BIO
Maria Antonia Montes is a senior program specialist for Latin America and inclusive peace processes at USIP. In this role, Montes coordinates USIP’s efforts in Colombia in support of the implementation of the FARC peace accord and supports local-level peacebuilding initiatives driven by civil society; particularly those that build capacity and develop training for Colombian women and youth leaders. Over the last five years, she has led a network of women mediators at the national level in Colombia and supports the Generation Change Fellows Program in Colombia and Venezuela. Montes advises on USIP’s Synergizing Nonviolent Action and Peacebuilding initiative and supports facilitator training in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Colombia.