Jessica Roldán, Director of Macroeconomic Studies at CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, recently garnered widespread recognition by being awarded Chief Economist of the Year at Markets Media Group’s inaugural Women in Finance Latin America Awards, held in Mexico City on March 6. Her career, marked by dedication, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the improvement of the financial and economic landscapes of Latin America, serves as an inspiration to both emerging economists and established professionals across the globe.
In this article, we explore the key aspects of Jessica Roldán’s illustrious career, her reflections on winning the prestigious award, and the advice she offers to young women looking to follow in her footsteps.
Early Career: Shaping a Foundation at Banco de México
Roldán’s career journey is one of both transformation and growth. She spent 16 years at Banco de México, a central institution in the country’s financial system, where she specialized in monetary policy analysis. Reflecting on these years, Roldán describes her time at the central bank as instrumental in shaping her understanding of macroeconomics, financial markets, and the essential role that monetary policy plays in ensuring economic stability.
The rigorous environment at Banco de México exposed Roldán to the complexities of policy formulation and gave her the opportunity to work alongside some of the most brilliant minds in the field. According to her, those formative years taught her valuable lessons about the broader implications of economic policies—not just for maintaining price stability, but for fostering long-term macroeconomic resilience.
“Working at Banco de México gave me a strong foundation for understanding the dynamics of financial systems. The experience taught me how interconnected monetary policy is with broader economic outcomes. I learned the importance of making data-driven decisions, but also of understanding the societal impacts of those decisions,” says Roldán.
It was this experience that laid the groundwork for the ambitious career she would later pursue, helping her become both a scholar and a practitioner with an influential voice in the world of economic policy.
Transitioning to the Private Sector: Communicating Complex Ideas
After spending more than a decade at Banco de México, Roldán transitioned into the private sector, stepping into the role of Chief Economist. This shift represented a new challenge—one where Roldán was tasked with transforming complex economic concepts into actionable insights that could resonate with a broader and more dynamic audience. The experience of working in the private sector pushed Roldán to further refine her communication skills, making her analysis not only more rigorous but also more accessible to people from various backgrounds.
“It was a big shift for me,” Roldán explains. “In the public sector, you’re often working with policy experts or other economists who share a similar technical understanding. In the private sector, however, the goal is to communicate complex ideas in a way that anyone—from investors to the general public—can understand. This taught me the importance of clarity and simplicity in communication.”
This phase of her career helped Roldán gain a better understanding of the relationship between the private and public sectors, especially in how economic policies and market forces interact. It also instilled in her the ability to anticipate market trends and respond to economic challenges quickly and effectively.
“Learning to communicate economic ideas clearly and concisely was a transformative skill for me. It not only helped me become a better economist, but it also taught me how to influence decision-making in the private sector in ways that have real-world impact,” she reflects.
Joining CAF: A Global Perspective on Economic Development
Today, as Director of Macroeconomic Studies at CAF, Roldán is at the helm of a multilateral development bank that focuses on driving economic growth and development across Latin America and the Caribbean. In this role, she integrates her experiences from both the public and private sectors, working to craft policies that promote sustainable economic development across the region.
At CAF, Roldán emphasizes the importance of economic policies that not only address short-term issues but also create long-term solutions for improving people’s lives. “Economics is not just about analysis,” she says. “It’s about using our understanding to design policies that lead to tangible improvements in people’s lives—whether it’s in terms of reducing poverty, increasing access to education, or promoting sustainable infrastructure development.”
Her work at CAF has further strengthened her belief in the power of macroeconomic policy to drive lasting social change. For Roldán, being part of a multilateral organization gives her the opportunity to work on projects that have the potential to transform entire economies.
Winning the Chief Economist of the Year Award: A Humbling Moment
Winning the Chief Economist of the Year award at Markets Media Group’s Women in Finance Latin America Awards was a significant moment for Roldán, one that she describes as deeply emotional and meaningful. “It was not just the recognition itself, but the timing that made it special,” she recalls. At the time, she was transitioning into her new role at CAF, and winning the award felt like the closing of an important chapter—the six years she spent at Finamex, where she worked on building a body of work that ultimately led to the recognition.
The awards ceremony, held in Mexico City, was a celebration of the women who have excelled in the financial sector across Latin America, and Roldán found the experience to be inspiring. “Seeing so many brilliant women being recognized for their hard work and contributions was incredibly powerful,” she says. “It was a celebration not just of individual achievements, but also of the collective effort to move the financial sector forward, creating more space for women to thrive in leadership roles.”
For Roldán, this award was not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the collaborative nature of her career. She credits much of her success to the support she has received from her colleagues and mentors, as well as the teams she has worked with throughout her career.
Day-to-Day Work: The Joy of Engaging with Talent
When asked about what she enjoys most about her day-to-day work, Roldán is quick to mention the dynamic nature of her role. “No two days are the same,” she says. “There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a fresh economic challenge to tackle or a different perspective to consider.”
However, one of the most fulfilling aspects of her job, Roldán explains, is working with young economists. Whether they are research assistants or analysts, she loves seeing how they approach problems and the unique insights they bring to the table. “Young economists remind me of how important it is to stay curious, to keep evolving. They bring fresh ideas and new ways of thinking that challenge my own perspectives,” she shares.
For Roldán, the process of mentoring and guiding younger economists is not only rewarding but also a constant reminder that growth and learning never stop. “No matter how far you’ve come, there’s always more to learn, and the best way to keep evolving is by surrounding yourself with talent and new ideas.”
Advice for Young Women in Business: Think Big and Break Barriers
One of the most valuable pieces of advice Roldán offers to young women considering a career in business is to think big and not be deterred by challenges. “It can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re faced with tough specializations, demanding graduate programs, or the uncertainty of what comes next,” she acknowledges. “But remember, a fulfilling career is built over time. It’s the result of persistence, effort, and many small steps that add up in ways you might not predict.”
She also encourages young women to avoid limiting themselves before they even begin. “No dream is too ambitious, no path too challenging,” she asserts. “The key is to approach each challenge with determination and confidence. Real growth happens when we push past our fears—whether it’s fear of failure, of not being ‘ready enough,’ or of not belonging.”
In addition to pushing through challenges, Roldán stresses the importance of finding mentors, building strong networks, and staying open to learning. “Success doesn’t come from knowing everything from the start. It comes from staying open to learning and adapting. Surround yourself with mentors who can guide you and with peers who can challenge you. Take that first step with confidence, and know that persistence and hard work will open doors to opportunities that might seem far away today,” she advises.
Who is Jessica Roldán?
Director of Macroeconomic Studies at CAF, awarded Chief Economist of the Year in 2025.
What is CAF?
CAF is the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on sustainable economic development.
What is the Chief Economist of the Year award?
An award recognizing excellence in economic policy and leadership, won by Jessica Roldán in 2025.
What is Jessica Roldán’s background?
She has over 20 years of experience in macroeconomics, having worked at Banco de México and in the private sector before joining CAF.
What did Jessica Roldán do at Banco de México?
She specialized in monetary policy analysis for 16 years, contributing to economic stability and policy development.
What was Jessica Roldán’s experience in the private sector?
As Chief Economist in the private sector, she translated complex economic concepts into accessible insights for a broader audience.
What is the most fulfilling part of Jessica Roldán’s work?
She enjoys working with young economists, learning from their perspectives and fostering growth and development in the field.
What advice does Jessica Roldán give to young women in business?
She advises them to think big, embrace challenges, and never limit themselves, emphasizing perseverance and the importance of mentorship.
Conclusion
Jessica Roldán’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, adaptability, and leadership. From her early days at Banco de México to her current role at CAF, Roldán’s journey reflects her commitment to fostering economic stability, improving policy outcomes, and empowering the next generation of economists. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to all who strive to make a positive impact on the world through the field of economics.
