From past to present, women have played a crucial role in building strong communities, advocating for justice, and driving meaningful change. In Maryland, Latinas continue this tradition, shaping policies, supporting small businesses, and driving community engagement. During Women’s History Month, we proudly feature some of the inspiring women who exemplify leadership, resilience, and dedication to their communities:
Elda Devarie– Entrepreneur, EMD Sales & Founder, Bags of Love, Statewide
Elda M. Devarie is President and CEO of EMD Sales, Inc., one of the largest international food distributors in eastern United States, and creator and mastermind behind Bolsas de Amor (Bags of Love), the community outreach project that unites Hispanic businesses to achieve a common goal: to help families in need. Her generosity and quick thinking resulted in the first airplane full of supplies to arrive in Puerto Rico after the devastation of tropical storm Maria.
Alison Flores – Director, Multicultural Office, Anne Arundel
In her role as Director of the Multicultural Office in Annapolis, Alison Flores fosters inclusivity and representation by connecting diverse communities with city resources. She previously served as Deputy Director for the Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations and as the Latino Affairs Liaison for Prince George’s County Executive, advocating for equitable access to government services for Latino residents.
Laura Gutierrez – Communications & Outreach Director, Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, Statewide
Before joining the Governor’s Office, Laura Gutierrez worked extensively in the public and private sectors, bridging the gap between government resources and small business owners. Her expertise in communications and economic development has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs access funding and business opportunities.
Samantha Howard – Hispanic/Latino Liaison, Prince George’s County
Samantha Howard serves as Hispanic/Latino Liaison in Prince George’s County, where she connects the Latino community with vital county services. She leads “Conexiones Comunitarias del Condado de Prince George”, a biweekly radio segment that shares critical county information. As Chair of the Prince George’s County Latino Advisory Board, she continues her 18-year commitment to ensuring Latino/Hispanic residents are represented in decision-making spaces.
Dr. Gabriela Lemus – Executive Director, Maryland Latinos Unidos, Statewide
A policy expert and advocate, Dr. Gabriela Lemus serves as Executive Director of Maryland Latinos Unidos, leading efforts to advance equity, economic opportunities, and healthcare access for Latino communities across the state. Among her many achievements, she has successfully advocated for bilingual support services in public schools and healthcare settings, ensuring Latino families receive the resources they need.
Maria Martinez – Special Secretary, Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs (GOSBA), Statewide
As the Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs (GOSBA), Y. Maria Martinez leads initiatives that support small, minority- and women-owned businesses across Maryland. Recognized as one of the state’s most respected business and community leaders, she has played a key role in expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthening the local economy.
Sara Medrano – Leader, RISE Coalition of Western Maryland, Frederick
At the Resources for Immigrant Support and Empowerment (RISE) Coalition of Western Maryland, Sara Medrano plays a crucial role in connecting immigrants with legal assistance, educational resources, and workforce training. She collaborates with local schools, universities, and community organizations to create pathways for families to access financial literacy programs and vocational training. Medrano believes that education is key to empowerment and dedicates her work to ensuring that underserved families and their children have the tools to succeed.
Chair Joseline Peña-Melnyk – State Delegate & Advocate for Health Equity, Prince George’s
Serving Maryland’s 21st District, Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk has been a strong advocate for healthcare access and social justice. As Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee, she has led critical legislation, including the Maryland Medical Practice Act and the Maryland Physician Assistants Act. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to ensuring all Marylanders have access to essential services and protections.
Walkiria Pool – Founder & Director, Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF), Statewide
Walkiria Pool leads Centro de Apoyo Familiar (CAF), an organization that empowers Latino families through financial literacy, housing counseling, and economic stability programs. Under her leadership, CAF has helped hundreds of families navigate homeownership, build credit, and achieve financial independence. Her dedication to social justice and community development continues to create lasting generational change.
Odette Ramos – Baltimore City Council Member & Housing Advocate, Baltimore
As the first Latina elected to the Baltimore City Council, Odette Ramos represents the 14th District, where she focuses on affordable housing, education, and community development. She works to address systemic inequalities and promote sustainable growth in Baltimore, advocating for policies that improve housing accessibility and economic opportunities.
Catalina Rodríguez Lima – Director, MIMA, Baltimore
As the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA) in Baltimore, Catalina Rodríguez Lima has spearheaded programs that support all communities, ensuring they have access to city services, economic opportunities, and civic engagement initiatives. Under her leadership, MIMA launched the Baltimore New American Access Coalition (BNAAC), and standardized language access for individuals throughout the city.
Deni Taveras – Maryland State Delegate & Environmental Justice Advocate, Prince George’s
Representing Maryland’s 47th District, Deni Taveras is a vocal advocate for environmental justice and affordable housing. Her legislative efforts focus on protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring equitable access to essential services and economic opportunities.
Giuliana Valencia-Banks – County Executive Office, Baltimore County
With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Giuliana Valencia-Banks serves as Baltimore County’s Chief of Immigrant Affairs, focusing on policy development, community outreach, and crisis response. Following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, she played a key role in ensuring interpreters were available to assist affected workers, demonstrating her commitment to advocacy and accessibility.
And we would be remised if we didn’t include our own founder, Veronica Cool in this list. Along with the daily work of connecting organizations to diverse communities, Veronica is often found behind-the-scenes advocating for significant legislation and initiatives. She proudly co-founded Maryland Latinos Unidos to address persistent health inequities during the pandemic; she established and curates two community Facebook groups, Yo Quiero Trabajo and Emprendedores Latinos, providing a no-cost resource in language to many individuals and businesses in the DMV. And if that weren’t enough, she and her family donated the first ladder-fire engine truck to the San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic in honor of her father, Juan Namnun.
These women are more than leaders; they are changemakers, advocates, and role models whose work amplify underrepresented voices, strengthens communities and opens doors for others. Whether in government, business, or grassroots activism, their contributions help shape a more inclusive and equitable Maryland.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to recognize their achievements, share their stories, and support their efforts.
