Maria is a dynamic association professional with a passion for making a meaningful impact in people’s lives. She emigrated from San Jose, Costa Rica and came to the United States in 1999, where she went on to earn an Associate Degree in Applied Television Science (A.A.S.) from Mercer County Community College.

Maria joined ISPOR—The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research in 2012 as part of the global networks team where she focused on managing volunteer member groups and chapters, showcasing a particular proficiency in navigating the intricate landscape of the Latin America region. Working her way up in the organization over the past 12 years, Maria now holds the position of Associate Director of Executive Affairs, where she plays a pivotal role in collaborating closely with the organization's CEO & Executive Director, Board of Directors, and ISPOR’s Senior Leadership Team. Her responsibilities extend to strategic planning and operations, relationship building, and working cross-functionally across internal and external teams, demonstrating her commitment to driving organizational success.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Maria is deeply involved in philanthropy and community service. As a former undocumented immigrant, she is passionate about the mission and outreach of professional associations, through which she has been able to experience the true essence of the American dream. Maria volunteers her spare time attending interviews for asylum seekers and offering translation services for their immigration appointments. Her efforts contribute significantly to breaking down language barriers and ensuring that the voices of asylum seekers are heard and understood.

Inspired by personal loss, Maria extended her volunteering efforts in 2020, facilitating COVID-19 vaccine appointments for senior citizens in memory of her father, who succumbed to the virus in October of that year. She is also a committee member of Rami's Heart COVID-19 Memorial, an initiative that successfully established the first COVID-19 National Memorial in the United States.

Maria's remarkable volunteer work has not gone unnoticed. Her personal story has been featured in Oprah Daily magazine, on The Drew Barrymore Show, and on My9’s NJ Now news program. With a blend of professional prowess and a compassionate heart, Maria continues to be a force for positive change—both in her professional sphere and the wider community.