Dr. Aguilar is a Costa Rican national with over 30 years of experience in conservation and sustainable development. Her expertise is in developing and applying environmental law and policy, with a strong focus on the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities and gender equality in environmental governance.
Before becoming Director General in October 2023, her extensive work with IUCN included serving as Acting Director General (2019-2020), Deputy Director General – Regions and Outposted Offices (2021-2023), and Regional Director for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean (beginning in 2005). She holds a Doctor of Law (Outstanding cum laude) from the University of Alicante, Spain.