Maritza is a first-generation Latina immigrant from El Estado de México. Raised in sunny, San Diego, California, Maritza moved to Oregon in 2001 to pursue her education at the University of Oregon and has lived in Lane County since. She has a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.

Maritza has diverse experience working for credit unions, public transportation, and radio. She currently works for the Oregon Department of Human Services focusing in the areas of domestic violence, equity and inclusion, and trauma-informed care. She serves as a Board Member of Trauma Healing Project, as member of the Lane Equity Coalition, and as a member of the 90by30 Steering Committee.

In 2010, she was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Credit Union Association of Oregon (now the Northwest Credit Union Association) for her work in serving underbanked communities. In 2014, she worked with Cumulus Media to open a Spanish radio station in Lane County called Radio Única 1320 AM and then served as an advisor with McKenzie River Broadcasting to launch La Que Buena 97.7 FM.

Maritza loves dogs and enjoys cooking, hiking, warm beaches, and spending time with friends and family.