Maria has just joined the GOTR Bay Area team as the Programs Manager! In her role, she will support the Program Director in executing the Fall and Spring seasons, as well as the semi-annual 5K events. Over the past decade, she has contributed to mission-driven organizations both locally and nationally. She is beyond excited to return to youth development work and inspire the next generation of girls in the Bay Area to reach their limitless potential!

Born in the the Philippines, Maria immigrated to the US with her family when she was seven years old. Her first job as a teenager was helping elementary school students improve their reading skills in San Francisco’s Mission District, not too far from GOTRBA’s office. This ignited her life-long passion and dedication to community development and social impact work. Maria holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Asian American Studies from San Francisco State University. Her graduate thesis explored the positive impact of culturally and community-responsive learning environments for Asian American elementary age students, with a focus on Filipino American children.

She currently lives in Walnut Creek with her husband Peter, and their dog Hamilton. In her free time, Maria is aiming to beat her personal record of reading 60 books in a year.