Maria Velez joined the Latino Network team in the spring of 2016 working as a SUN Manager. Currently, she manages eight SUN Community School Sites and six food programs with the collaboration of the Oregon Food Bank. Maria feels great pride to work among and for talented Latinx individuals, students, and families.

Before moving to Portland, Oregon in 2010, Maria had the honor of serving in the Peace Corps as an English Language Teacher in both the Republic of Georgia and Nicaragua. Through this experience, she learned a lot about the great resilience of families to ensure their children thrive in life.

She graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Art History and minors in Spanish and Italian and then received her Masters in Museum Education from the University of the Arts.

Maria has been in the field of youth development for more than 15 years and has worked in the nonprofit world all her life. She is always inspired by people and programs that work toward creating a better world especially in the SUN Service Division at Multnomah County.

Maria was born in Colombia and brought to the States when she was one to Pennsylvania. She is fascinated by how both cultures show up in her professional and personal life in terms of her values and outlook on life. Overall she is proud of her heritage and grateful to be a part of Latino Network.

Outside of work, you may see Maria cooking a big meal, hiking in the woods, or spending time with loved ones.

Email: vmaria@latnet.org