Maria Rebello-Valdez is a public health leader that focuses on addressing inequities through process development, public health programming, data and policy.

Maria’s passion for public health issues and health disparities grew at a young age with her family, and as an immigrant, and first-generation student in public health.

She saw firsthand, from an early age, the impacts the healthcare and social system had on her family and the community. From simple things like scheduling a medical appointment to more complex matters like accessing social services, housing or understanding one’s healthcare to make informed decisions, there was always a barrier for the immigrant, minority or low-income community. Barriers that should not be blocking basic human rights.

Maria has a master's in public health, years of experience in process development, public health practice and policy work, along with her life experience as an immigrant, and minority.

Maria has an amazing husband who is always by her side through each journey, and they have 3 fur kiddos together, Photon, Equity and Bumble. Yes, Equity is named after her career in public health.