Pierina Valentina Anton Lopez was born in La Guaira, Venezuela and was raised in Kissimmee, Florida. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Florida International University (FIU) with a degree in International Relations and Economics, and certificates in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Human Rights and Political Transitions.

She currently works with the Office of Strategic Stability and Security at the United States Institute of Peace, where she assists with the financial, administrative, and contractual responsibilities relating to the Institute’s peacebuilding initiatives in Ukraine. Prior to this role, Pierina interned with USAID’s Bureau for Africa, in the Education and Youth Division and supported the agency’s work in education in crisis and conflict, social and emotional learning, and countering school-related gender-based violence. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Pierina worked with the International Rescue Committee in Miami, Florida to connect youth fleeing conflict to social services and community resources, including pro-bono legal assistance, healthcare, and education. Her interest in international education development led her to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where she taught English at a local teacher training college and developed a report on the challenges facing the Cambodian education sector after interviewing staff from UNICEF Siem Reap.

At GHD, Pierina will pursue a specialization in Education and Human Capital, with an emphasis on ensuring access to education for marginalized communities in humanitarian settings. In her free time, you can find her at the nearest beach or dancing to Latin music.