About me
My name is Maricruz Álvarez Brenes, and I have been a proud member of the Tres Ríos Active 20-30 Club in Costa Rica since I was 13 years old. I have had the honor of serving as President at the Youth, Active and National levels in UNCA Costa Rica (2019–2020 and 2024–2025).
My 20-30 Career
My journey has been recognized with awards for Best Member at the National Board Inauguration, Best Club President in Costa Rica, and the Manuel Molina Award for Best National President at the PostPanamax 2025 International Convention.
Timeline of My Journey in Active 20-30
2000 – Sworn in as Youth Member
2005–2006 – Youth Club President
2007 – Sworn in as Active Member
2011–2012 – UNCA National IRO
2012–2013 – UNCA National Treasurer
2017–2018 – President, Tres Ríos Active 20-30 Club
2019–2020 – National President, UNCA
2022–2023 – President, Tres Ríos Active 20-30 Club
2023–2024 – President, Tres Ríos Active 20-30 Club
2024–2025 – National President, UNCA
Other Positions:
Club:
I have been elected to all positions on the Board of Directors of the Tres Ríos Active 20-30 Club, ultimately serving as President for three terms.
National:
Since my induction as an Active Member, I have held the positions of IRO, Spokesperson, Auditor, and National Treasurer. I have also led the National Association for two terms: 2019–2020 and 2024–2025.
International:
2019-2020: International Awards Manual Review Committee – PI Ester Mora
2021-2022: International Podcast Committee – PI Nuria Rojas
2024-2025: International By-laws Reform Committee – PI Cristian Veloz
Awards:
2017: Distinguished Member, Tres Ríos Active 20-30 Club
2017: Distinguished Member, Costa Rica
2024: Best Club President Award, Costa Rica
2024-2025: Manuel Molina Award for Best National President
Studies and Profession
I am an anthropologist and currently work at the Municipality of Curridabat in the Office of Culture of Peace, where I lead participatory citizen processes. I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology at the University of Costa Rica and have complemented my education with diplomas in Social Management and Youth Policies (FLACSO) and in Governance and Public Innovation (FLACSO and CAF).
In addition, I have worked in the private sector on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, leading projects for Samsung Electronics in Costa Rica.
