating young professionals and civil society leaders. She is a published author whose research has appeared in political affairs journals. She is also active in nonpartisan media outreach, fostering civic awareness and informed community engagement among Hispanic communities,
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tatiana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I have come to understand that impact is not measured by positions or titles, but by the ability to turn knowledge into opportunities that improve the lives of underserved populations. A commitment to service, intellectual rigor, and the application of lessons learned across countries have guided my efforts to address complex community challenges and help strengthening institutions.
My career has not followed a linear path, and I have had to start over several times. However, one thing I know with certainty is that I am the product of the many mentors and colleagues who have guided and challenged me throughout my journey. I carry their lessons and generosity in me into the way I mentor and support others.
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02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of advice I have received is that a sign of intelligence is the ability to disagree with yourself. That is such valuable advice because our knowledge and perspectives evolve and mature over time.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep your integrity and values throughout your growth journey and use your position to open doors for others. Also, remember life and career are not linear, learn to adjust and be flexible.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
For policy-oriented researchers, innovators, and evidence advocates, the challenge is no longer just generating knowledge and connecting it to action. It is upholding the value of evidence in an era of unprecedented volumes of information, where distinguishing credible knowledge form noise has become increasingly difficult.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency, honesty, and respect for others' ideas. I believe in recognizing the contributions of others and giving credit where it is due
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