Andrea Mendez is a Project Specialist in the National Climate Action portfolio. She supports the work of the New Climate Economy (NCE) team, including tracking project deliverables, ensuring coordination between the Communications, Engagement and Research teams, and aiding the project leads in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.

Prior to joining WRI, Andrea was the Political Attaché at the Embassy of Panama. She implemented advocacy strategies through congressional outreach to meet foreign policy goals. This included raising awareness of Panama's status as a carbon negative nation, the irregular migration situation in the Darien Gap, and regional security challenges. Previously, she led the Embassy's communications strategy and was lead Project Manager for all diplomatic and cultural events.

Andrea holds a Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) from Georgetown University and a first-class degree in International Politics from Aberystwyth University.

Andrea is fluent in English and Spanish. She currently lives in Washington, D.C.