Maria Gabriela Vega: A Trailblazer in Criminal Justice Reform and Advocacy

María Gabriela Vega: A Trailblazer in Criminal Justice Reform and Advocacy

With over two decades of experience redefining legal systems in Costa Rica and beyond, María Gabriela Vega stands as a powerful advocate for justice, equity, and systemic reform. Her career, shaped by her roles as a prosecutor and judge with Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, has focused on critical issues such as organized crime, gender violence, and systemic inequity. Now, as the founder of Justice Horizon LLC, Ms. Vega is bringing her expertise to the U.S., driving transformative legal and social initiatives.

Transforming Justice Through Expertise and Innovation

Ms. Vega’s extensive judicial and prosecutorial background has equipped her to address complex issues like drug trafficking, money laundering, and cross-border organized crime. Her innovative and solution-driven approach to these challenges now informs her consultancy work. At Justice Horizon LLC, Ms. Vega focuses on three core pillars:

• Gender Violence Prevention

• Combatting Transnational Criminal Activities

• Implementing Systemic Legal Reforms

These focus areas reflect her lifelong commitment to justice and her ability to translate expertise into actionable strategies.

Photo Courtesy: Maria Gabriela Vega A Leader in Gender Violence Prevention

Ms. Vega has made significant strides in gender violence prevention, one of the most pressing issues in both domestic and international legal systems. Drawing on her prosecutorial experience, she has developed comprehensive training programs to strengthen U.S. policies and improve survivor protections. By fostering collaboration among law enforcement, judiciary systems, and social service providers, she ensures a holistic approach to addressing gender-based violence. Her work has become a model for creating integrated, survivor-focused solutions.

Tackling Transnational Organized Crime

Ms. Vega’s experience in dismantling international crime networks has been instrumental in disrupting organized crime operations. Her consultancy strengthens cooperation between U.S. and international agencies, helping to enhance cross-border justice efforts. Through strategic frameworks, she provides tools to combat transnational crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling, and financial fraud. Her insights continue to make a measurable impact on global security.

Championing Systemic Reform and Equity

At the heart of Ms. Vega’s mission is systemic reform. She advocates for restorative justice, equitable sentencing, and community-based solutions to reduce disparities in incarceration. Her comparative legal research equips policymakers with actionable strategies to modernize outdated practices, ensuring justice systems are fair and inclusive. By prioritizing data-driven reforms, Ms. Vega is reshaping the foundation of justice systems to better serve all communities.

Educator and Advocate for Future Generations

Photo Courtesy: Maria Gabriela Vega