María Sol Yáñez de la Cruz is a distinguished Ecuadorian psychologist whose vision centers on the radical idea that mental health is a fundamental human right, particularly for those silenced by systemic violence. As the recipient of the APA International Humanitarian Award, she was recognized for her tireless advocacy for survivors of human rights violations and gender-based violence in Latin America. Her work serves as a bridge between clinical psychology and the defense of human dignity, ensuring that psychological support is accessible to those in the most precarious social conditions.Her humanitarian acts are defined by a "bottom-up" approach. Rather than applying detached clinical models, she works within grassroots communities to develop psychosocial interventions that are culturally sensitive and politically aware. Her vision transcends traditional therapy; she views healing as a collective process of "social repair" and justice. By shifting survivors from the role of "victims" to active protagonists in their own recovery, she helps break the silence surrounding domestic and state-sponsored violence.Ultimately, Yáñez de la Cruz has transformed the field by integrating mental health support with legal and social advocacy. She focuses on de-stigmatizing trauma and pushing for policy reform that connects psychological practice with international human rights law. Her legacy is a blueprint for humanitarian work that restores both the individual psyche and the social fabric of marginalized populations, proving that true healing requires a commitment to social justice.