Maria Diplarou was born and raised in Paphos. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Social and Developmental Psychology, and she is pursuing her PhD in the Department of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Cyprus. Additionally, she has a diploma from the “Vladimiros Kafkarides” Drama School. Her research interests focus on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, transitional justice, and intergroup relations. In recent years, she has worked as a research associate and teaching assistant at the University of Cyprus. Maria is actively involved in various groups, organizations, and non-governmental organizations dealing with issues related to mental and sexual health, well-being and healthy relationships, gender-based violence, and the empowerment and training of young individuals on topics such as equality, acceptance of diversity, behavioral or substance dependencies, and destigmatization. Among her core priorities are the reunification of our island, the promotion of social well-being, and the building of a more human-centered society where all its members have the right to live with dignity, equality, and equity.