Mariann Youmans is a Norwegian author, youth professional, and Head of Deichman Young (Deichman UNG), a part of Oslo’s large public platform dedicated to people’s culture, participation, and democratic engagement.

She has authored 14 books and holds degrees from the University of Oslo, NTNU, and UCLA. Her expertise lies in youth participation, children’s rights, and civic activism, with a focus on participatory methodologies, amplifying marginalized voices, and redistributing power through youth-led, co-created work in cultural and democratic institutions. Youmans has served as a member of Norway’s official delegation to the United Nations Special Session on Children and as a member of the interim board of the Forum for the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

When not working, she loves spending time in nature with family and friends (mountains, sea, woods, hiking!), as well as singing and socializing.