Catalina currently leads a diverse array of projects, investigating Urban Governance in Colombia's intermediary cities with a focus on technology's impact on youth participation. She contributes to Executive Educational programmes, particularly the Leading Transport Transitions Programme for city Mayors and seniour transport leaders taking place in 2024. Additionally, she serves as a policy officer in the Secretariat of the Council on Urban Initiatives, actively shaping the Council's agenda.

Catalina has extensive experience including roles with global organizations like UN-Habitat. She has also held positions within the public sector at both national and local levels in Latin America working closely with multilateral organisations. Since 2022, she has been focused on research and policy contributions particularly in the realms of urban democracy for emergency management, urban transport governance, and metropolitan governance across Europe.

Her educational background includes a MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the LSE, and a BA in Urban Development and Management from El Rosario University in Colombia, specialising in Urban Law.