Maria Dueñas Lopez began as a youth activist in Indiana before working nationally as a Youth Engagement Trainer at Truth Initiative and, more recently, supporting youth leadership development with The 84 Movement at HRiA in Massachusetts. Her approach focuses on capacity-building, so youth have the tools to lead fun, effective, and sustainable campaigns. 

Maria has a Master in Theological Studies with a Certificate in Religion and Public Life in Organizing from Harvard Divinity School and a B.A. in Political Science with a certificate in Community Organizing from Indiana University Indianapolis. Outside of SADD, you can find Maria, hiking the nearest trail with her dog Tofu, teaching yoga, or training for the next marathon!