Maria Rocha was born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico. She graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, where she received a Bachelor’s in Psychology. After I graduated, Maria worked as a high school teacher and preschool therapist with students who had behavioral problems. In 2002, I immigrated to the U.S. with my daughter. She has resided in the Mission District of San Francisco for 19 years.

As an immigrant, Maria yearned to provide a better future for my children. She became involved with my first-born child’s elementary school to gain more insight as to how she could better support her education. During an ELAC (English Learners Advisory Committee) workshop that Mission Graduates hosted, she became interested in learning how to found an ELAC chapter at her child’s school. Under the mentorship of Mission Graduates, Maria was able to organize and establish the chapter. She was also invited by her mentor to found the Parent Partner Program at Mission Graduates. Additionally, Maria was elected as the DELAC (District English Learners Advisory Committee) 1st Chair President for four years. In 2011, she began working as a Madre Lider at Mission Graduates. Maria also served as a Promotora and Program Coordinator. In 2020, she was promoted as Assistant Director.

After working at Mission Graduates for 11 years, Maria had the opportunity to learn more about how to navigate the school system and help underrepresented immigrant families have access to higher education. She is passionate about serving the community and empowering families to advocate for their children’s academic success. This job has granted Maria the opportunity to help guide families who are looking for ways to learn how to support their children in and out of the classroom.