Jessica Roldan, Director of Macroeconomic Studies at CAF, Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, won Chief Economist of the Year at Markets Media Group’s inaugural Women in Finance Latin America Awards, which was held in Mexico City on March 6.

Markets Media caught up with Roldan after the event to learn more about her background.

Briefly outline your career path

My career has been a journey of learning and transformation. I spent 16 years at Banco de México, where I specialized in monetary policy analysis, working with incredibly talented people who set the bar high. Those years shaped the way I think about macroeconomics, financial markets, and the role of monetary policy in ensuring not only price stability but also broader macroeconomic resilience.

Later, in the private sector, as Chief Economist, I stepped into a new challenge—turning complex economic concepts into actionable insights for a broader, more dynamic audience. It was a big shift. I had to adapt quickly, making sure my analysis could be both rigorous and accessible. This stage of my career taught me to communicate better, anticipate change, and stay agile.

Today, at a multilateral development bank, I get to bring all these experiences, from both the public and private sectors, together. I am convinced that economics isn’t just about analysis, it’s about shaping policies that improve lives.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you could go back and give to yourself at the start of your career?

I’d tell myself that career paths aren’t linear, and that’s completely fine. It’s easy to think everything needs to follow a structured plan, that every step should be carefully mapped out, and that any deviation is a setback. But the truth is, those unexpected turns are often the moments that shape us the most.

The key is to stay open to learning, to adapt, and to find opportunities where they might not seem obvious at first. Sometimes, what we don’t plan for ends up leading us exactly where we need to be.

What was your reaction to winning the award?

Winning this award was an incredibly emotional moment—not just because of the recognition itself, but because of the timing. I was right in the middle of a big transition, not just stepping into a new role but also moving into a completely different part of the financial system. So, in many ways, it felt like a meaningful way to close an important chapter—the six years I spent at Finamex, where my team and I built the body of work that ultimately led to this recognition.

The awards night was truly special—filled with camaraderie, inspiration, and a real sense of connection. Seeing so many brilliant women being recognized, excelling in their fields, and creating space for others to do the same was incredibly powerful. It was a celebration of talent, hard work, and the collective effort to move the financial sector forward. Without a doubt, it’s a moment I will always carry with me.

What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day work?

What I enjoy most about my job is that no two days look the same. There’s always something new to learn, a different challenge to tackle, or a fresh perspective to consider. That constant change and engaging with people who bring diverse and thought-provoking insights keep me engaged and motivated.

But if I had to choose one thing, it would be working with young economists—whether they’re research assistants or analysts at different points in their careers. I love hearing their questions, seeing how they approach problems, and learning from the way they think. It’s a constant reminder that growth never stops, and that the best way to keep evolving is to surround yourself with talent, curiosity, and fresh ideas.

What would be your advice to young women just starting, or considering a career in business?

I’d tell them to think big and not let challenges hold them back. Some things—a tough specialization, a demanding graduate program, or just the uncertainty of what comes next—might feel overwhelming at first. But over time, things fall into place. A fulfilling career isn’t built overnight; it’s the result of persistence, effort, and many small steps that add up in ways you can’t always predict.

The most important thing? Don’t limit yourself before you even start. No dream is too ambitious, no path too challenging if you approach it with determination. Too often, we hold ourselves back because of fear—fear of failing, of not being “ready enough,” of not belonging. But real growth happens when we push past those fears, take risks, and move forward even when we don’t have all the answers.

I’d also say: find mentors, build strong networks, and remember that success isn’t about knowing everything from day one. It’s about staying open to learning and adapting along the way. Take that first step with confidence—hard work and perseverance will open doors to opportunities that may seem far away today but are closer than you think.