Maria’s advocacy is grounded in empowerment. She strives to create a space where her clients are seen and heard, and where they are an equal partner in their immigration process. 

Maria’s outreach experience in rural villages in the Philippines made her aware of how poverty and trauma negatively impact individual opportunities in life. The resilience of the youth she had worked with inspired her to join teams that break barriers and help improve lives.  

At Jubilee, Maria represents immigrants who are applying for status through family petitions or as survivors of crimes and domestic violence. Prior to joining Jubilee, she worked for Tahirih Justice Center and for API Legal Outreach. At Tahirih, Maria assisted immigrant women and children fleeing violence. At API Legal Outreach, Maria defended tenants in eviction matters, assisted petitioners seeking restraining orders for their protection and represented survivors of trafficking and sexual assault in their application for immigration relief.

Maria speaks Tagalog.