Maria Mazzenga Avellaneda is a visionary leader with 25+ years experience in nonprofit, business and education. Her experience is deep and diverse and includes developing and actualizing strategic plans and programs; managing complex budgets with multiple funding streams; building organizational integrity and capacity; and liaising with diverse audiences including local, state and federal agencies in the US, Mexico and Costa Rica.
Her practical experience with community development and empowering voices, coupled with her ability to speak Spanish, complement her passion to increase equity and equality. Maria thrives in dynamic environments and has successfully navigated cultural, linguistic and geographical challenges locally and internationally. She has built an impressive resume that includes serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica and 19 years as an Executive Director/ CEO with an international community development organization and diverse nonprofits in Southern California. Since 2020, Maria has specialized in interim
leadership, bringing her fresh perspective and wealth of experience to organizations during transitional times.
Maria holds a degree in Quantitative Business Analysis from the Pennsylvania State University. With a passion for education, language and culture, Maria continued her education and earned a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of California, Irvine and graduated from Third Sector’s Interim Executive Academy.
