Lucía Valenzuela is a human rights lawyer experienced in advising multinational companies and international organizations on labor rights and crisis response in complex operating environments.
Based in Guatemala, she has advised multinational companies and international organizations across Latin America and other developing regions, supporting sectors such as mining, agroindustry, telecommunications, and finance.
Known for her capacity to engage sensitively across cultures, Lucía has a strong track record in stakeholder facilitation, compliance frameworks, and responsible business conduct aligned with international standards.
Question 1: What are the three things people should know about you?
I’m someone who knows how to make things work and get stuff done, and keep them working well over time. I’ve built a strong foundation in both theory and practice, especially in areas like management, leadership, and conflict resolution. I’ve also had the chance to work in different industries such as agribusiness, textiles, and mining, where I’ve consistently delivered strong results.
Question 2: What fascinates you about your work?
What really drives me is seeing how solid, well-managed businesses can make a meaningful difference and by that, I mean not just economically, but socially and environmentally too. It’s about doing business in a way that respects the world around us.
Question 3: If there were no limitations, what would you recommend companies do to advance the rights of people in business?
True business leadership means seeing possibilities where others see limits, that’s what sets leaders apart from managers.
If there were no constraints, I’d urge companies to fully embrace the principle of progressivity, which is at the heart of international human rights standards. This principle is recognized by global and regional human rights bodies and calls for continuous improvement, not just compliance. In practical terms, this means companies should commit to moving forward in respecting rights, with no backsliding. It’s about setting bold goals and being brave enough to follow through.
Question 4: What is the most pressing question in your field of work right now, and how are you approaching it?
Right now, the key question is: how can businesses stay profitable in the long run while truly respecting human rights and the environment? It’s a tough challenge, especially in places where laws are weak or unevenly enforced.
My response has been to make sure business strategies are in line with international human rights standards. I collaborate closely with people at all levels, from executives to local communities, to build practices that protect dignity and promote sustainability. That includes setting up smart risk-based due diligence systems and encouraging a mindset that goes beyond just following the rules but showing real leadership and forward momentum.
Question 5: What will the world of responsible business look like in 10 years?
Ten years from now, I believe responsible business won’t be seen as a box to tick. It’ll be central to how companies build trust and stay competitive.
In Latin America, where there’s a complex mix of challenges and opportunities, I think businesses will have a crucial role in shaping more inclusive and sustainable economies.
We’re already seeing legal shifts, especially in Europe. This legal landscape is pushing companies to align with human rights standards. That pressure is coming our way towards Latin America, and it’s going to reshape what investors expect, how supply chains operate, and which companies get ahead.
The ones that succeed will be those that put human rights and sustainability at the heart of everything they do, not as side projects, but as key parts of their business model. In that future, responsibility won’t be a trend. It’ll be what makes a business strong, credible, and future-ready.
Get in touch with Lucía Valenzuela via Linkedin or via email.
