Mara Brawer

Mara Brawer is an Argentine psychologist, educator, and political leader with an extensive career focused on school inclusion and policies for peaceful coexistence. She has held key positions in public administration and authored transformative legislation, such as the School Coexistence Law and the Student Council Law. Her leadership blends pedagogical vision, mediation tools, and an institutional approach.

Education and early steps in the school system

Mara Brawer trained as a psychologist at the University of Buenos Aires. From her earliest professional experiences, she engaged with the education system, applying clinical tools to analyze school conflicts. Her perspective was shaped through institutional practice, with an emphasis on how power relations affect the educational experience of children and adolescents.

A vision rooted in inclusion and dialogue

Brawer’s approach developed around school inclusion as a central axis of public policy. Her work in public schools, guidance teams, and support programs allowed her to identify patterns of both symbolic and material exclusion. In response, she proposed frameworks centered on dialogue, mediation, and collective work as pillars of fairer coexistence.

Public service and strategic leadership

Upon her appointment as undersecretary of education for the City of Buenos Aires, Brawer began shaping policies that linked mental health, education, and human rights. Later, at the national Ministry of Education, as undersecretary for equity and educational quality, she advanced policies that redefined school authority without relying on punitive models. Her management style prioritized active listening.

Promoting transformative legal frameworks

As a member of congress, Brawer spearheaded key legislation to ensure democratic school environments. One of her most impactful initiatives was the creation of a legal framework for school coexistence, offering real tools to teachers and administrators when facing conflict. Her legislative work was always tied to training processes involving teachers, families, and students.

Student participation as democratic practice

Another strategic focus of her career has been the promotion of genuine student participation in school decisions. Brawer championed policies that recognized student councils as legitimate and necessary spaces for civic development. This agenda was supported by training programs on rights, coexistence, and conflict resolution, with strong territorial outreach.

Pedagogical thinking and intellectual production

In addition to her institutional work, Brawer developed a pedagogical perspective grounded in the lived experience of school teams. She contributed to collective publications that reimagined the role of teacher authority, the school’s response to social violence, and the creation of healthy institutional climates. Her approach brings together psychology, public policy, and critical pedagogy—without empty jargon.

Influence on public policy design

Her ability to translate school-based issues into concrete public policies earned her recognition among education leaders across Argentina. The development of federal programs related to coexistence, school mediation, and inclusion of vulnerable groups marked a turning point in educational management. Her style is known for building bridges between stakeholders who often work in isolation.

Female leadership in complex contexts

Mara Brawer is also a prominent figure in female leadership within Argentine politics. Her career breaks with top-down leadership models and promotes a horizontal, cooperative, and community-based style. This approach not only redefined ministry agendas but also helped train new generations of school leaders sensitive to diversity and active listening.

A lasting legacy

Although she no longer holds legislative office, Brawer remains active in educational training spaces, pedagogical reflection, and policy design. Her influence is visible in current institutional frameworks, renewed school practices, and collaborative networks among teachers, students, and school leadership teams. Her trajectory remains a vital reference for anyone envisioning a more inclusive and equitable school system.