E19S12 Transforming Lives through Art and Social Impact: A Career Journey with María Antonia Pérez
The Social Change Career Podcast
Release Date: 06/14/2024
E12 S14 Redefining Purpose: Building a Global Career in Urban Action
The Social Change Career Podcast
Season 14, Episode 12 of the Social Change Career Podcast spotlights Natalia Uribe—architect, artist, and founder of Urban World Matters. From her creative roots in Medellín to delivering transformative urban projects on four continents, Natalia’s career is a story of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to empowering local communities and youth in the built environment. Why take a listen? Natalia shares honest reflections, practical tools, and visionary thinking for anyone passionate about cities and social change. If you care about creating better urban spaces, influencing local action...
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E11 S14 Building a Career at the Intersection of Justice and Healing
The Social Change Career Podcast
This episode features , an executive leader, innovator, coach, and Cambodian genocide survivor, sharing her extraordinary journey of building a career at the intersection of justice and healing. Drawing from over 20 years in labor rights, public health, civil rights, and organizational transformation, Hun opens up about personal resilience, the power of humanizing conflict, and practical strategies for meaningful impact in turbulent times. Why Take a Listen Hun’s story as a Cambodian genocide survivor and refugee—and how her lived experiences instilled a lifelong dedication...
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E10 S14 Building a Purpose Driven Career in Philanthropy
The Social Change Career Podcast
This episode of the Social Change Career Podcast features a thoughtful and practical conversation between Craig Zelizer and , founder of and the Philanthropy Network. Brad’s entry into fundraising was unplanned—driven by financial necessity—but evolved into a decades-long career advising institutions like , the Portland Museum of Art, Suffolk University, and the . In this episode, Brad shares hard-earned lessons on how to build a meaningful and sustainable career in philanthropy, even amid burnout, changing donor landscapes, and rising ethical questions. What the episode covers: • How...
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Ep9 S14 Innovative Finance and Impact: How to Build an Unconventional Career
The Social Change Career Podcast
This episode of The Social Change Career Podcast features , a global finance expert with over 15 years of experience across sovereign debt, venture capital, and impact investing. Her career has taken her from rural Missouri to leading projects across Latin America and Asia—working in English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Portuguese. Bethany’s path challenges conventional ideas of what a finance career looks like and shows how language, agility, and purpose can shape meaningful work. Why Take a Listen Learn how a career can evolve through unexpected roles and geographic pivots—and how to...
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E8 S14 Protect What You Love: Building Movements from the Heart
The Social Change Career Podcast
In this episode, Craig Zelizer talks with , a Dutch social entrepreneur, storyteller, and founder of multiple global movements including Dance for Life, , and . From organizing some of the largest public festivals in the Netherlands to driving emotional, community-rooted innovation for ocean protection, Ilco shares what it takes to build movements that not only spark change but sustain it. This conversation explores personal and planetary transformation, how movements scale, and why love—and not fear—is often the most powerful catalyst for action. Whether you're leading a social...
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Ep7 S14 Women Shaping Industrial Policy and Transformation in the Global South
The Social Change Career Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Craig Zelizer speaks with , a leader in industrial policy, gender equity, and international cooperation. From serving as Colombia’s Vice Minister of Business Development to designing the country’s first industrial policy in two decades, Soraya brings a rich, cross-sectoral perspective on how to build more inclusive and sustainable economies in the Global South. Based in Bogotá, with academic roots in Colombia, Italy, and India, Soraya shares how her experiences in government, academia, and diplomacy have shaped her career—and her deep commitment to bringing...
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E6 S14: Navigate Your Impact Career Amidst Sector Disruption Breathe, Plan & Act
The Social Change Career Podcast
Navigating a career in the ever-changing world of social impact work can be a wild ride, especially now. In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, we talk about how to manage with the crisis caused by the devastating and cruel cuts to USAID and other orgs. This session features four leading impact sector experts Caroline Ouwerkerk, Spencer Campbell, Julia Firestone and Craig Zelizer. Whether you're figuring out your next steps or trying to make the most of your current situation, this episode offers insights to help you breathe, plan, and act. Why listen to this...
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E5 S14 Building a Career at the Intersection of Art, Activism, and Collective Liberation
The Social Change Career Podcast
In this episode of the Social Change Career Podcast, Dr. Craig Zelizer sits down with the inspiring . As a visionary leader and founder of impactful organizations like . and and serving as an , Yura shares their compelling journey of weaving together art, activism, and collective liberation to create lasting social impact. Why You Should Listen: Art as Activism: Discover how Yura's work with Liberate Inc. uses the arts to advance racial, social, and climate justice. Learn about their groundbreaking initiatives that empower BIPOC creatives through grants, education, and organizing efforts. ...
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E4 S14 Building a Career at the Intersection of Water, Peace, and Sustainability
The Social Change Career Podcast
Join us for Season 14, Episode 4 of the Social Change Career Podcast, featuring , a global leader working at the intersection of environmental policy, peacebuilding, and youth leadership. Natalia shares her multifaceted career at the intersection of water, peace, and sustainability. She highlights the importance of a long-term vision, nurturing relationships, and pursuing further education, such as her involvement in the . Whether you're just starting your career or looking to pivot into a field focused on making a difference, particulary in sustainability and impact, this is a...
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E3 S14 Boardy, the AI Superconnector: How AI Can Support Your Career in Challenging (and Non-Challenging) Times
The Social Change Career Podcast
Take a listen to Season 14, Episode 3 of the Social Change Career Podcast featuring an AI super connector designed to help people navigate their careers, build meaningful connections, and find opportunities in impact sectors. Why Listen? Learn how AI can support impact professionals in challenging times. Explore the role of AI-driven career networking in fostering real human connections. Gain insights into how Boardy facilitates double opt-in networking to help professionals find aligned collaborations. Hear about the rise of AI in impact careers and how professionals can adapt. ...
info_outlineIn Episode 19 of Season 12, Maria Antonia Perez shares her inspiring story of leveraging art for social impact. From her beginnings as a graphic designer in Medellin, Colombia, to her role as a global peace-building advocate, Maria's journey highlights how creativity can transform communities.
Why Take a Listen:
Art's Impact in Conflict Zones:
- Understand how growing up in Medellin, a city shaped by Colombia’s conflict, influenced Maria's belief in the power of art to drive social change and heal communities.
- Explore her approach to using art as a tool for addressing and healing societal issues in areas affected by violence.
Maria’s Global Peace Building Journey:
- Follow Maria’s path from volunteering in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami to leading peace education initiatives with Peace Boat.
- Learn how her work in Sri Lanka, Japan, Cambodia, and Colombia has crafted her unique perspective on integrating art and peace-building.
The Creative Intersection of Arts, Education, and Social Innovation:
- Discover how Maria’s innovative projects, such as mural painting and art camps for children, contribute to lasting social impact and community engagement.
- Hear her insights on the '4 C's'—curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration—and their crucial role in both personal and societal growth.
Career Insights and Inspiration:
- Gain inspiration from Maria’s career journey, moving from graphic design to becoming an influential peace-builder and advocate for using art in social transformation.
- Learn how she turned her skills and passion into a global career focused on creating meaningful change through creative initiatives.
Get tons of practical insights on advancing a career of impact.
Maria Antonia Perez's experiences offer a powerful example of how art, when combined with dedication and innovation, can make a significant impact on both local and global scales.
Bio
María Antonia Pérez is a committed and passionate Colombian woman with over 20 years of experience in social transformation. She has developed impactful processes in the social, cultural, and educational fields, leveraging strategic and creative thinking, education for peace, and social transformation. Her work spans multiple sectors, particularly with international non-profit organizations.
María Antonia has contributed to art, peace culture Peacebuilding, and social transformation projects in Colombia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Japan. She has served as an advisor to the international NGO Peace Boat, promoting peace education programs, sustainable tourism, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With a Master's Degree in Management of Social Innovation and Local Development, and as a Rotary Peace Fellow, a Positive Peace Activator and a Asia-Pacific Leadership program alumni, she has made significant strides in fostering peace and cultural citizenship.
Previously, María Antonia worked on Cultural Citizenship positions in Bogota and Medellin with the City halls leading projects of Art for social transformation.