Maria Cleary brings over a decade of senior leadership experience in the human rights and international development sectors having held key roles in national and international NGOs, networks, membership organisations and the UN.

Throughout her career, Maria has focused on driving the growth of funding streams that support organisational missions, as well as strategy development, change management and governance. She has lived and worked in post-conflict societies including Ireland, Bosnia, Georgia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua and Guatemala, and has a deep commitment to fostering a culture of global solidarity and dialogue.

Maria holds formal training in Negotiations (London School of Economics), Change Management (University College Dublin), Project Management (Communications and Management Institute), Innovation for Impact (China Global Philanthropy Institute), and Governance (Boardmatch). She also holds two Masters degrees including a first class International Masters in Economy, State and Society (Politics and Security Track) from University College London, and is currently completing her third Masters degree in Human Rights and Social Policy at Maynooth University.