On the Development Committee, Maria is looking forward to participating in fundraising and outreach efforts, and is especially excited about our services for veterans and those with mental health diagnoses.
Maria’s experience of having a parent who lived with mental illness helped to shape her desire to help those in need. While in graduate school at NYU, earning a master’s degree in public policy and non-profit management, Maria interned at a mental health association, and co-authored a publication dealing with public policy initiatives regarding geriatric mental health issues. Maria is also interested in working with our public policy team to help change the narrative on food and nutrition.
In 2009, God’s Love hired Maria as Manager of Foundation Relations. During this time, Maria used her love of writing to craft grant proposals for foundations to support our medically tailored meal program. As she reached out to more and more organizations, Maria became passionate about raising awareness about God’s Love and ensuring we reach those who need our services.
Maria is currently a compliance officer at Marsh McLennan, a professional services firm. Maria is also a member of the firm’s pro bono and volunteer committee. Before the “Military Mondays” pro bono program was halted due to COVID, Maria loved visiting the Veteran Affairs Hospital with the committee to meet with veterans to make sure they had access to all the services and benefits to which they were entitled.
Looking to the future, Maria would like God’s Love to be a household name throughout New York City. She looks forward to finding different ways to raise funds and awareness: