NDI 1998, Latin America & Caribbean

Mlade launched her career in Washington, D.C., in 1998 at the National Democratic Institute (NDI), designing and implementing democracy-building programs in Latin America and the Caribbean. During her time with NDI, Mlade stood up a political party poll watching program in Nicaragua and built international political support for a leading Cuban democracy activist.

Since NDI, Mlade has worked across the governmental, non-governmental and private sectors leading external relations, intergovernmental affairs, strategic communications, partnership development and international advocacy portfolios. With particular expertise in international development and humanitarian response, Mlade has held roles at the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Agency for International Development and Peace Corps. 

Most recently, Mlade served as chief of staff for international advocacy at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America; and as global affairs director at the American Chemistry Council, promoting the sustainable management of chemicals and plastics. She currently leads her own consulting practice with a focus on addressing plastic waste.

Mlade received her master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago and her bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies from Northwestern University. She currently resides with her family in the Geneva, Switzerland, area.