Maria is experienced in various industries at different levels.   As an industrial artist in the aerospace industry, an account executive for the nation’s largest workers’ compensation medical bill review company, an analyst with one of the world’s largest hardware, software and electronics distributor, and a program and business development manager in the staffing and recruiting industry, but no matter where she’s worked, her deepest passion has always been in support of nonprofit business and charitable organizations.

Maria has served as president and board member of a number of organizations, such as the Asian Business Association of Orange County, Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, Asian Women Entrepreneurs – Orange County, and she is also a Co-Founder and current board member of the Pacific Trade and Culture Alliance.  Maria has always been interested in reaching a more “Glocal Community.”

Though Maria was born in the U.S., her family moved to the Philippines when her father was scouted to run three large companies.  While living in Manila, Maria earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Philippine Women’s University and majored in Communication Arts.

Maria has also been involved with local charitable organizations such as Alzheimer’s Orange County, the Center for Autism and Neurological Disorders and many more.  In August of 2019. Maria started independently with Kure It Cancer Research, dedicated to providing direct funding to support the brightest minds in translational research of underfunded cancers at leading cancer centers, as an Event Coordinator/Development Consultant for their Let’s Save Lives gala.  In February of this year, Maria was hired as Kure It’s Development Specialist.

Maria is excited in joining FILAM and helping to achieve their mission as well.

I am currently in leadership positions for various Filipino American organizations within Southern California.  I grew up in the city of Cerritos where Filipinos can be seen on every corner.  Born in the province of Pangasinan and returning back to visit every few years, I realized how fortunate I was to have the opportunities available to me in America.  I ultimately felt that I needed to contribute positively to our Kababyans back in the Philippines and to our fellow Filipino Americans in the US.  Filipinos are people of kindness, hard work, compassion, and family.  My intention is to build bridges of connection, communication, hope, opportunity and unity for all Filipinos.

·         President – Pangasinan Brotherhood USA

·         President – Calasiao Association

·         President Emeritus – Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Orange County

·         Vice President – San Carlos Association

·         State Farm – Agent/Owner #DealWithNeil