About
MK Strategy

Maria began her healthcare journey in the ophthalmology sector during her undergraduate years. After nearly a decade of direct patient care in Seattle, Orange County, and New York—specializing in general, glaucoma, and retinal ophthalmic care—Maria encountered numerous patients going blind due to diabetes. This raised questions about why excellent doctors couldn't change patient behavior. One particular patient, who went blind from diabetes due to a lack of understanding and the inability to afford transportation, propelled Maria into the world of public health. Following a master’s degree at Columbia, her career ultimately led her to executive-level leadership in healthcare information technology and policy, aiming to improve population health outcomes for various organizations on the road to impact their communities.

​

Maria's diverse experience in the industry is marked by her fearless and bold approach to tackling complex healthcare challenges. She brings a unique perspective to her work, turning obstacles into paths for success.

​

She is passionate about identifying and driving transformative initiatives that address critical industry challenges. Her focus areas include social determinants of health, access to care, patient health literacy, and developing integrated continuum of care models.

​

In her free time, Maria teaches ballroom dancing and runs a creative arts studio in Raleigh, NC.