While Maria’s first “official” job was at our local frozen yogurt shop, growing up her parents didn’t have access to affordable and reliable childcare, so during the weekends and summers they took Maria picking with them. She remembers running around in the orchards, carrying water jugs and helping pick the low hanging fruit (apples, cherries, pears), or trying to sleep on the wooden bins because they couldn’t leave her alone in the car. Maria’s parents woke up early and would start picking as soon as the sun rose to maximize their time before it got too hot to continue. Her parents taught her the values of hard work, perseverance and determination, values that have grounded and inspired Maria’s work.

Maria’s parents emphasized the importance of obtaining an education. She attended Yakima schools and graduated from A.C. Davis High School, the first in her family to graduate from high school. She earned an associates degree from Yakima Valley College and her bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University. Yakima has always been home, and after graduating college, she came back to her community.

Maria began her career as a community organizer in her hometown, and over the last decade, she has helped candidates up and down the ballot across the entire state get elected and help constituents. Maria’s experience spans all levels of government with a blend of policy and campaign experience, including for U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier and State Rep. Debra Entenman.