María Belén has a background in International Relations and Political Science, with a deep interest in Film and Performing Arts. At the moment, she is pursuing a M.A. in Communication and Media Studies at ELTE University, with the hope of combining her knowledge on socioeconomic issues and human rights with arts and media representation. She has experience working in international cooperation and project management in her home country, Ecuador, and considers that political awareness is a key element for social change.

In Budapest, María has collaborated in research projects with media outlets like Telex, and has served as a member of the Student Jury at the Verzió Film Festival. She can speak Spanish, English, French and basic Mandarin, and loves to participate in intercultural spaces. Her current line of research is focused on the impact of the creative industries in the promotion of humanitarian initiatives.