Maria Arabbo has over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of education, race and addressing inequitable systems. She has worked with hundreds of constituents in both public and private sectors to integrate diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. While leading the Refugee Support Office in the Austin local public school district, Maria helped newly arrived refugee families acculturate to the local school system utilizing innovative cultural and linguistic practices that supported their transition. 

Currently, Maria serves as the Executive Director of a small non-profit in Austin, TX where she leads a diverse staff to support the mental health, wellbeing and community development of BIPOC youth and adults through restorative practices, social-emotional learning and mindfulness. She approaches leadership through a strong justice, equity, & diversity lens and continues to create an organization that is at the helm of fostering innovative organizational practices that center, value and amplify voices that are and have been historically marginalized.

Maria’s passion for understanding systemic oppression and the cultural tenets that impact this country is rooted in her personal experiences as an Argentine immigrant living in rural Minnesota in the 90’s. She experienced the inequities caused by racism and classism but also witnessed the potential human capacity for dialogue and internal transformation. In adulthood, Maria traveled extensively and lived in China and Malaysia. Learning to bridge linguistic and cultural gaps has become a key practice for how Maria leads and trains others. 

Maria spends her spare time in the natural world or getting physically active with running, bouldering and playing racquetball with her husband.