Maria Alejandra Guardado, born in Tornoto, is a proud advocate for Latinx heritage who is also an author and a remarkable poet. Her interest is deeply rooted in equity, sustainable development and empowering youth. She built her career putting together politics, public service and grassroots activism.

She’s earned recognition at every level through her work, that includes two certificates of recognition from the House of Commons, earned herself a name in Notable life of Canada’s Top 25 Professionals Under 25 (2023), has won a commendable award of Charitys Village Most Outstanding Individual Impact Award (2024) and also got recognition as an Energing Leader by Women in International Security Canada (2025).

Maria has served in several sectors that includes municipal, provincial, which gained her experience in policy, community development and stakeholder relations. She graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University in Politics and Governence. She has trained in institutions like Harvard Kennedy school, the UN university, and International Labour Organization and The U.S Institute of Diolomacy and Human Rights.

Her contributions to community work includes mentoring young women at the Jean Augustine Center, conducting mental health workshops and the Arab community center Toronto and nationally advocating for housing and global health as a youth ambassador for Raisinf Roof Canada and National Fellow with Results Canada.

Maria sits on KingsTrust Canadas Youth Council currently, where she advises youth employment and contributes to global discussions through NATO YATA and the UN. Beside that she works as a project coordinator at the Young Canadian Changemakers Association, community building liaison for Latin American Heritage Month and director for the Latin American Trade Association of Canada.

Internationally, she’s represented Canada at the UN including the Summit for Fiture, the ECOSOC youth forum and the commission of the Status of Women. Wherever Maria goes, she continues to use her voice and influence to promote equity, youth leadership and sustainable development.