She’s honed that skill for the last year as the program coordinator of the Nobel Women’s Initiative, housed at the GCSW.

“I am surrounded by the greatest peace activists in the world,” Lopez said. “I don’t have their experiences, obviously, but I can offer questions that lead to a discussion. For example, why are we meeting with X-government and not Y-government? It’s valuable.”

The Nobel Women’s Initiative is a new project aimed at supporting the rights of women around the world, and has as its support system seven women Nobel Peace Prize Winners. They include Jody Williams, a Distinguished Lecturer at the GCSW who was honored for her work to ban landmines around the world. She is also a mentor for Lopez.

Currently, Lopez is planning an international conference in Ireland for the NWI that will bring together the women Nobel laureates, peace activists and researchers from around the world. They’ll discuss women, peace and the Middle East.

Lopez’s goal is to continue her work with the NWI and the remarkable women dedicated to the cause of peace and justice. Ultimately, she sees herself working in a think-tank setting, seeking answers by asking questions about humanitarian assistance, international policies, equality and justice for women, and peace.

Her advice to other young women: don’t keep quiet.

“Talk to others who have done what you want to do—even if they are Nobel Peace Prize winners. You won’t find the answers or the adventure unless you ask and explore.”