About MAria

Maria was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Maria inherited her mother's knack for social work and her father's love for education and community service. She's been pushing boundaries and breaking barriers ever since.
Maria's drive and determination led her to pursue a career in sports medicine and ultimately earn an “almost free” MBA from an elite private college in Washington DC. When faced with a serious health crisis while raising her three children, Maria dug deep and found a strength she never knew she had. This experience not only challenged her physically and mentally, but it led her to a decade of service in the rare and chronic disease community. Despite being out of the workforce for 12 years, Maria returned, serving in director roles for various non-profits before launching the Second Half Community help people unapologetically prioritize their desires, needs, and dreams in their work - whatever that is to them.
Maria is here to help you create meaningful work that fits YOUR life, not the other way around! Taking control of your career, creating autonomy, flexibility, and financial freedom. Becoming confident in overcoming the "imposter syndrome, so that you can live your life on your own terms. Her story is an inspiration to anyone facing adversity, and her wisdom and guidance are sure to empower you to achieve your dreams and overcome any obstacles in your way. So what are you waiting for?
Just the Details
B.S. Athletic Training and Community Fitness - Univ. of Illinois at Chicago
MBA George Washington University
Certified Positive Intelligence Coach
Maria's drive and determination led her to pursue a career in sports medicine and ultimately earn an “almost free” MBA from an elite private college in Washington DC. When faced with a serious health crisis while raising her three children, Maria dug deep and found a strength she never knew she had. This experience not only challenged her physically and mentally, but it led her to a decade of service in the rare and chronic disease community. Despite being out of the workforce for 12 years, Maria returned, serving in director roles for various non-profits before launching the Second Half Community help people unapologetically prioritize their desires, needs, and dreams in their work - whatever that is to them.
Maria is here to help you create meaningful work that fits YOUR life, not the other way around! Taking control of your career, creating autonomy, flexibility, and financial freedom. Becoming confident in overcoming the "imposter syndrome, so that you can live your life on your own terms. Her story is an inspiration to anyone facing adversity, and her wisdom and guidance are sure to empower you to achieve your dreams and overcome any obstacles in your way. So what are you waiting for?
Just the Details
B.S. Athletic Training and Community Fitness - Univ. of Illinois at Chicago
MBA George Washington University
Certified Positive Intelligence Coach