María Corina Machado Biography
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan opposition leader, engineer, and democracy advocate born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas. She trained as an industrial engineer and later earned a master’s degree in finance. Early in her career, she founded the Atenea Foundation, which focused on supporting vulnerable children. Soon after, she co-founded Súmate, an organization dedicated to promoting free and transparent elections in Venezuela.
In 2010, Machado won a seat in the National Assembly with record voter support. However, authorities later removed her after she openly criticized human rights violations. Despite this setback, she continued her activism. In 2012, she launched Vente Venezuela, a liberal political movement advocating democratic reforms and economic freedom. She also helped establish the Soy Venezuela alliance, uniting multiple opposition groups.
In 2023, Machado won the opposition primary for the 2024 presidential election. Nevertheless, government officials blocked her candidacy, sparking global concern over political repression. Despite threats and restrictions, she maintained peaceful resistance.
Her courage and consistency earned international recognition. In 2025, she received the Nobel Peace Prize, solidifying her status as a global symbol of freedom, democratic leadership, and civil rights in Venezuela.
María Corina Machado Age
How old is María Corina Machado?
María Corina Machado is 58 years old as of 2025. She was born on October 7, 1967, in Caracas, Venezuela. Over the decades, she has remained a central figure in Venezuelan politics. Her age reflects long-term dedication to democratic reform, civic activism, and national leadership under challenging political conditions.
María Corina Machado’s Height
How tall is María Corina Machado?
María Machado stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. Her height complements her confident public presence. Moreover, she commands attention during speeches and rallies. Her strong posture and composed appearance reinforce her image as a determined Venezuelan opposition leader and respected democracy advocate.
María Corina Machado Husband
María Corina Machado married Venezuelan businessman Ricardo Sosa Branger in 1990. The couple divorced in 2001 after more than a decade together. During their marriage, they welcomed three children. As Machado’s political profile rose, threats against her family increased. Consequently, Sosa Branger relocated abroad for safety. Despite the separation, both parents prioritized their children’s well-being. Machado remained in Venezuela to continue her political struggle. Today, she remains divorced and focused on democratic advocacy, leadership, and family responsibilities amid ongoing political pressure.
María Corina Machado Education
María Corina Machado earned a degree in industrial engineering from Andrés Bello Catholic University in Caracas. Later, she completed a master’s degree in finance at IESA. In 2009, she joined the Yale World Fellows program, strengthening her leadership skills. Additionally, she attended elite Catholic schools and studied abroad during her youth. Her education sharpened her analytical thinking and economic insight. Consequently, she advocates transparent governance and sustainable reform. Her academic background supports her role as a strategic political leader focused on rebuilding Venezuela’s democratic institutions.
María Corina Machado Children
María has three children: Ana Corina, Ricardo, and Henrique. She shares them with her former husband, Ricardo Sosa Branger. Due to political threats, her children live abroad for security reasons. Nevertheless, Machado maintains a close bond with them. Her eldest daughter, Ana Corina, often represents her at international events. In 2025, Ana Corina accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her mother’s behalf. Machado frequently speaks about balancing motherhood and activism. Her children symbolize both personal sacrifice and resilience within Venezuela’s democratic struggle.
María Corina Machado’s Parents
María Corina Machado is the daughter of Henrique Machado Zuloaga and Corina Parisca Pérez. Her father worked in Venezuela’s steel industry, while her mother practiced psychology and excelled in tennis. She grew up in Caracas alongside three younger sisters. Her parents emphasized education, discipline, and civic responsibility. As a result, Machado developed strong leadership skills early in life. Their encouragement shaped her commitment to democracy, service, and resilience. Her family background continues to influence her values and long-standing dedication to political reform and public accountability.
María Corina Machado Ethnicity & Nationality
María Corina Machado is a Venezuelan national, born and raised in Caracas. She holds Venezuelan citizenship and strongly identifies with her homeland. Her family heritage includes European ancestry, common among many Venezuelan families. Nevertheless, she emphasizes national unity rather than ethnic divisions. Machado consistently advocates equal rights for all Venezuelans. Her identity influences her political messaging and global representation. She presents herself as a voice for national dignity, democratic participation, and inclusive governance. Her nationality remains central to her leadership within Venezuela’s opposition movement.
María Corina Machado’s Religion
María Corina Machado practices Catholicism, shaped by her upbringing in a conservative Venezuelan household. She attended Catholic schools during her formative years. Her faith influences her ethical framework and commitment to justice. Moreover, she often emphasizes integrity, responsibility, and service in public life. While guided by personal beliefs, Machado supports religious freedom and inclusion. She respects diverse viewpoints within Venezuelan society. Her religious values complement her advocacy for human rights, moral leadership, and transparent governance throughout her political career.
María Corina Machado and Ana Corina Sosa
María Corina Machado shares a close relationship with her eldest daughter, Ana Corina Sosa. Ana Corina frequently represents her mother at international forums. In 2025, she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on Machado’s behalf. Born in 1991, Ana Corina lives abroad and works in the private sector. Despite distance, the mother-daughter bond remains strong. Together, they reflect family resilience amid political repression. Their partnership highlights the personal sacrifices behind Machado’s public leadership and underscores the human cost of Venezuela’s democratic struggle.
María Corina Machado’s Political Party
María Machado is the founder and leader of Vente Venezuela, established in 2012. The party promotes democracy, free-market reforms, and human rights. It advocates peaceful political change and citizen empowerment. Additionally, Machado collaborates with the Soy Venezuela alliance, uniting opposition forces nationwide. Her party played a major role in opposition primaries for the 2024 presidential election. Although authorities blocked her candidacy, Vente Venezuela remains influential. It continues challenging authoritarian rule while pushing for transparent elections and democratic governance in Venezuela.
María Corina Machado’s Nobel Prize 2025 – Venezuelan Peace Laureate
Who got the Nobel Prize for 2025?
María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her peaceful struggle for democracy and human rights. The award recognized her courage under political repression. It also honored her ability to unite citizens and opposition groups. Although travel restrictions limited her movement, her daughter accepted the prize publicly. Machado dedicated the award to the Venezuelan people. The Nobel Prize elevated her international profile and reinforced her role as a global advocate for non-violent political change and democratic freedom.
María Corina Machado and Trump
María Corina Machado has publicly acknowledged Donald Trump’s support for Venezuela’s democratic cause. She praised U.S. pressure against authoritarian rule and described Trump as supportive of reform efforts. Moreover, she credited American leadership for amplifying Venezuela’s struggle internationally. Her comments sparked debate among critics and supporters alike. Nevertheless, Machado views international alliances as essential tools for democratic change. Her stance highlights strategic cooperation between Venezuelan opposition leaders and influential global political figures.
María Corina Machado on Palestine
María Corina has expressed support for Israel while condemning terrorism in the Middle East. She emphasized democratic values and security concerns following regional conflicts. Additionally, she stated that all people deserve dignity and peace. Machado has suggested diplomatic alignment with Israel if elected. At the same time, she acknowledged humanitarian concerns for civilians. Her position reflects broader foreign policy views grounded in democracy, security, and international cooperation. These statements align with her global outlook on freedom and political stability.
María Corina Machado Net Worth
As of 2026, María Corina Machado’s estimated net worth ranges between $8 million and $10 million. Her income includes public speaking, political work, and media initiatives. Additionally, the Nobel Peace Prize contributed significant prize funds. Her movement’s donations and digital platforms also support her advocacy efforts.
