Maria is a Case Manager for JFS’ Refugee Integration Support Effort (RISE). She attended Del Rosario University School of Law in Bogota, Colombia and Osgoode Hall Law School York University in Toronto, Canada. She holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and a Master of Laws (LL.M.). Maria also obtained a Certificate in Victimology from Algonquin College Police & Public Safety Institute in Ottawa, Canada.

Maria is married and a proud mother of two sons, and grandmother of two wonderful grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys driving two-seater cars on curvy roads, walks within nature, and dance and coloring. One fact about Maria is that her family and friends know her as Grandmatiz (never as grandmother).