Maria’s interests are in engaging communities in the scientific process while promoting capacity building and positive outcomes in marginalized populations. Her goals are to reduce disparities in mental health, promote protective factors that cultivate resilience, and empower disenfranchised communities by raising the voices of its stakeholders to enact structural change. More specifically, she is committed to addressing trauma and childhood adversities (ACEs) in communities of color, those living in poverty as well as immigrant, refugee and diaspora populations.