Maria was born in Dallas, Texas, and later moved to Oklahoma City, where she currently resides. From a young age, she gained experience in administrative tasks, helping her parents build their family business, Candylandia LLC. She studied at Southern Nazarene University (SNU), where she served as manager of the women’s soccer team, president of the Pre-Law Club, a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, the debate team, and the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature. During this time, she interned at Mariano Acuña and Associates for over two years. In December 2024, she graduated from SNU with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Pre-Law. After graduation, Maria joined the United States Army National Guard. She completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Virginia. There, she was recognized as the Distinguished Honor Graduate for achieving the highest GPA in her class. Since returning to Oklahoma, she has become the new assistant coach for the Astec High School girls’ soccer team—Go Comets! Outside of work, she enjoys serving at her church, writing poetry, playing soccer, and spending time with family.
