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Maria Huasasquiche
Strategic & Service Designer, Trainer & Facilitator. Business Innovation - Education - Change Management - Social Impact
Professional Background
María Isabel (often referred to as Mari) Huasasquiche is a dedicated professional who has been spearheading transformational change in her various roles for over a decade. With a compelling mission to create a better world through inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable practices, Mari excels in driving purposeful projects across three crucial areas: education, organizational development, and community engagement.
At the educational level, Mari has worked diligently for more than four years in the design and coordination of educational experiences. Her expertise encompasses innovative methodologies, design practices, and responsible leadership, through which she has successfully facilitated the learning journeys of hundreds of professionals. As the former Academic Director and Community Builder at UXER School, a highly regarded institution in Spain focused on design, innovation, and technology, she played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
In her organizational pursuits, Mari has been instrumental in managing corporate innovation projects and cultural change initiatives for leading companies such as Suez, Caixabank, Airbus, and Engie, particularly within the Smart Cities sector. Her efforts have been pivotal in addressing critical business needs while promoting a culture of innovation centered on human values. By fostering an experimental and inclusive atmosphere, Mari supports organizations in adapting to dynamic market environments and embracing change effectively.
Mari's passion for collaboration extends to her role in community development. As the founder and leader of OpenIDEO Barcelona, she established the first community focused on social innovation and design. This initiative has granted her invaluable experience in Design Thinking for social good and has empowered her to work with open innovation and collective intelligence models. One notable achievement was her impactful work with Top Manta, a project that received a capital investment of $200,000, showcasing her capability to mobilize resources for social enterprises.
Education and Achievements
Mari's educational background includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from ESADE Business School, one of the leading business schools in Europe, and a Bachelor in Business Administration from Universidad de Piura. This solid academic foundation has equipped her with essential knowledge and skills that support her mission to leverage innovation and design for societal benefit.
Not only is Mari a leader in her field, but she is also a lifelong learner dedicated to ongoing personal and professional growth. Her educational journey began—as many do—through experiences that reshaped her perspective. A significant moment was her volunteer work in Peru, which opened her eyes to new ways of seeing the world and ignited her desire to affect positive change in society. This experience instilled in her a strong sense of empathy, enhancing her ability to connect with people and understand their circumstances deeply.
Having worked across multiple areas of the business and social sectors, Mari ultimately identified her core focus on utilizing innovation and design as transformative tools. Her commitment to fostering close-knit, dynamic workplaces conducive to continuous learning aligns perfectly with her vision for impactful community engagement and organizational success.
Achievements
Mari's professional journey is punctuated with numerous achievements and milestones that highlight her influence and expertise. As an innovator, she has successfully launched and led various initiatives aimed at creating meaningful impact in both organizational and community contexts. Her leadership of OpenIDEO Barcelona stands as a testament to her exceptional ability to rally communities around pressing social challenges, encouraging collaborative solutions for a better future.
Under Mari's guidance at UXER School, the institution flourished, consistently attracting professionals eager to advance their knowledge in cutting-edge design and innovation methodologies. Her ability to engage and inspire others is evident through the countless success stories of participants whose careers have been enriched by the educational experiences she designed.
In her consulting roles, Mari's impactful strategies and approaches were instrumental in enhancing organizational capabilities across diverse sectors. Her projects at Suez and Caixabank not only addressed immediate business needs but also set the stage for long-term cultural evolution within these organizations as they embraced the principles of sustainable innovation.
Mari’s efforts extend to influencing social entrepreneurship, as demonstrated during her internship with the Momentum Project - an accelerator dedicated to social initiatives. Here, she contributed valuable insights that empowered emerging entrepreneurs who are now making significant contributions toward addressing societal issues.
As a passionate advocate for design-driven innovation and social change, Mari Huasasquiche continues to inspire others to step beyond conventional boundaries. Her approach advocates for collaborative frameworks as essential for cultivating a just and equitable global society.
Mari's unwavering belief in the power of people to catalyze change resonates deeply with her work ethos and the relationships she fosters within her professional endeavors. Her journey illustrates a compelling narrative of using innovative practices to cultivate transformation, drive success, and ultimately create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.