“All that you touch you change. All that you change, changes you. The only lasting truth is change.”
― Octavia E. Butler, Parable of the Sower
Maria is a community organizer who centers in grassroots organizing and mutual-aid efforts. In 2003, she was first introduced to collective power and change when she watched her father strike and protest against the corporations that threatened affordable health care benefits and livable wages for laborers. Since then, she has been dedicated to advocating for better policy change and human rights for all.
In 2006 she was a part of one of the largest nationwide protest in downtown L.A, challenging the Anti-Immigrant proposed bill known as HR4437. And she continues be on the front lines, not just for her community, but other communities. She was a part of the demonstrations against police brutality and marches for equality for the LGBTQ+.
Maria interned with CHIRLA also known as The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights organization where she received training in immigration law and issues surrounding undocumented individuals. She participated in community outreach and legal clinics with the mission to inform every one of their legal rights; as well as the VOTE campaign where she registered and encouraged the Latinx community to vote.
During the pandemic, Maria and a collective of organizers, led efforts to provide masks and protective gear to the most susceptible communities including the unhoused and indigenous folks in both the U.S. and Mexico. Her organizing community has helped change and shape her love for the wellbeing of EVERYONE.
When Maria is not busy changing the world, you will find her jogging or hiking.
