María Luisa Gómez Crespo graduated in Law and Sociology from Pontificia  and Complutense University in Madrid. She holds postgraduate degrees in Gender and Development (Institute of Women of Spain), and in Social Leadership, Strategic Planning and Public Policy Evaluation (IESE).

She developed her professional experience over the last 20 years, working for the under United Nations, OSCE and the European Union in Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador and Bosnia, both as legal officer and expert in civil society. Since 2003 she has been director of the NGO Platform for Social Action (Plataforma de ONG de Acción Social)

The platform analyses the state of the third social sector in Spain, develops the strategic plan for the third social sector and develops programs to promote active citizenship and participation, promoting the interchange with other NGOs in the European Union under the EEAGRANT.