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. Governor Inslee appointed her as executive director for the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs in August of 2018.
Maria lives in Olympia with her partner and Stinky Dingo. She is a serial restorer of craftsman homes and almost always falls asleep during movies.