Paulina Cortez Licona is the Project Coordinator and Researcher in the Public Health and Social Policy team at Harm Reduction International (HRI).

Paulina is a gender and drug policy specialist, researcher, and human rights advocate with a background in promoting social justice. She has been an advocate for the rights of women, migrants, people who use drugs, and the LGBTQ+ community. Her previous research experiences focus on the social and environmental consequences of the war on drugs in Latin America and gender-based violence.

Paulina is a member of the Strategic Advisory Body at the Women and Harm Reduction International Network (WHRIN). She has previously collaborated as a writer and translator in the communication department at Release and Talking Drugs.

Paulina worked at the Peace and Justice Service of Mexico (SERPAJ) and co-founded the Nos Hacen Falta collective. In these roles, she coordinated projects and campaigns and accompanied families affected by violence resulting from the war on drugs, including addressing cases of forced disappearance, feminicides, and homicides.

Paulina is also been involved in cultural projects, advocating for LGBTQ+ representation in the performing arts.

Paulina holds an MSc in Human Rights and Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Peace Culture from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and a BA in Intercultural Development and Management from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.