So glad you’re here!  Let’s change WV for the better!

I am here because my Grandparents pursued the American dream to build a life in the United States when they immigrated to West Virginia from Ecuador.

I am proud of my heritage and to be a lifelong West Virginian. I spent my childhood in Cross Lanes, graduated from Nitro High School and lived in multiple parts of our beautiful state (Huntington, Morgantown, Craigsville, Lewisburg, Parkersburg) while I pursued my BFA from Marshall University and my MBA from West Virginia University. My husband and I chose Saint Albans to raise our family. 

As a mother of three, including two children with disabilities, I am a fierce advocate for those often overlooked by our systems. My son Maxwell was born with FOXG1 syndrome, a rare non-hereditary neurological condition. I have to fight for everything he needs, and in doing so, I have learned how to navigate a system full of barriers. West Virginia has the highest disability rate in the country, yet too many families are still fighting just to be heard. I am passionate about advocating for families with disabilities and for public health policies that protect vulnerable children. 

Art + Advocacy

In addition to my advocacy, I own a small business, MarisaMade, a fine art and gift company celebrating the natural beauty of Appalachia. I have combined art and advocacy to raise awareness for FOXG1 Research and donate the FOXG1 Research Foundation through MarisaMade. I am passionate about supporting our small business and artist community, and am committed to investing in our local economies and tourism. 

I believe everyone deserves a seat at the table and leadership that fights for access, dignity, and opportunity. If elected, I will ensure these issues remain at the forefront of policy decisions. This is our home, and I’m going to continue to fight for it. 

To learn more about my activism/advocacy on a local and national scale, please check out our news.