From Grand Rapids to Southern California, MariaIsabelle’s journey has been one of growth, learning, and passion. After spending six years in Southern California earning a bachelor's degree at Chapman University and working at various nonprofits, she discovered a passion for advocacy and community work. This past year, MariaIsabelle worked at Groundswell’s Bridges program as a Human Relations Specialist, collaborating with six high schools in the Orange County area to help students advocate for positive changes on their campuses. While her time at Groundswell was incredibly rewarding, she is excited to embark on a new journey at the University of Chicago Divinity School where she's pursuing her Masters of Divinity.

Her experiences volunteering and working at various churches have led her to pursue a path toward becoming a pastor and she applied to the program after her advocacy work with the National Poor People’s Campaign. She is incredibly grateful to her mentors who encouraged her to take the next step. She knows the Disciples Divinity House at the University of Chicago offers a unique opportunity to focus solely on her studies while being part of a supportive community. In the years ahead, MariaIsabelle hopes to develop skills and gain knowledge that will prepare her become a spiritual leader in her communities. Her passions include interfaith work, faith-rooted justice, and Queer theology. She is eager to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact in her new environment.