Civil engineer with a Master of Science degree in Local Economic Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her educational background concentrated on a combination of economic and social projects.

Helena has more than 20 years of experience in the design of economic, social and environmental development policies in WASH sector; evaluation of public policies and projects related to home public services, design of regulatory frameworks for aqueduct and sewage services, and promoting competition and private participation in public services. She has worked with the national and regional government in Colombia, the private sector, academia and since 2015 at the Vice Presidency of Sustainable Development of CAF as a specialist in water and sanitation.