Luz leads Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth’s strategy and programs across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), activating multi-stakeholder initiatives that drive inclusive growth. She comes to the center with more than 20 years of experience working with the public and private sectors, including launching successful microfinance programs at Accion International’s U.S. affiliates and conducting research and evaluation of financial services programs and products with the Economic Opportunities Program at the Aspen Institute. Luz has authored or co-authored several studies related to scale and job quality in the microenterprise field. Prior to joining the center, Luz worked as the research director for the Knight Foundation, which involved research and evaluation design for the foundation’s investment areas in journalism, communities, and the arts. She also initiated and led learning initiatives within the foundation. Luz holds an MA in Political Science from Columbia University and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. She is also a Class IV Miami Fellow.