In her capacity as Secretary General of CCIG, Maria works with member organizations and other Civil Society organizations for training and capacity building to enhance their work within the UN system and offer opportunities for collaboration on pressing current international issues. Also, currently an advocacy officer at IIMA and VIDES Human Rights Office in Geneva, Maria has a wealth of experience with various UN bodies aimed at the promotion and protection of human rights, including the Human Rights Council, the Universal Periodic Review and UN Treaty bodies. In addition to her Geneva experience, she carried out missions and projects in the field, particularly in Thailand, Lebanon and Central America. With a Masters degree in Politics of International Relations from LUMSA University  (Italy) and an Advanced Masters (LL.M.) from the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (Switzerland), Maria has developed a legal expertise and a comprehensive knowledge in the fields of Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law. Maria is married with one child.