Hi, I’m Maria.
My passion is connecting people across languages and cultures. My focus is building organizational capacity and individual awareness to foster effective communication.
I describe myself as a reluctant entrepreneur, driven by necessity—the proverbial mother of invention. The traditional workplace did not accommodate my dual roles as a parent and professional, compelling me to forge my own path. Now, I do what I love: connecting people across languages and cultures.
In my work, I focus on advancing culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) through established best practices, including the National CLAS Standards. I help organizations understand and meet the language access requirements mandated by Title VI, ensuring they can serve diverse communities effectively.
Additionally, I am a certified Spanish <> English interpreter, trained through Bridging the Gap. Interpreting not only fills my cup but also enriches every aspect of my consulting work, keeping me close to the community. This integration of professional expertise and personal commitment has enabled me to make meaningful impacts in the lives of others while also growing as a professional and a parent.
My Approach
Collaborative Partnership
As the founder of a minority woman-owned business with over 20 years of experience, I am deeply committed to fostering equitable and inclusive systems change. By collaborating closely with clients and partners, I have conducted community listening sessions across the state in both English and Spanish, engaging with diverse groups to discuss challenges and generate solutions for critical issues impacting communities. I specialize in federal language access requirements and the National CLAS Standards, offering expert consultation, training, and technical assistance. My work supports organizations in developing policies and practices that not only ensure meaningful engagement with diverse communities but also provide equitable support for bilingual staff. Together with my clients, we create environments where every voice is heard and valued, leading to more effective and inclusive systems and services.
I meet clients where they are, helping to balance the complexities of language barriers with strategic and innovative language access solutions. Together, we work to enhance organizational performance that fosters equity, diversity, and inclusion.