As a young child, Maria immigrated to the beautiful Skagit Valley from Mexico with her mother. A graduate of Western Washington University, Maria has expertise in management, policy development, and language access refined through her work in various non-profit and public service agencies. She was appointed by Governor Inslee as executive director for the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs in August of 2018. In her free time, she serves as a board director for three non-profit boards, CIELO in Olympia, Mi Centro in Tacoma, ASHHO Cultural Community Center in Tumwater. She also serves as a board director for the Washington State Leadership Board, a trustee state agency. She’s also been a member of the Olympia Kiwanis Club and Junior League of Olympia.

Maria lives in Olympia with her partner and two dog-ters, the Stinky Dingo and Jetty; is a serial-restorer of craftsman homes; and almost always falls asleep during movies.