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. 

At Jubilee, Maria represents immigrants from Asia who are applying for status through family petitions or as survivors of crimes and domestic violence. She graduated from Berkeley Law in 2010 and went on to work for Tahirih Justice Center and 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.