MARIA JOSE CHAVEZ JUAREZ

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
School: Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
Major: Criminal Justice

Maria was born in the “Pueblo Magico” San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. At the age of six, Maria, her parents, and two of her four siblings immigrated to the United States. In 2013, Maria became one of the 800,000 Dreamers who was able to become a DACA recipient. Because of this opportunity and her extensive involvement in high school, she was awarded several community scholarships and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and minors in Public and Nonprofit Financial Management, Latino Studies, and Event Management at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Maria’s involvement in organizations, such as The Latino Student Association, Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., The Undergraduate Student Government, The Mayor’s AXIS Latinx Leadership Program, and Faith In Indiana, allowed Maria to see the need for Latinx representation in the community. Maria’s current position as a Legal Assistant at a criminal and immigration law firm has led her to become interested in the Legal field. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, Maria hopes to work at a nonprofit organization, obtain a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, and ultimately become the CEO of a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving and providing resources to the Latinx community.

As a CHCI Intern, Maria hopes to network to gain a better understanding of the various career fields in Capitol Hill. She hopes that this experience will strengthen her knowledge of the legislative process, which affects millions of underrepresented communities every day.