Maria’s conservation journey has roots in a childhood spent climbing trees, splashing in mud puddles, and collecting worms — much to her mother’s dismay. Even when she wasn’t exploring, she was often sprawled in the grass with a book about animals or fantastical lands. Those early years taught her that no matter where she was, nature was her constant companion. This reverence for the natural world developed into a deep commitment to conservation.
Maria joined PLJV in late 2025, bringing professional experience in social science-based market research and conservation communications. She is excited to connect deeply with the individuals that share her love for the land, working together to ensure that our shared natural heritage is protected and celebrated.
With such a varied professional background, Maria’s journey into professional conservation work was almost inevitable. After earning her degree in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University, she found herself working as a market research consultant, helping pharmaceutical companies across the country understand the narratives of their consumers. While this storytelling and social science-based research was enthralling, the topics were not.
Realizing her passion for understanding people’s connections to nature, rather than their connections to health, drove Maria to further her education. In 2024, she began a Master’s program at the University of Pennsylvania, trading market analyses and drug discussions for conservation communications and on-the-ground research.
In her free time, Maria is an avid hiker and birdwatcher, having recently set about learning the nuances of bird photography. She has a personal goal of visiting all the National Parks in the US — though she is only about 10% of the way there! When not outside, she enjoys cross-stitching, reading, and spending time with her partner Ryan and kitties, Mandy and Louis.