Kim Portmess leads the Science, Technology and Policy (STeP) Fellowship Program of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI).  STeP  is an innovative landmark program of the IAI to enhance human and institutional capacities in IAI member countries and to support the provision of expert scientific advice to policy makers for the development of public policy relevant to global change. Kim manages the professional development program for fellows from across 11 countries, focused on building skills in communication, leadership and science diplomacy for early-career researchers, passionate about working at the interface between science and policy with a unique focus on Latin American and Caribbean context and culture.  She is a graduate of Cornell University with a background in natural resource management with a focus on ethnobotany. She has worked for more than 15 years in Latin America and the United States, building bridges between local communities, decision makers, and academics to strengthen sustainable and equitable development. She is also adjunct faculty at the Institute for Scientific Research and High Technology Services (INDICASAT AIP), in Panama.