Maria is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Pocket Project and serves as a Director at the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma, advocating passionately for trauma-affected refugees and addressing global forced migration challenges. Her extensive program leadership experience, including roles at Harvard Law School's criminal defense program and strategic planning in the private sector, uniquely position her to establish culturally responsive service networks.

Maria's background in law and profound understanding of mental health trauma inform her impactful work and scholarship. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Harvard Medical School’s Center for Bioethics, Maria earned her JD from Indiana University and completed a fellowship at Harvard University’s Office of the President, enriching her interdisciplinary approach to addressing humanitarian crises.