Julian Portilla holds a B.A. in French and Political Science from Vassar College. In 2003 he received his Masters of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University's Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution. At present he works as a bilingual mediator and facilitator for Fundacion Cambio Democratico in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a non-profit conflict resolution and training organization in the Partners for Democratic Change International (PDCi) network. His current focus is on land use conflicts and environmental disputes in Latin America.