Maria joined Port Houston in April of 2021 and is the Director of Community Relations.

Prior to joining the Port, she worked at Avenue CDC where she served as the Director of Community Initiatives. Her accomplishments include securing a $1.5 million dollars in grants for capacity building and advocacy efforts in the Greater Northside.

Maria was also selected as the 2020 NFL Houston Texans Campeón de la Comunidad, which honors an outstanding leader in the Latino community who is making a positive impact on the city of Houston through service and dedication to a local non-profit.

Maria is a Cum Laude graduate of Baylor University, with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She is also a Certified Associate in Project Management. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Psychology from Harvard University – Extension school.