Occupation

• CEO Children's Foundation

Qualifications
My campaign has been "All About Richmond," because my life has been all about Richmond. I was raised here. I've stayed here with my family and, for 30 years, I've worked to develop public safety, community, and children's programs.

I served on the College Board and worked in the State Legislature as a Consultant/Chief of Staff on projects and budget issues benefiting Richmond. Directing the region's public safety collaborative, I increased law enforcement's capacity to reduce homicide and prevent violence against families.

Maria’s Vision
Now, directing a children's foundation, I develop programs that prepare kids for academic success and ultimately productive young adulthood. Although I've worked to bring funding into Richmond for neighborhood services, on the Council, I can make sure that our neighborhoods really get served: Here's how:

• Neighborhood Service Teams so neighborhoods have access to trained city staff who are accountable to residents.
• Community Policing that trains residents and officers to prevent and solve neighborhood crime.

Richmond has changed. But unlike other cities, Richmond has not taken advantages of its opportunities to prosper. I've stayed here because I love this city. I work here because I want to make a difference.