Mariana Cano Márquez 

Mariana holds a dual professional degree in Political Science and Psychology from The Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia, and a Master’s degree in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice from Queens University Belfast. Along her academic and professional journey, she has dedicated her efforts to fostering positive social change through crisis care, psychosocial accompaniment, and social and academic research.

Mariana understands peacebuilding as a commitment to recognising and approaching diverse social actors, as well as their experience, knowledge, and understanding of social justice. She has consistently integrated Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodologies throughout her professional journey, combining academic rigour with practical applications to empower communities. Her recent role as a Methodological Consultant with Children Change Colombia saw her adapt pedagogical materials for truth and peacebuilding initiatives, co-developing a toolkit to support educators. Has contributed to research on the psychosocial impacts of paramilitary violence in Colombia and implementing projects that promote resilience and support for youth and families affected by violence and discrimination.

She is interested in peacebuilding, emphasising intergenerational perspectives and psychosocial approaches to amplify silenced voices. She believes in the transformative power of arts as a tool for healing and conflict transformation, recognising that creative practices and ways of communication hold unique potential to address diverse meanings and situations in conflict and post-conflict contexts.