Introducing myself and my journal: Global perspectives

About Me:
Maria Almario is a doctoral student in counseling psychology. Originally from Bogotá Colombia, Maria has lived in the United States for the past twelve years. She completed a B.A. degree in psychology from the University of West Florida and a Masters degree from the University of Kentucky in Counseling Psychology. She worked as a therapist for the Blue grass Rape Crisis Center for five years serving victims of sexual, domestic violence and human trafficking. Throughout her career, Maria has worked on advocacy and activism initiatives for the fair treatment of women at local, national and international levels. Her current research interests include the impact of power-based crimes on the psychological functioning of women, insidious trauma, and human trafficking. Maria was the first Latina to receive the Martha Layne Collins leadership Award in 2006.

My Passions:
Stopping Violence against women

My Challenges:
Power based social scripts, oppressive legislations, discrimination

My Vision for the Future:
To institute a comprehensive and inclusive screening and treatment method for victims of human traficking

My Areas of Expertise:
Human trafficking, labor exploitation, feminism