Laura Melchor

Laura is a transformative leader with over three decades of experience leveraging technology and data to drive business operations and customer growth across diverse industries, including Consulting, Pharmaceuticals, High-Tech, Engineering, and Impact Investing. Currently serving as the Chief Information Officer of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, Laura has a proven track record of strategic innovation and technological expertise that has benefited both agile startups and prominent Fortune 250 corporations. Recognized by Forbes Next in 2024 as one of the 50 exceptional CIOs at the forefront of technological innovation and strategy, she is passionate about the intersection of AI and humanity.

Originally from Mexico, Laura holds an MBA and a BS in Computer Science from Tecnologico de Monterrey. She actively participates in the Austin Venture Social Partner program and serves as a strategic advisor to socially conscious startups such as Allies Against Slavery and Whisper Co. As an Executive Coach of Digital Transformation at the American University Business School and an invited speaker at the American University in Sofia. Laura is dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.