Maria is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and recognized social sector consultant with over 25 years of experience helping nonprofits, public agencies, philanthropic institutions, and corporate partners design, fund, and scale high–impact programs. Fluent in English and Spanish, she works with leaders to strengthen organizational strategy, align
systems, and translate mission into measurable outcomes and branding success.

Her consulting focuses on improving program effectiveness, securing and expanding funding, and building internal–external organizational capacity for long–term impact, including board development. Maria supports organizations in moving research into practice, developing grant–funded initiatives, strengthening organizational wellness, and navigating culture, communication, and power dynamics to improve performance and cohesiveness. Her work spans multiple and intersecting issues areas such as organizational capacity building, education, reproductive access, re–entry and justice–
involved youth and adults, substance use, and mental health, particularly with organizations serving youth, women, mothers, and immigrant communities.

Maria also serves as a part–time instructor at Georgia State University’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies and is a Distinguished Alum of the School. She earned her Master
of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, graduating summa cum laude, and integrates a holistic lens that connects leadership resilience, organizational wellness, and sustainable results.