Maria Acela Reed Stacey, ALUM

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Maria is enthusiastic about new ventures and small businesses, and loves her work mentoring clients of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Previously, Maria manages the Community Justice Program for the National Conflict Resolution Center’s South Bay Region. She has extensive experience working on human trafficking, refugee health, youth and housing issues. She is also Chair of the Human Trafficking Education Committee with the City of Lemon Grove.

A long-time advocate for the prevention of violence, Maria is active in creating early intervention programs for youth and addressing mental health issues, and serves as an outreach representative for UNICEF in San Diego.

Maria’s past service includes ambassador for Women Empowerment International for the Indian communities in Sonora Mexico, violence prevention consultant for the City of Compton, delegate for the 53rd session of the Status of Women Conference in New York, and delegate for the 2010 United Nations Council of Chapters and Divisions in Washington, DC.

As board member and Chair of the Young Professionals for International Cooperation at the United Nations Association San Diego, Maria worked on numerous projects involving refugees, human trafficking, and the environment.

Maria has a BA in Women Studies and a minor in International Security and Conflict Resolution from San Diego State University. She earned 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. She is also certified in mental first aid.