Carolina Buendia Sarmiento

Carolina Buendia Sarmiento is an experienced project manager and researcher with a focus on peacebuilding, women's rights, and social change. Currently serving as a project manager at Suomen Lähetysseura (Felm), Carolina coordinates a consortium-wide initiative supporting religious communities in peace dialogues in Colombia. As a PhD candidate at the University of Helsinki, Carolina's research delves into the evolving discourses around women's rights, specifically through Finland's development cooperation in Kenya. Previous roles include serving as a research and evaluation specialist at the United States Institute of Peace, where Carolina focused on psychosocial support initiatives in Nigeria, along with consultancy positions at Felm, involving peacebuilding and capacity-building projects in various contexts. Carolina holds a Master's degree in Peace Studies and a specialization in public policy for equality in Latin America, complemented by a background in political science from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali.