Maria has over 30 years of experience in development cooperation, education and public policy, promoting innovation, Global Citizenship Education and participatory governance. Throughout her career, she has designed and led initiatives that strengthen education systems, foster democratic participation and advance human rights, gender equality, women’s empowerment and equal representation in decision-making. As Education and Partnerships Programme Coordinator at the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI) in Portugal, she coordinates initiatives that connect research, policy and practice and innovative international projects, including YOU-DECIDE, which empowers children and young people to participate meaningfully in local decision-making while supporting municipalities and education professionals in building more inclusive, democratic and participatory communities.