Program Director, Monarch Services                                                                                                                           she/her/hers

Maria Barranco is a first-generation immigrant born from Oaxaca, Mexico’s indigenous roots and with deep roots in the immigrant community in Santa Cruz County (Davenport). She has dedicated her professional career and life to social justice and equity issues.

Maria has over 25 years of experience working in social service, working with violence survivors through domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She has been with Monarch Services for over 19 years. She oversees the agency’s 24-hour crisis response program, sexual assault program, and prevention program.

Maria has served on the Santa Cruz Women’s Commission and currently serves on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz. She is a Fellow of the Women’s Policy Institute. Maria graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology; as an undocumented student, she completed her school and was the fourth in her family to graduate with a college degree.