Startup Sherpas Appoints Natalia Olson-Urtecho as Director of Government, Innovation & Growth
Barcelona, Spain – 26th February 2024: Social enterprise Startup Sherpas has announced the appointment of Natalia Olson-Urtecho as its new Director of Government, Innovation & Growth. This move is part of the organization’s global initiative to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs through paid work experience opportunities.
Startup Sherpas, with offices in the UK and Barcelona, is dedicated to providing young people with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in the startup world.
Olson-Urtecho, who has an impressive background serving as a Presidential Appointee during Barack Obama’s administration, brings a wealth of experience in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development on a global scale.
As the Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Obama, Natalia Olson-Urtecho oversaw critical initiatives that supported entrepreneurship and small businesses. She managed federal contracts and loan programs and improved infrastructure for small business growth in the Mid-Atlantic region. This experience will be crucial in helping Startup Sherpas achieve its mission to empower young entrepreneurs globally.
“We are thrilled to welcome Natalia to our team as it reflects our commitment to tapping into diverse, high-level expertise to enhance our successful program and extend its reach to more young people worldwide,” said Katherine Walker, Chief Impact Officer at Startup Sherpas.
Walker continued, “Her unique blend of experience in both the public and private sectors will help us tailor our approach to meet the needs of our future young entrepreneurs in different cultural and economic contexts, particularly as we expand to Latin America and the Mediterranean.”
Natalia Olson-Urtecho’s extensive background in international, regional, and local government operations, digital transformation, and sustainable development makes her an invaluable asset to Startup Sherpas as it expands its startup training platform globally.
Her proven track record of leveraging technology for societal benefit aligns with Startup Sherpas’ vision of creating a generation of innovators ready to tackle global challenges such as climate change, sustainable food systems, and economic stability.
Reflecting on her new role, Olson-Urtecho said, “I am excited to join Startup Sherpas and leverage my experience to empower young people with the entrepreneurial skills they need to make a difference. Together, we can build a network of innovative leaders poised to solve the world’s most pressing problems.”
Professor Ger Grauss OBE, a renowned global education consultant and adviser to Startup Sherpas, added, “The addition of Natalia Olson-Urtecho to the Startup Sherpas team is a game-changer. Natalia’s expertise and vision will undoubtedly accelerate our efforts to empower young entrepreneurs to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.”
Barcelona Mayor Collboni emphasized the city’s commitment to youth and innovation, which makes it a perfect match for Startup Sherpas. “We know that for every sector of our economy, we need the very best talent to support them,” said Mayor Collboni. “And we know our young people need to see opportunities to work, create startups, and have a vibrant career in Barcelona. Paid work experience while still in school and the ability to create their own startups before leaving school mean they have real experience. They have developed workplace skills that meet both these needs.”
Startup Sherpas’ expansion into the Mediterranean and Latin America marks a significant step in its journey to create a global community of one million young entrepreneurs by 2029.
With the support of the British Embassy, the Spanish Government, and now Natalia Olson-Urtecho, the organization is well-positioned to inspire and nurture the next generation of global innovators.
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or more information about Startup Sherpas and its mission, please contact:
press@startupsherpas.co.uk
Hugo Pickford-Wardle
Founder – Startup Sherpas
+44(0)7869412356
Spanish Language Enquiries:
Natalia Olson-Urtecho
Director of Government Innovation & Growth
+34697485492
+12027384363
Natalia@startupsherpas.co.uk
About Startup Sherpas:
Startup Sherpas is a pioneering organization dedicated to equipping teenagers with startup skills through a unique model that blends paid work experience with junior startup training. Committed to addressing global challenges through innovation, Startup Sherpas has educated almost 5000 teenagers in the UK and is now poised to expand its influence internationally. The organization champions the power of a global generation of innovators to solve the world’s most pressing problems.
About Natalia Olson-Urtecho:
Natalia is a serial entrepreneur, Obama Appointee, Venture Capitalist, and triathlete with a deep understanding of global politics and the practicalities of startup life. You can find out more here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliaolsonurtecho
ENDS
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.