Born in French Camp, California and raised throughout the San Joaquin Valley, Maria is passionate about advancing career opportunities and creating equitable pathways for first-generation salary earners. With experience in recruitment, partnership development, and leadership development, she works to build programs that center the lived experiences of diverse communities.

Her experience also includes collaborating with global corporations, education nonprofits, and early-stage startups to understand their mission-driven goals while implementing anti-racist hiring and retention best practices. She believes in the transformative power of inclusive workplaces and is committed to increasing diversity through retainment strategies that honor and embrace individuals from all walks of life. Maria holds a bachelor’s degree from CSU Stanislaus and a master’s degree from CSU Sacramento.

Maria enjoys hiking local trails, cheering on the Sacramento Kings, exploring Mexico, and spending quality time with her beautiful family.