Feeling overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness, often asking herself “Am I really making a difference? Is what I am doing indeed enough?” Maria ventured forward into a life of service and compassion, which led her to find Humanitarian Affairs Asia.

A past delegate of the 2018 Peace Summit of Emerging Leaders, Maria’s sense of individual helplessness was met by the force of a collective power. Amongst other delegates and leaders from around the world, Maria realised that people from all across the world were also fighting for change.

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop” – Mother Teresa.

For Maria she learnt that alone we are but a drop, but together we are a mighty ocean.

Empowered, Maria returned to her home country to pursue her postgraduate with a thesis on Peace Psychology and the science of improving intergroup relationships.

She also channelled her newfound energy into the arts. Utilising digital and traditional painting techniques to communicate messages of hope, courage, and peace to her online community.  

Today, Maria is a university psychology teacher and provisional psychologist where she makes a positive contribution to her community.

Maria is proud to continue her journey with Humanitarian Affairs Asia and joins the team as a Social Media Specialist.