Maria is the Director of Policy & Government Relations at Humanity United, leading efforts to influence governments and international institutions for enduring peace and freedom. With a focus on inclusive policymaking, Maria draws from her lived experience and has an extensive background in advocating for human rights and women’s rights. She has contributed to publications like Just Security, American Foreign Service Association, World Politics Review, and Africa Journals Online.
Maria is also one of the inaugural members of Rights and Dignity (RAD). RAD is an employee-led initiative within The Omidyar Group (TOG) focused on advancing the rights and dignity of communities affected by oppression. As part of RAD, Maria works to raise awareness about some harmful and extractive aspects of philanthropy and advocates for restorative and regenerative practices both within and outside of TOG.
Previously, she served as a Senior Human Rights and Governance Technical Advisor to the Uganda National Planning Authority at the German Development Cooperation and coordinated efforts for women’s rights with LAW-Uganda, achieving significant legal milestones.
Recognized as a 2023 DINSN National Security & Foreign Affairs Leader, Maria holds a master’s degree in global health law from Georgetown University Law Center, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University in Uganda and is an alumna of the Georgetown Law and Advocacy for Women in Africa Program.