Executive Leadership

Maria Cervantes was born and raised in Zamora Michoacan by maternal grandparents prior to moving to Santa Ana, CA at the age of six, where she began her academic journey.  Her undergrad is in Human Services from CSUF and Executive MBA from Chapman University. Maria has more than 23 years of experience advocating for minorities and children’s well-being, access to quality education, and health equity.

Maria is currently the Director of Partnerships and Strategic Communications as part of the leadership team at Latino Health Access.  Previously, Maria had an 18-year career at MIND Research Institute, an Irvine, CA-based nonprofit organization. As the Community Partnerships Director, she raised millions in funds and created national collaborative partnerships in STEM-focused programs accessible for under-served students.   Maria is an active board member and volunteer in various organizations including a former Advisor for OCHYCC.

Maria has been recognized for her tremendous work and impact on behalf of our community’s young students.  A few of those recognitions include the 2018  “Corazón de La Comunidad” by Santa Ana’s Delhi Center; 2014 the OC Metro Top Woman to Watch, and the National Fun Fearless Latina by Cosmopolitan for Latinas among others.  

When Maria is not out volunteering or mentoring students she is in her kitchen hosting her friends and family at her Santa Ana home.