Lorena Salazar Suquilanda (Quito, Ecuador, May 6, 1983) is a poet, clinical psychologist, and human rights advocate whose work interweaves creative expression with a commitment to educational inclusion. Known for her poetry, which explores themes of resilience and human complexity, she has contributed to notable anthologies like Con Ciertas Palabras and 10 Orillas and has performed at international poetry festivals such as Casa Bukowski’s “Mujeres.” Alongside her literary endeavors, Salazar has served as a university lecturer and consultant specializing in inclusive education for vulnerable populations, with a distinguished record of roles with UNESCO, Ecuador’s Ministry of Education, and various human rights organizations.
Early Life and Education
Lorena Salazar Suquilanda was born on May 6, 1983, in Quito, Ecuador. She pursued a career in psychology, graduating with a degree in Clinical Psychology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador in 2005. She further specialized in human rights and educational inclusion, earning a Master’s degree in Human Rights with a focus on Human Mobility from the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar in Ecuador between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, she holds a Diploma in Specialized Education from FLACSO Argentina and a certification in Language Therapy and Stimulation from Universidad de Los Hemisferios.
Professional Career
Salazar has built a multifaceted career that spans psychology, education, and human rights advocacy, with a particular focus on inclusive education for vulnerable populations. She has held various significant roles, including Director of National Inclusive and Specialized Education at Ecuador’s Ministry of Education, where she worked to implement inclusive policies and coordinate educational programs for children with disabilities and those facing educational barriers. She has also consulted with international organizations like UNESCO, where she developed pedagogical guides and educational frameworks, such as the “Model of National Bilingual Bicultural Education for the Hearing Impaired,” aimed at promoting accessibility and inclusion within the Ecuadorian education system.
In the realm of higher education, Salazar currently serves as a lecturer at Universidad Casa Grande in Guayaquil, where she teaches Educational Management and Legislation within the Faculty of Human Ecology, Education, and Development. Her consultancy work extends to diverse areas including mental health, education, and human mobility, contributing expertise to organizations like the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP UNESCO) and the Andrés Bello Agreement’s Iberoamerican Institute of Natural and Cultural Heritage (IPANC CAB).
Poetry and Literary Involvement
A poet and advocate for literary expression, Salazar has actively engaged in Ecuador’s literary circles. She has collaborated with renowned Ecuadorian poet Xavier Oquendo, contributing to anthologies such as Con Ciertas Palabras and 10 Orillas, both published by El Ángel Editor. Salazar has also participated in prominent poetry festivals and readings, including Casa Bukowski’s International Poetry Recital “Mujeres,” the “Parallel Zero International Poetry Festival,” and the “First Poetry Gathering of the Street Journalism Collective.” Her poetry reflects her multifaceted identity; she describes herself as a poet, storyteller, singer, and inventor, showcasing her creative approach to addressing life’s complexities.
Educational Studies and Advocacy Publications
Salazar has contributed to numerous publications focused on educational inclusion and human rights. Notable works include her 2020 UNESCO-published Guide for the Application of the Pre-schooling Process in the Classroom, which provides practical frameworks for inclusive education. Her thesis on the rights of children with cancer to education in Ecuador sheds light on the systemic challenges they face and advocates for integrated health and education policies to address these vulnerabilities. Other publications include analyses on the inclusion of late-entry students into educational systems and studies on discrimination in educational access for children with serious illnesses.
Legacy and Recognition
Lorena Salazar Suquilanda is recognized for her contributions to inclusive education in Ecuador and her efforts to bridge gaps in human rights for marginalized groups, particularly in the field of educational accessibility. Her work continues to influence policies and practices within Ecuador’s education system, especially in areas addressing the needs of children with disabilities and those in vulnerable situations. Salazar’s contributions as a poet, educator, and advocate mark her as a significant voice in both educational reform and Ecuadorian literature.
Selected Works
Poetry
Anthologies:
- Con Ciertas Palabras (Published by El Ángel Editor) – Collaborative anthology with contributions from Ecuadorian writers, led by poet Xavier Oquendo.
- 10 Orillas (Published by El Ángel Editor) – Another collective anthology featuring Salazar and other writers.
Educational Studies and Advocacy Publications
UNESCO Publications:
- Guía Pedagógica para la Aplicación del Proceso de Aprestamiento en el Aula (2020, UNESCO)
Academic Theses and Research Papers:
- Tensión entre derechos en enfermedades catastróficas. Complejidades y propuestas en el acceso a los Derechos de Salud y Educación en niños, niñas y adolescentes con cáncer en el Ecuador (2021, Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar)
- La Discriminación en el Derecho a la Educación en Niños/as con Cáncer en Ecuador: Situación actual y aspectos a considerar en planes educativos y de salud (2014, Programa Andino de Derechos Humanos, Revista Aportes Andinos No. 35)
Other Notable Educational Publications:
- Inclusión de estudiantes de incorporación tardía a sistemas educativos: normativa comparada (2020, UNESCO)
- Modelo Educativo Nacional Bilingüe Bicultural para personas con Discapacidad Auditiva (2019, Ministerio de Educación de Ecuador)
- Escuela para todos, juntos nos levantamos, Comunidad de cuidado de curso y fortalecimiento socioemocional – Guía para el docente (2017, Ministerio de Educación de Ecuador)
- Modelo Nacional de Gestión y Atención Educativa Hospitalaria y Domiciliaria (2016, Ministerio de Educación de Ecuador)
References
- La Poesía del Prójimo. Lorena Salazar Suquilanda, Ecuador. Retrieved on November 11, 2024. Click to view
- Casa Bukowski. Lorena Salazar: Entre tu voz y mi espalda pálida. Retrieved on November 11, 2024. Click to view
- LinkedIn. Lorena Salazar Suquilanda. Retrieved on November 11, 2024. Click to view