Maria A. Santos (she/her)

Maria joined Forward Together in 2016 and has worn many hats including Administrative, Movement Building Coordinator, and now Network Engagement C0-Manager. Born in the Philippines, Maria immigrated to the United States when she was seven years old, settling with her family in Arizona and eventually moving to the Bay Area in high school. Maria earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University’s College of Ethnic Studies. Prior to joining Forward Together, Maria worked with multiple community-based organizations in San Francisco providing support and facilitation of services ranging from after school programs to workforce development training. At Forward Together, Maria’s role includes creating deep relationships with partner organizations and guiding her team through  short-term and long-term based projects to sharpen Forward Together’s lens and approach around the reimagining of what family means.  Maria is passionate about Filipino food, baked treats and envisioning new ways to do work that is joyful, sustainable and based in abundance.