Luna Jimenez

Maria Paula

Maria P. Luna, M.A., is a Colombian psychologist with a Master's in Substance Use from the University of Deusto in Spain, focusing on prevention. With over 20 years of experience in public policy across the globe, she developed a strong understanding of substance use issues and worked on innovative solutions. At the Organization of American States, she collaborated with Latin American and Caribbean governments, civil society, academia, and other international organizations to develop and implement prevention guidelines and policies. Over the last three years in Europe, she has served as liaison/advisor to the National Plan on Drugs of Spain for two EU cooperation programs on drugs for CELAC and Central Asia, contributing to strengthening global prevention efforts.

In addition to her policy work, Ms. Luna has significant experience in training and education. Since joining APSI in 2014 as Director of Professional Development, she focused on advancing the Universal Prevention Curriculum, particularly through training of trainers programs. She played a key role in establishing the Applied Prevention Science International Education Center (APSI-EC), where she now serves as Director and currently focused on the implementation of the "Foundations for Prevention Science and Practice Curriculum" developed by APSI under the leadership of Dr. Zili Sloboda. In this position she serves as a member of the European Universal Prevention Curriculum Advisory Board. Her work intends to make evidence-based prevention more accessible to professionals worldwide, helping to ensure that effective interventions are implemented globally.