Executive Director, Somos Familia

Maritza is the Executive Director of Somos Familia, a community based organization working to build leadership in our Latinx families and communities to create a culture where people of diverse genders and sexual orientations can thrive. As a queer Latina, nonprofit professional, leader, and activist, Maritza’s work with Somos Familia to increase family and community acceptance of LGBTQ Latinxs is deeply personal. She strongly believes that change comes from family leadership within the community she serves.

Prior to joining Somos Familia, she worked as an organizational development consultant with organizations from across the country on issues of diversity, leadership, environment, education, and innovation. Maritza is a founding member of the LGBTQ Latinx Giving Circle at the Latino Community Foundation and a member of Rise Up’s inaugural California cohort of the Gender Equity Initiative. In 2020, she was named to The 41 List which highlights 41 role models in the Latinx LGBTQ+ community that live their lives “out” and open. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of the District of Columbia and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from The New School. She was born and raised in Queens, NY and lives in Oakland, CA.  

Rise Up Cohort: California 2019