Vilma “Nina” Balmaceda, Ph.D.

Irene and William McCutchen Assoc. Professor of the Practice of Reconciliation Faculty Director, Center for Reconciliation, Duke Divinity School

Dr. Nina Balmaceda is the Irene and William McCutchen Associate Professor of the Practice of Reconciliation at Duke University’s Divinity School, where she directs the Certificate in Faith-rooted Advocacy and Conflict Transformation, the Certificate in Conflict Transformation and Reconciliation Program, and the Americas Initiative for Transformation and Reconciliation.

Her teaching and scholarship explore the intersections of theology, spirituality, conflict transformation, and reconciliation. Rooted in a deep commitment to peacebuilding, faithful citizenship, and public engagement, she seeks to create spaces where individuals and communities can engage differences with courage, compassion, and hope.

Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship and experience across diverse cultural and international contexts, Nina accompanies emerging and seasoned leaders as they navigate conflict, cultivate just peace, and strengthen communities of belonging. Her work is grounded in the conviction that reconciliation is both a personal and collective journey, one that requires patience, attentive listening, moral imagination, and a willingness to learn from others in the pursuit of transformation. In the classroom and beyond, she seeks to foster thoughtful reflection and practical engagement that nurture healing, cultivate honest relationships, and contribute to the common good.

Bringing together perspectives from peace studies, politics, public life, and law, Nina earned a Ph.D. in Political Science and master's degrees in International Peace Studies and Government from the University of Notre Dame and holds a law degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru.