Wallenberg Lecture: Peacebuilding and Social Transformation in Latin AmericaOctober 18, 2021 at 4–5 p.m.

Peacebuilding and Social Transformation in Latin America

Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Lecture featuring

Dr. Vilma Balmaceda

Monday October 18 4:00pm  OLIN 103

Dr. Vilma Balmaceda is a scholar-practitioner serving as associate director at Duke University’s Center for Reconciliation.  Her work focuses on civic leadership development and education for peace and reconciliation. Dr. Balmaceda is president of Peace and Hope International, a nonprofit that works through local organizations in Latin America to prevent and confront violence and other forms of injustice against the most vulnerable. Dr. Balmaceda’s current research focuses on contrasting understandings of social transformation between different Christian groups across the Latin American region.

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Dr. Balmaceda earned her law degree at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. After pursuing graduate studies in the US as a Fulbright scholar, she taught part time at her alma mater’s Law School and worked in the human rights field.  In addition to her law degree, she has a Master’s degree in International Peace Studies, and her Ph.D. in Political Science.

The Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Lecture is hosted by the Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies program.  The lecture has been on hiatus for the past few years.  This year’s lecture is also supported by the Raymond and Florence Sponberg Endowed Professor of Ethics.