Natalia is a former public servant, currently pursuing a PhD focused on government policies, social cohesion, and the peaceful existence of New Zealand’s growing and diverse populations. She completed her master's degree earlier this year, focused on how to diversify leadership in the Public Service.
Natalia is running in the Wellington Central electorate and is TOP's Deputy Leader. She believes The Opportunities Party (TOP) has policies that will enable diverse people to coexist peacefully. She believes TOP can work across the political spectrum, offering a balanced voice in these increasingly polarised times. Natalia understands the impact policies have on the people of Aotearoa, and she is committed to amplifying the voice of under-represented groups and bringing ideas back to the middle ground where robust, democratic debate can happen.
Passionate about gender equality, Natalia has produced and directed a series of gender-focused events in Wellington, including New Zealand’s first TEDxWomen event. In 2016, she launched an annual event hosted at the National Library of New Zealand profiling the perspectives of gender-diverse individuals, and a similar event hosted at the Wellington City Gallery. In 2013, she raised over $48,000 for Oxfam New Zealand by encouraging women to walk in the annual Trailwalker event.
Natalia is the daughter of a Mexican single mother. Before the age of 20 she had lived in Canada, Mexico and the USA, giving her a unique perspective on the needs of different communities. She now lives in Wellington with her husband and three dogs.