María Navarro is a first-generation graduate of the University of California, Davis, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Global Disease Biology and Public Health. Raised in California’s San Joaquin Valley, she developed a strong commitment to addressing the healthcare and educational barriers faced by undocumented communities.

Throughout her career, María has focused on developing resources and programming that support students, staff, and administrators across the community college system. As an active member of Pre-Health Dreamers, she played a key role in creating impactful tools such as Developing an UndocuSupport System: Enrichment Assessment of Campus Support for Undocumented Students.

In her current role as Project Coordinator, María leads initiatives that promote equity and inclusion through training and capacity-building for both students and educators. Her work helps undocumented communities navigate complex federal, state, and institutional policies—while also driving systemic change.

María’s journey has included impactful roles at renowned institutions, including Stanford University’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine team and UCSF’s Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment. There, she worked at the intersection of research, policy, and public health, further deepening her dedication to justice and access in healthcare.

Through all her work, María remains a steadfast advocate for undocumented and immigrant communities—amplifying their voices, addressing their needs, and helping shape a future rooted in equity and opportunity.