Patricia Peña

Patricia Peña leads a multi-faceted team at Global Affairs Canada responsible for the delivery of Canada’s international assistance, and increasing impact, innovation and engagement with a wide range of partners, including in the areas of development finance, and social and economic development. She has a rich and long-standing history working with Canadian, multilateral, civil society, private sector, philanthropic and diplomatic partners globally.    

Since joining the Government of Canada in 2007, she held a number of senior positions at Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). She served as Canada’s Ambassador to Chile (2017-2020), Director General Foreign Policy and Director General Economic Development. From 2007 to 2011, Patricia held various policy and operational positions at CIDA, including as Director Democratic Governance and Human Rights, and Director of Economic Development and Natural Resources.   

Prior to joining the Canadian public service, Ms. Peña lived for almost ten years in London, England and worked in various public sector agencies, including the UK Electoral Commission where she oversaw political financing regulation in the United Kingdom.    

Patricia Peña has an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Master's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science.