Ellin Ivarsson
Transport infrastructure and policies play a key role in economic development boosting sustainability, inclusive growth and poverty reduction. Ellin Ivarsson is an innovator in this area, with a track record of leading high-profile infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom, Australia and Latin America. Working at the World Bank, she is transforming the lives of people in the poorest regions of Colombia.
Ellin grew up in Colombia, but she often heard her mother talk about her university days at Imperial College London. Although she loved the stories about student life in London, Ellin never planned to follow the same path as her mother. However, after completing her undergraduate studies in civil engineering in Bogotá, she knew moving to Europe would be key to finding a postgraduate programme that aligned with her ambitions.
After extensively researching courses specialising in transport, she narrowed it down to two in the UK. Eager to live in the capital, Imperial seemed like the perfect choice. So not only did she study at the same university as her mother had many years before, Ellin also chose the very same course.
Ellin describes moving to the UK as one of the best decisions she’s made. It wasn’t the first time Ellin had been to London though:
I remember when I was around 12 years old, we went on a trip to Europe with my family. One of the places we went to was London – and my mum took me to see Imperial where she had studied.
Open doors
Reflecting on her time at Imperial, the main thing Ellin remembers is the abundance of opportunities. She says: “When you make a decision, you don’t know what doors are going to open or how difficult it will be to open them. I started at Imperial and a lot of doors began opening for me.” Ellin says it was like a “snowball effect”.
Dr Panagiotis Angeloudis really inspired me. He was young compared to some of the other teaching team and I could see he was aiming to achieve big things. Now, as a friend, I’ve watched him accomplish those goals.
Looking back Ellin also remembers how inspired she felt by her lecturers. She recalls: “I remember sitting in a lecture about transport modelling theory and the professor while explaining one big theory, he cited himself. Then, I realised I was really learning from one of the leaders in the field. I felt so lucky to be studying at Imperial in that moment.”
The Imperial community
Ellin says the people she met at Imperial are very important to her. She explains: “Coming from Colombia, I was used to meeting people very similar to me. Studying in London, I met people from everywhere – from India and China to America.” This diverse community opened her eyes to different cultures and led to long-lasting friendships.
Over the years, Ellin has watched those friends go in different directions and achieve a whole host of things. She says: “It’s wonderful that you get to meet amazing people who inspire you at Imperial.” Now living all over the world, she sees their progress on LinkedIn and continues to keep in touch.
Ellin shares: “When you say you studied at Imperial, people’s eyes widen. Imperial is very well-regarded, and I think others automatically take you seriously.”
Solving transport challenges
Ellin knew she always wanted to be a civil engineer due to her strong skills in mathematics. She’d also listened to her mother discuss the challenges she was facing working in the transport sector.
Throughout her own studies, she also became fascinated with how transport was a complex problem with many sectors involved. Many times, the best solution isn’t always clear. Politics play a part. The economy has an impact. People’s preferences need to be considered too. For Ellin, working in transport is also about the impact she can make – especially in her current role.
Ellin with the first model of Bogotá's future metro trains, financed by the World Bank
Ellin with the first model of Bogotá's future metro trains, financed by the World Bank
High-profile projects
After graduating, Ellin stayed in London for five years, where, she played a key role in high-profile projects including the Silvertown Tunnel, the Heathrow Third Runway Expansion and Crossrail 2.
She was one of the main developers of Transport for London’s forecasting model called MoTiON, designed using new technologies to better simulate behavioural, technological, and economic elements. This tool allowed Transport for London to more accurately predict future trends, including planning for new modes of transport such as autonomous vehicles.
Ellin Ivarsson has consistently exhibited outstanding leadership and innovative capabilities within the transportation sector. Her early career was distinguished by the development of pioneering projects that revolutionised data analytics in transportation.
A new role at the World Bank
But, in her heart, Ellin knew she wanted to return home to Colombia. She explains: “Like many of us, I was struggling in the pandemic. Life was difficult. I remember reading the news – both for United Kingdom and Colombia. The transport issues were very different. While the main worries in London were about the important decline of the demand for the tube and the important subsidies from the Government. In Colombia, kids had to hike for hours to get internet to study.”
It was at this point that Ellin took the time to reflect. She was so proud of what she achieved but wondered whether her skills could make a difference back home.
Ellin moved back to Colombia and secured a role at the World Bank. She’s now working on projects across Latin America, including helping people in Colombia. For example, she has been working on the creation of Bogotá’s new metro lines. Her work has also involved building fluvial docks in one of the poorest regions, Colombia’s Pacific Region.
We are going to help meet their basic needs. They’re going to have drinkable water, sanitation, energy and transport infrastructure that is safe.
Her approach involves communities in every stage of the infrastructure project, from design to implementation.
It’s so much more than just getting from A to B or basic welfare. Ellin’s work significantly improves the health of people in communities and boosts opportunities for education and employment.
Advice to others
When Ellin is asked to give career advice, certain conversations stand out in her mind. She says: “I remember speaking to a colleague and saying that as females we are sometimes scared to take opportunities or risks. We’re more conservative and more aware. We doubt ourselves.”
Just say yes and then figure it out. Sometimes we will fail but sometimes we will succeed.
Ellin followed this advice when applying to the World Bank. She knew the organisation wanted to end poverty, but she wasn’t completely sure what her role there would look like. She says: “I think if you’re consistent and you're disciplined, you manage to do things well.”
Visiting the construction of the new water plant in Timbiquí, one of the most underserved areas of Colombia
Visiting the construction of the new water plant in Timbiquí, one of the most underserved areas of Colombia
She puts her success down to “being an adaptable person”. She admits: “Even moving back to Colombia after being away for so many years was very difficult, but I adapted very quickly.”
If she could give one piece of advice to her younger self, she’d say: “Surround yourself with people who inspire you.” She elaborates: “I don’t necessarily mean the most intelligent, but people who add value to your life. Now that I keep this in mind, I’ve realised what interesting people I’ve met. The type of people who are doing amazing things – like fundraising or writing books.”
Supporting students
Ellin has been a mentor for Women in Engineering, guiding young women pursuing careers in STEM fields. And, although Ellin is over 4,000 miles away from London, this doesn’t stop her from giving back to Imperial. She has been supporting students with their dissertations, acting as a mentor and telling them about the problems in Bogotá. She has even helped them gain data from the government, so their work isn’t just hypothetical.
I gave a student a real problem and real data so he could provide a real solution. I reviewed some of the solutions and explained how in real life they couldn’t be implemented because of the lack of government funds.
By sharing advice and her own experience, she’s also been helping students in Colombia who want to study at Imperial. She shares: “One of the students I’ve helped got into Imperial.”
But it doesn’t end there. She has facilitated Imperial’s inclusion in the World Bank Data Lab’s University Data Fellows Program. She has bridged the gap between theoretical research and practical, on-the-ground challenges in international development. This initiative not only enriches the academic experience for students but also brings fresh perspectives to the World Bank's projects.
Recognised as a leader
Ellin has been recognised for her exceptional contributions to the transportation sector with several awards and honours. The Colombian Government 2018-2022 recognised the efforts, investments and policy recommendations providing the World Bank the Grado Cruz de Comendador Al Merito Transportador in 2022. Her paper, Big Data Readiness for Urban Transport Planning in Latin American Cities, was named as one of the best received by the Urban Big Data subcommittee by the Transportation Research Board in 2024.
When she found out about this alumni award, she said she felt “very lucky”. Ellin expands: “I do think there is a component of luck. I feel very grateful I was able to write a dissertation with Dr Panagiotis Angeloudis. Life gives you opportunities if you take them.”
Where does Ellin think she’ll be in ten years? She admits she doesn’t know, but she wants to still be making an impact. She shares: “I want to make sure I spend the eight hours of my day doing something that's going to help someone.” Ellin isn’t sure where she’ll be in the world – perhaps Africa or Asia. She says she wants to learn more about cultural differences and explore similar issues in a different context.
Ellin Ivarsson's career is marked by a series of innovative solutions, impactful projects, and strategic partnerships that have significantly advanced the transportation sector and contributed to sustainable development.
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Imperial's Alumni Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of our alumni community and the variety of ways they are making a real impact across the globe.
The Emerging Alumni Leader Award celebrates our rising stars, innovators, game-changers and future leaders.