Maria brings over a decade of experience working across Central and East Africa to strengthen civil society organizations and their role in inclusive governance and conservation. Before joining Maliasili, she worked with international NGOs and networks to advance organizational development, intersectional approaches to gender, youth, and disability inclusion, and locally led strategies in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Fluent in French, English, Swahili, and familiar with Great Lakes regional contexts, she helps partners navigate complexity while staying anchored in their mission.

At Maliasili, Maria leads the portfolio in West and Central Africa, supporting partner organizations to become more effective, resilient, and influential. She focuses on organizational development, governance systems, and facilitation processes that balance strategy with participation. Drawing on both professional expertise and regional knowledge, she helps partners turn complex realities into practical choices and strengthen their voice in national and international arenas.