MARIA LUISA MASSUH
Evanston,IL
Summary
A curious, compassionate, and driven individual with a passion for understanding people and creating meaningful impact. Known for being proactive, creative, and highly organized, with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and a genuine desire to help others. Enjoys connecting science with real-world applications and is motivated by opportunities to learn, lead, and contribute to positive change.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Intern Therapist
Heart Equine and Resillience Therapy
Cotacachi, Ecuador
07.2026 - Current
- Assisted in developing and implementing therapeutic programs for clients.
- Conducted research on equine therapy techniques to enhance client outcomes.
- Supported team members in daily operational tasks and client interactions.
- Maintained equipment and ensured a safe environment for clients and horses.
Mentor Teacher
Curious Cardinals
Remote
03.2026 - Current
- Developed personalized learning plans to support student growth and engagement.
- Facilitated collaborative workshops to enhance teaching strategies among colleagues.
- Provided constructive feedback on lesson plans, fostering continuous improvement in instructional methods.
Volunteer Musician
Mucis4Joy
Evanston, USA
2025 - Current
- Performed music at local hospital and elder home, improving patient and resident well-being.
- Fostered connections with elderly community members through music initiatives.
- Assisted fellow musicians in organizing activities, collaborating to create engaging events.
Founder
Sumak Shunko
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
2023 - Current
- Coordinated recruitment of national assembly members, benefiting 16 remote indigenous communities.
- Established strategic vision and direction for organization, ensuring alignment with mission and community needs.
- Cultivated partnerships with local businesses and organizations to enhance outreach and support initiatives.
- Developed and implemented programs focused on sustainable practices, fostering community engagement and education.
Youth Member
Regnum Chirsti
Quito, Ecuador
2017 - Current
- Coordinated activities and events for Ecuadorian chapter, enhancing spiritual growth and deepening community engagement.
- Coordinated outreach programs throughout Ecuador, increasing volunteerism and strengthening community development initiatives.
- Led semester-long apostolates in Ecuador, partnering with local communities to restore educational facilities and promote evangelization initiatives.
- Assisted in launching international Regnum Christi retreat in Ecuador, supporting participant engagement and enhancing transformative experiences.
- Facilitated initiatives for over 500 children in rural areas in rural areas by facilitating dream-related initiatives. Enhanced children's writing skills through consistent letter-writing sessions to Baby Jesus. Delivered impactful annual Christmas celebrations that strengthened community ties.
Volunteer and Sponsor
Cristo De Miravalle
Quito, Ecuador
2010 - Current
- Sponsored two children long-term, providing monthly financial support for education and healthcare needs.
- Coordinated community outreach programs to enhance local engagement and support for underserved populations.
- Organized fundraising events, increasing participation and generating resources for various charitable initiatives.
- Developed educational workshops to improve awareness of social issues impacting community members.
Classical Pianist
Accord
Quito, Ecuador
2010 - Current
- Performed diverse repertoire for live audiences, enhancing event ambiance and engagement.
- Collaborated with fellow musicians to deliver cohesive performances, enhancing audience experience through seamless musical transitions.
- Adapted quickly to various musical styles and settings, demonstrating versatility and responsiveness.
- Developed strong stage presence through regular performances, fostering deep audience rapport and connection.
- Led ensemble to win recognition at Chicago Jazz Music Festival, showcasing musical excellence and teamwork.
- Selected to perform at Ecuador National Concert Hall, "La Casa de la Música."
Co-Founder and Vice-President
The Youth Newspaper
Quito, Ecuador
01.2023 - 08.2025
- Oversaw daily operations to ensure timely publication of articles and issues.
- Coordinated a team of writers and editors to streamline workflow processes.
- Developed editorial guidelines to enhance content quality and consistency.
- Established partnerships with local organizations for community outreach initiatives.
Youth Leader
Camina Conmigo
Quito, Ecuador
2023 - 2025
- Spearheaded fundraising events, securing $1,500 monthly support for 41 families, ensuring access to vital resources.
- Supported individuals in understanding autism, assisted families in navigating challenges, and educated community members to enhance autism awareness.
- Collaborated with educators to embed SEL program into curriculum, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Achieved certification in human development, demonstrating expertise in fostering individual growth.
Founder Leader
ECyD
Quito, Ecuador
2022 - 2025
- Established Ecuadorian chapter to enhance community engagement and foster global collaborations with international chapters.
- Led initiatives promoting religious understanding and mental health awareness among middle school participants.
- Organized and executed community service events to foster local involvement and support.
- Facilitated discussions on club decisions and policies while organizing meetings to address member concerns and ensure understanding of guidelines.
President
National Honor Society, NHS
Quito, Ecuador
2018 - 2025
- Fund-raised $95000+; supported more than 35 organizations donating food supply to 8000+ families; impacted communities by rebuilding infrastructure
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance member engagement and retention.
- Coordinated fundraising efforts, securing resources for local charities and events.
- Led organization of community service projects, fostering collaboration among members.
- Mentored and trained new members on leadership principles and organizational values.
Campus Tour Guide
COGNIA
Quito, Ecuador
03.2024 - 03.2024
- Conducted engaging campus tours, highlighting key facilities and programs to prospective students and families.
- Developed informative materials and presentations to enhance visitor understanding of campus culture and academic offerings.
- Collaborated with admissions team to streamline tour scheduling, improving visitor experience and operational efficiency.
Administrative Assistant to the Director
Viaja Termina Con “A”
Quito, Ecuador
2024 - 2024
- Coordinated logistics and operations for Mental Health Woman Seminar, ensuring seamless event execution.
- Developed and implemented administrative procedures, enhancing workflow and operational effectiveness.
- Managed scheduling and calendar coordination for Director’s appointments and meetings.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline operational processes.
- Organized travel arrangements and itineraries, ensuring timely arrivals and departures.
Metacognition Seminar
Nord Anglia Education
Quito, Ecuador
2024 - 2024
- Elected among 124 classmates to be the student ambassador with international professors from Boston College and Nord Anglia representatives to discuss the implementation of metacognition in school
- Managed tasks independently, ensuring timely completion and demonstrating strong self-motivation.
- Thrived in fast-paced environments, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and maintaining high-quality work.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve project goals while also successfully managing independent responsibilities.
Elected Participant
CREO Pizza Democrática
Quito, Ecuador
2024 - 2024
- Collaborated with former President Guillermo Lasso and local leaders to enhance youth participation in political initiatives.
- Worked independently and collaborated with team members to achieve project goals.
- Pursued tasks independently while managing responsibilities to ensure project completion.
- Adapted to fast-paced environments to maintain workflow and meet project deadlines.
Member
National Student Leadership Conference
Michigan, USA
2024 - 2024
- Participated in activities that strengthened commitment to neuroscience and health fields.
- Developed proficiency in research methodologies to gather and synthesize information effectively.
- Facilitated intercultural relations to improve collaboration and understanding among diverse teams.
Research Assistant
SEL Yale Research
Remote
2023 - 2024
- Assisted in data analysis using statistical software to ensure accuracy of findings.
- Collaborated with team members to develop research methodologies and protocols.
- Conducted literature reviews to support research initiatives and data collection efforts.
- Maintained detailed records of experiments and observations for ongoing projects.
Sixth Generation Member
Beyond Lagartococha
Quito, Ecuador
2019 - 2024
- Supported local leaders in community development and educational initiatives in Amazonian regions, contributing to enhanced educational programs and community engagement.
- Facilitated day-to-day operations by collaborating efficiently with team members to ensure smooth workflow.
- Fostered positive team dynamics by demonstrating respect and friendliness while collaborating on various tasks.
- Worked night, weekend, and holiday shifts to meet operational needs.
Leadership Student
Hotel Institute Montreux
Montreux, Switzerland
2023 - 2023
- Cultivated leadership skills through collaborative projects and peer mentoring, fostering a supportive community.
- Coordinated campus events to boost student engagement and create networking opportunities.
- Engaged in workshops to enhance communication and conflict resolution skills, improving interpersonal effectiveness.
- Completed summer course at Hotel Institute Montreux, specializing in communication, team management, crisis resolution, and public speaking.
Student Delegate
Model United Nations Club
Quito, Ecuador
2020 - 2023
- Researched global issues to support committee discussions and develop informed position papers.
- Collaborated with peers to simulate diplomatic negotiations, enhancing communication and critical thinking skills.
- Engaged in public speaking exercises, improving confidence and presentation abilities during debates.
- Assisted in organizing events and conferences, ensuring smooth logistics and participant engagement.
Chair
Movimiento Verde Club
Quito, Ecuador
2020 - 2023
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance environmental awareness within the community.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to promote eco-friendly practices.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts for sustainability projects and events.
- Organized educational workshops focusing on conservation and resource management.
Speaker
Mentor Talks
Quito, Ecuador
2022 - 2022
- Delivered engaging presentations on personal development and mental health, promoting awareness and understanding.
- Developed tailored content that addressed specific audience needs and interests.
- Collaborated with diverse audiences to foster open dialogue, enhancing shared learning experiences.
- Utilized feedback mechanisms to improve presentation effectiveness and boost audience engagement.
Therapist Assistant
AMEN
Quito, Ecuador
2021 - 2022
- Assisted therapists in creating and executing individualized treatment plans tailored to diverse client needs.
- Monitored patient progress and provided feedback to improve therapeutic outcomes and maintain continuity of care.
- Supported daily therapy sessions by preparing materials and setting up equipment for various therapeutic activities.
- Facilitated equine therapy programs weekly to support sensory and emotional development of non-verbal children. Coordinated successful donation initiatives to secure essential supplies.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Neuroscience, Psychology and Music Cognition
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL, USA05-2029
Skills
- Empathetic Listening
- Analytical Thinking
- Problem-Solver
- Ambitious
- Intrapersonal Skills
- Emotional Intelligence
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Community Service
- Misiones, 2015, Present, Coordinated and participated in semester-long apostolates around Ecuador, working alongside local communities to rebuild schools, provide educational resources, and promote evangelization
- Search International Retreat, 2024, Part of the first generation of the international Regnum Christi Retreat in Ecuador. Invited to be a guide for the second generation in March. Part of the organization committee
- Soñar Despierto, 2024, Apostolate for over 500 children in rural areas. Traveled every Saturday to help them write letters to Baby Jesus, organized and hosted the Christmas annual celebration
- Cristo de Miravalle, 2010, Present, Community foundation; sponsored two children through monthly donations, providing financial support for their education and healthcare needs for 14 years
- Beyond Lagartococha, 2019, 2024, Contributed to community development and educational programs in Amazonian communities and collaborating with local leaders
- Fundacion AMEN, 2021, 2022, Volunteered weekly with equine therapy programs for non-verbal children, supporting their sensory and emotional development; coordinated donations for supplies
- CREO Pizza Democrática, 2024, Elected to attend meetings with the ex-president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso and other community leaders to discuss youth involvement in politics
Technological and Research Skills:
- Coding for Beginners: Completed an introductory coding course, gained basic knowledge in programming concepts and project development.
- Introduction to HTML: Completed an introductory course in HTML, learned basic websites design
- Kotlin for Beginners: Beginner Kotlin, focused on data types, conditional expressions, and basic algorithms
- Compose and Program Music in Python using Earsketch: Developed music composition skills using Python and Earsketch, produced 5 musical pieces
- Python 101: Basic level Python; created my first program
- "The Science of Well-Being for Teens": Completed an online course offered by Yale University, gained insights into psychological well-being and applying strategies to help with coping and adaptability
- "The Neuroscience of Personal Excellence": Completed an online course from the University of Colorado Boulder, exploring the science of motivation and self-regulation to enhance personal and academic performanceSchool activities:
Timeline
Intern Therapist
Heart Equine and Resillience Therapy
07.2026 - Current
Mentor Teacher
Curious Cardinals
03.2026 - Current
Campus Tour Guide
COGNIA
03.2024 - 03.2024
Co-Founder and Vice-President
The Youth Newspaper
01.2023 - 08.2025
Volunteer Musician
Mucis4Joy
2025 - Current
Founder
Sumak Shunko
2023 - Current
Youth Member
Regnum Chirsti
2017 - Current
Volunteer and Sponsor
Cristo De Miravalle
2010 - Current
Classical Pianist
Accord
2010 - Current
Youth Leader
Camina Conmigo
2023 - 2025
Founder Leader
ECyD
2022 - 2025
President
National Honor Society, NHS
2018 - 2025
Administrative Assistant to the Director
Viaja Termina Con “A”
2024 - 2024
Metacognition Seminar
Nord Anglia Education
2024 - 2024
Elected Participant
CREO Pizza Democrática
2024 - 2024
Member
National Student Leadership Conference
2024 - 2024
Research Assistant
SEL Yale Research
2023 - 2024
Sixth Generation Member
Beyond Lagartococha
2019 - 2024
Leadership Student
Hotel Institute Montreux
2023 - 2023
Student Delegate
Model United Nations Club
2020 - 2023
Chair
Movimiento Verde Club
2020 - 2023
Speaker
Mentor Talks
2022 - 2022
Therapist Assistant
AMEN
2021 - 2022
Bachelor of Arts - Neuroscience, Psychology and Music Cognition
Northwestern University