Elena Mateo is an environmental policy and sustainability leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing zero waste systems, natural resource management, and environmental education. She currently serves as Co-Director of Zero Waste Costa Rica, where she leads cross-sector initiatives that promote circular economy practices, responsible materials management, and measurable waste reduction across municipalities, tourism, and private and public settings. Elena is an active contributor to the global Zero Waste movement. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) and the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Chamber of Costa Rica (CANAECO), helping to bridge environmental policy, sustainable tourism, and implementation at scale. Her work is grounded in both international and local experience, including early roles with The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Environmental Hub for Central America and the Caribbean. She is recognized for her ability to translate global environmental frameworks into practical, community-based solutions. Elena holds a Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University and a Master of Arts in International Teaching and Education. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French, and has lived in nine countries, bringing a strong cross-cultural perspective to her leadership. Her work reflects a commitment to building collaborative, ethical, and systems-oriented solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.