Mari is a Central Valley native, having been born in Madera, CA and raised in Fresno, CA. She comes from a large family of immigrants, and, as a first-generation Latina, learned from a young age about many struggles and injustices in her community. With many years of both personal and professional experience with social and community services, she is most passionate about immigration and child protection. Although Mari received her Bachelors in Business Administration from Western Governors University, she plans to continue her education in social justice.
Mari enjoys spending her free time with her partner of 9 years, 6 year-old daughter, and 3 year-old pit-mix pup. She likes to travel, try new foods, hike, read anything she can get her hands on, and is a tea lover.