Maria (Belén) is a Chilean lawyer with experience working at the intersection of law and social policy. She has advised different ministries within the Chilean government, working closely with Congress to advance inclusive, rights-based legislation. As a legislative adviser at the Ministry of Energy, she shaped policies to protect vulnerable customers from energy poverty.
Belén works at the Undersecretariat of Social Services, part of the Ministry of Social Development and Family, the institution responsible for advancing poverty reduction, social protection, and social inclusion. In this role, she contributed to drafting Chile’s National Support and Care System, the first legislative framework to recognise the right to social care, and led initiatives promoting rights-based policies for older adults, people with disabilities, and socially and economically marginalised communities.
Belén is currently focused on social care and ageing policy, and on advancing equitable, inclusive social protection. Belén is a Luksic scholar.