Maria joined Consortium in late 2018. She supports Members with their fundraising, providing one to one support, creating resources and delivering training. She's also working on initiatives to increase funding to the UK LGBT+ Sector.

Maria has challenged inequalities for most of her working life. Following a PhD in Women's Studies she embarked on an academic career,  undertaking research and teaching on various feminist-led issues including LGBT+ inclusion in Higher Education.

She moved to the charity sector in 2008, working mainly for community organisations in fundraising and leadership roles. She was a Trustee/Chair of Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard and also Interim Director, where she oversaw LGBT+ support services and co-led Trans Needs Assessment research commissioned by Brighton & Hove City Council.

Maria lives in East Sussex with her partner and enjoys long walks by the sea and sitting in cafes indulging in the usual introvert past-times of reading and thinking.