Jun 14, 2024
In Episode 19 of Season 12, Maria Antonia Perez shares her inspiring story of leveraging art for social impact. From her beginnings as a graphic designer in Medellin, Colombia, to her role as a global peace-building advocate, Maria's journey highlights how creativity can transform communities.
Why Take a Listen:
Art's Impact in Conflict Zones:
- Understand how growing up in Medellin, a city shaped by
Colombia’s conflict, influenced Maria's belief in the power of art
to drive social change and heal communities.
- Explore her approach to using art as a tool for addressing and
healing societal issues in areas affected by violence.
Maria’s Global Peace Building Journey:
- Follow Maria’s path from volunteering in Sri Lanka after the 2004
tsunami to leading peace education initiatives with Peace Boat.
- Learn how her work in Sri Lanka, Japan, Cambodia, and Colombia
has crafted her unique perspective on integrating art and
peace-building.
The Creative Intersection of Arts, Education, and Social
Innovation:
- Discover how Maria’s innovative projects, such as mural painting
and art camps for children, contribute to lasting social impact and
community engagement.
- Hear her insights on the '4 C's'—curiosity, creativity, critical
thinking, and collaboration—and their crucial role in both personal
and societal growth.
Career Insights and Inspiration:
- Gain inspiration from Maria’s career journey, moving from graphic
design to becoming an influential peace-builder and advocate for
using art in social transformation.
- Learn how she turned her skills and passion into a global career
focused on creating meaningful change through creative
initiatives.
Get tons of practical insights on advancing a career of impact.
Maria Antonia Perez's experiences offer a powerful example of how art, when combined with dedication and innovation, can make a significant impact on both local and global scales.
Bio
María Antonia Pérez is a committed and passionate Colombian woman with over 20 years of experience in social transformation. She has developed impactful processes in the social, cultural, and educational fields, leveraging strategic and creative thinking, education for peace, and social transformation. Her work spans multiple sectors, particularly with international non-profit organizations.
María Antonia has contributed to art, peace culture Peacebuilding, and social transformation projects in Colombia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Japan. She has served as an advisor to the international NGO Peace Boat, promoting peace education programs, sustainable tourism, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With a Master's Degree in Management of Social Innovation and Local Development, and as a Rotary Peace Fellow, a Positive Peace Activator and a Asia-Pacific Leadership program alumni, she has made significant strides in fostering peace and cultural citizenship.
Previously, María Antonia worked on Cultural Citizenship positions in Bogota and Medellin with the City halls leading projects of Art for social transformation.