María Corina Machado
María Corina Machado  |
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| Caption | María Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize |
| Birth name | María Corina Machado Parisca |
| Born | October 7, 1967 Caracas, Venezuela |
| Nationality | Venezuelan |
| Alma mater | Universidad Católica Andrés Bello Yale University |
| Occupation | Politician, activist |
| Known for | Pro-democracy leadership in Venezuela |
| Notable works | Opposition leadership and human rights advocacy |
| Awards | Nobel Peace Prize |
| Website | [mariacorinamachado |
María Corina Machado Parisca (born 7 October 1967) is a Venezuelan politician, civil engineer, and democracy activist. She is widely recognized for her role as one of the most prominent opposition leaders in Venezuela. Machado became internationally known for her efforts to restore democratic institutions and human rights in her country.
She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her leadership in the non-violent struggle for freedom, democracy, and human rights in Venezuela.
Early life and education
Machado was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She grew up in a politically active family. She studied industrial engineering at Universidad Católica Andrés Bello and later attended Yale University for postgraduate studies.
Political career
Machado co-founded the civic organization Súmate in 2002, which advocated for electoral transparency and democracy. She gained international attention in 2005 when she met with then U.S. President George W. Bush.
Over the years, she became a key figure in the opposition movement against the government of Hugo Chávez and later Nicolás Maduro. Machado served as a member of the National Assembly and consistently called for free elections and respect for human rights.
Nobel Peace Prize
In recognition of her commitment to democracy and peaceful resistance, Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. The Nobel Committee praised her for “defending fundamental freedoms and inspiring a new generation of pro-democracy movements in Latin America.”
International recognition
Machado has received multiple international honors and has spoken at global forums, including the Organization of American States and the United Nations Human Rights Council. She has been featured in major international media outlets and is often described as one of the most influential political figures in Venezuela’s modern history.
Personal life
Machado is the daughter of Henrique Machado Zuloaga and Corina Parisca de Machado. She has three children. Beyond politics, she is known for her advocacy for women’s leadership and democratic values.