Biography

Nathalie Rayes is a transformational leader with decades of experience in public service, philanthropy, business strategy, advocacy, and diplomacy. With a proven ability to lead large-scale initiatives and foster collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, she has dedicated her career to advancing equity, social innovation, and systemic change on a global scale.

She served as the 10th United States Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, where she oversaw efforts to advance economic prosperity, security, and cultural partnerships. Her leadership was instrumental in strengthening global alliances, deepening U.S.–Croatia military cooperation as NATO Allies, addressing regional challenges, and promoting sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.

Currently, Nathalie is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and serves on the boards of the Hispanic Federation, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, and the Copenhagen International School.

Previously to serving in Croatia, Nathalie was President and CEO of Latino Victory, where she mobilized millions of voters, expanded fundraising efforts, and elevated Latino representation in leadership roles across the United States. In the private sector, she gained extensive corporate experience at Grupo Salinas, a leading Mexican conglomerate, where she honed her expertise in corporate strategy, cross-border relations, and corporate social responsibility. Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn, overseeing intergovernmental and international relations, citywide initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships for the second-largest city in the United States.

Nathalie’s global perspective is enriched by her board service, which includes leadership roles in prominent institutions where she has led innovative board initiatives, strategic governance, and leadership development. She was a visionary behind the creation of the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program, shaping initiatives that focus on economic mobility, civic engagement, and leadership development. She helped launch Aspen México, chaired the Hispanic Federation, and founded and chaired the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Binational Fellowship and Advisory Group, fostering a pipeline of diverse leaders across industries in the United States and Mexico. Her service on the boards of the Woodrow Wilson Center and the U.S. Institute of Peace reflects her commitment to advancing democratic values, peacebuilding, and international collaboration.

Fluent in English and Spanish, and conversational in Arabic, Nathalie draws on her multicultural background and personal experiences to build bridges. As a dedicated wife and mother of two, Nathalie finds joy in exploring breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage with her family.