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

Maria brings over 25 years of experience working in social service and social justice. She brings a clear understanding and experience working with violence survivors through domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She has been with Monarch Services for over 19 years in different capacities. She currently oversees the agency’s 24-hour crisis response program, the confidential shelter, sexual assault program, and prevention program. In her role, Maria oversees over 25 Advocates. Maria enjoys mentoring and supporting new incoming volunteers and staff. Additionally, in her position, Maria provides state-certified training to new staff and volunteers to ensure they are well equipped and ready to provide services to survivors.

Maria has served on the Santa Cruz Women’s Commission and currently serves on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Maria graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a Bachelors’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. She was raised, lives, and works in Santa Cruz County.

Maria Brings a great set of skills, from planning, program development, Budgets, fundraising, complex problem solving, and experience providing prevention and intervention services to the community. Maria loves helping others and hopes to continue to be involved in social change.