Nathalia Franco Pérez

From a very young age, I have been fascinated by the deepest questions of human existence: Why do we suffer? What brings us profound joy? What is the meaning of life? How do some people manage to experience peace and happiness in different stages of their life? Why do some people choose paths that are beneficial and edifying, while others endure deep and prolonged inner struggles? I have addressed these questions in the areas of communications and journalism (my undergraduate major), ethics (my Master’s specialty), transpersonal psychology (my most recent specialization) and spirituality (my lifelong pursuit). During my 11-year tenure at Universidad EAFIT, a leading private university in Medellín, Colombia, I accompanied, guided, and addressed the concerns of dozens of people as head of the academic integrity program Atreverse a Pensar (Dare to Think) and later as founder and leader of the Centro de Integridad (Center for Integrity). In countless conversations on topics related to vocation, moral dilemmas, ethics, purpose, decision-making, bullying, gender, diversity, and inclusion, I saw first-hand the suffering that many people endure and realized over time that spirituality (the importance of nourishing our spirit, as well as our body and mind) and rigorous therapeutic work are essential and complementary elements for accepting, processing, and healing the many complex realities we confront as human beings. With the support of my parents and my life partner and the hope for the future my children represent, I now want to devote all of my knowledge and my whole heart and soul to ESENCIAL, a project that exists to serve as a beacon of hope and light for individuals, families, educational institutions, and businesses looking to embark on a sincere journey of inner work and self-cultivation, inspired by a desire to live in love and truth. Experience: Founder and Director of the Center for Integrity at Universidad EAFIT, in Medellin, Colombia (two main topics of research and intervention programs: a) Ethics and Academic Integrity; b) Gender and Sexual Diversity). Professor of Ethics and Social Responsibility at Universidad EAFIT, in Medellin, Colombia Leader of Communications and Social Responsibility at the Prevention of Anorexia and Bulimia Project Communications, HBO Latin America Research Assistant, Florida International University Journalist, TV News Service, Medellin, Colombia Publications: Atreverse a Pensar: https://www.eafit.edu.co/cultura-eafit/fondo-editorial/colecciones/Paginas/atreverse-a-pensar.aspx Diseñar con luz y sentido: https://www.eafit.edu.co/cultura-eafit/fondo-editorial/colecciones/Paginas/disear-con-luz-y-sentido.aspx Docentes que inspiran: https://www.eafit.edu.co/cultura-eafit/fondo-editorial/colecciones/Paginas/docentes-que-inspiran.aspx “Perspectives on Academic Integrity in Colombia and Latin America: https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-981-287-098-8_10 Nathalia Franco Pérez is looking forward to networking with like-minded professionals.