Maria Jose is an Associate Program Manager for IPA's Education sector program. Prior to joining IPA, she served as a Program Manager and Researcher for the Semillas de Apego program at Universidad de los Andes. Semillas de Apego is a community-based psychosocial group program that promotes mental health and early childhood development among families affected by conflict, migration, or other adversities. Maria Jose holds a Master's in Public Administration from Columbia University, where she focused on Economic and Political Development, Conflict Resolution, and Data Analysis. She also holds a BA and MA in Economics from Universidad de los Andes.