About
Maria A Reed Stacey has a B.A. in Women’s Studies with a minor in International Security and
Conflict Resolution from San Diego State University. She received her Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies with an emphasis on human rights and a graduate certification in Peace and Global Education from the University of San Diego.
Maria has great experience in working with several NGOs in San Diego, serving in different areas such as human trafficking, refugee health, youth, and housing. Maria has also served as an ambassador at Women Empowerment International for the Indian communities in Sonora, Mexico. In addition, her work as an anti-violence prevention consultant at the city of Compton has enhanced her capacity to prevent violence and create early intervention programs for youth.
Maria serves in different capacities around San Diego County. She worked at the National Conflict Resolution Center as a Community Justice Manager for the South Bay Region. She also served as Chair of the human trafficking education committee and youth protection at Lemon Grove. Maria is certified to administer mental first aid by Mental Health of America, and she acts as a first responder in situations of depression and suicide in the community. She also had served as an outreach representative for UNICEF in San Diego.
Lastly, she served as a long-term board member and former Chair of the Young Professionals for International Cooperation at the United Nations Association San Diego for around six years, during which she worked on numerous projects about the environment, refugees, and human trafficking. She has been a delegate to the 53 sessions of the Status of Women Conference in New York.
A Little More About Me
Service with Passion
I am a passionate woman whose journey has taught her to see life with hope. Over the years, I have faced numerous challenges. However, my story is not one of despair; it is filled with joy, hope, and happiness.
This website exists today because these experiences have inspired me to strive for change. Change comes from a deep, conscious desire to create a better life for our loved ones and ourselves. Ultimately, it fuels our commitment to help others thrive.
After earning my master's degree in Leadership and obtaining my certification in peace and global education, I decided to apply the many tools I have learned from mentors, professors, and inspiring individuals throughout my life. These tools are grounded in mindfulness practices, leadership techniques, alternative dispute resolution strategies, emotional intelligence, and my own theory of human transformation: Be—Do—Change.
I dedicate this work to my mother, Irene Ascencio, a woman whose formal education ended in the second grade. Despite this, she taught me invaluable lessons that could not be found in any classroom. She encouraged me to look forward, take pride in myself, be fearless, and never give up.
I hope to share a straightforward philosophy called "Be—Do—Change." It is a path anyone can follow to become an active participant in transforming how we act at home, at work, in organizations, within communities, and in the world.