Maria Ines is an undocumented queer woman who was born in Mexico but grew up in San Marcos, CA. She enjoys hobbies such as reading, playing sudoku, jewelry making, and exploring new places with her partner.

María Inés recently graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Psychology and Social Behavior and minor in Anthropology. In college, after coming out, María Inés made strides with her thesis and research on the queer immigrant experience.

Their advocacy work has been rooted in storytelling and undocuqueer visibility. For example, the collection of oral histories, hosting of film discussions and examining how undocuqueer art subverts modes of oppression. Their proudest accomplishment was organizing an undocuqueer art exhibit during OC Pride 2022. She decided post-grad that she would continue to pursue work in this field.

As the Immigration Services Advocate, Maria Ines hopes to empower and aid the queer immigrant community by promoting visibility and celebrating intersectionality.