Maria Alfaro | 2024 Latina of Influence
Hispanic Lifestyle is pleased to honor Mental Health Maven, Author and Socialpreneur Maria Alfaro as a Latina of Influence. Ms. Alfaro will be recognized for her leadership in our community during Hispanic Lifestyle’s Connecting Latinas of Influence | Bronx, New York to be held on September 24, 2024.
Maria Alfaro, a dynamic first-generation Salvadoran-American hailing from Yonkers, New York, stands as a beacon of inspiration with her impassioned storytelling and unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy. Over the course of a decade-long career in healthcare, Maria has navigated diverse roles within esteemed institutions such as Montefiore Medical Center and MVP Healthcare. Her educational trajectory boasts a rich tapestry, beginning with the acquisition of a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences from Mercy College in 2017, followed by the attainment of a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Manhattan College in 2021.
Maria’s journey towards mental health awareness commenced in 2019 when she embarked on a transformative path through writing. The inception of her online platform, “Que Paso Latina,” served as a conduit for her poignant narratives, where she courageously delved into the intricacies of her personal experience grappling with her mother’s bipolar disorder. Through her candid reflections, Maria shed light on the profound impact this journey had on her own mental well-being and the glaring absence of culturally relevant mental health support and education. This realization fueled Maria’s unwavering commitment, ultimately leading to the establishment of the first of its kind nonprofit organization One Paso™ (formally Que Paso Latinx™) in 2020. One Paso™ is on a mission to destigmatize mental health by educating and empowering communities through healing, conversations, and culture. Their focus is to provide bilingual culturally responsive mental health education and support services. As the visionary founder and current CEO, Maria spearheads initiatives aimed at dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health within the Latinx community, fostering a space of understanding and empowerment.
In addition to her pioneering nonprofit efforts, Maria is a distinguished co-author of the anthology book series “Today’s Inspired Young Latina.” This collaborative endeavor serves as a testament to Maria’s belief in the power of personal narratives to transcend barriers and inspire resilience across generations. Maria’s tenacity and eloquence were further showcased in September 2020 when she emerged triumphant in the Young Latina Talks East Coast speaking presentation, securing a $1,000 scholarship for her graduate studies and affirming her status as a compelling voice in the realm of mental health advocacy.
In a significant testament to her impact and influence, Maria Alfaro was selected by Congressman Jamaal Bowman of NY-16 in 2022 to co-moderate a Youth-Led Town Hall on Mental Health, solidifying her position as a respected leader within the field. As a captivating public speaker, Maria fearlessly champions the cause of underrepresented individuals, encouraging them to embrace transformative mindset shifts rooted in cultural understanding as they navigate the complexities of mental health challenges.
Maria’s commitment to community engagement extends to her role on the advisory board of Lincoln High School’s Academy of Finance, where she tirelessly contributes her expertise to shape the educational landscape for future generations.
Her efforts have garnered recognition, including honors from Mayor Mike Spano and the Westchester Salvadorian Association, leading to the declaration of “Maria Alfaro Day” on September 15, 2022, by the City of Yonkers. In March of 2023, Maria was recognized for her impactful work during Women’s History Month by the Yonkers City Council, Maria exemplifies resilience and leadership.
On October 10, 2023, World Mental Health Day, Maria gathered community members, elected officials, community partners, and more to commemorate the grand opening of the first Latinx-led and founded mental health community center in Westchester County. Maria’s focus on ensuring culturally responsive mental health care for our communities led her to present at the “Elevating Equity and Fostering Healing” Conference hosted by the NYS Department of Criminal Justice in March 2024. Subsequently, she was invited by Congressman Jamaal Bowman to speak in Washington DC in support of the newly introduced ACCESS Act, a systemic mental health initiative in April 2024.
A special full circle moment happened in June 2024 when Maria, on behalf of One Paso™ accepted the Business Partner of the Year by Yonkers Public Schools for her work with the diverse youth of Yonkers, her hometown. Maria draws strength from her Salvadoran heritage, honoring the courageous spirit of her ancestors as she continues to uplift and inspire others amidst adversity.
