Dr. Teresa Cintrón-Figueroa, is a seasoned strategic and growth-focused business development team leader passionate about building impactful partnerships and driving innovation to mission-driven organizations. Currently serves as Senior Director of Business Development at Social Strategic Development (SSD). Her professional career is defined by efficient financial management, successful fundraising efforts at different levels and several causes, business development, and strategic planning for NGOs and higher educational institutions.

She successfully managed financial operations and played a crucial role in establishing new offices in the Caribbean, South America, and Mexico. Through the past years she has enjoyed leveraging institutional capacities by building meaningful relationships, cultivating partnerships, securing resources from a wide range of public and private sector donors for global portfolios. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, her education and professional career has taken her beyond its shores. She holds a MBA in International Business (UPR), Entrepreneurship (UPenn) and a PhD in Strategic Innovation and Intelligence Management (SSBR).

Currently she continues her research focusing on how Artificial Intelligence (AI), guided by a human-centered design approach and ethical guardrails, can enhance the operational capabilities and scalability of humanitarian and development initiatives. Her ongoing curiosity is rooted in a deep understanding of community needs, driven by the belief that thoughtful AI application can accelerate progress toward a more equitable world.