Maria Cifuentes

Maria Cifuentes is a Mindich Public Service Fellow working at EdRedesign for the summer and a Junior at Harvard College concentrating in English with a secondary in Statistics. She is passionate about education policy, community engagement, and uplifting underrepresented voices. As a first-generation student, Maria plans to attend law school and work in local government. She aspires to increase access to college for first-generation students from low-income and minority backgrounds, as she believes pathways to higher education should be equitable and accessible. Maria grew up in Hampton Bays, New York, with parents who were always involved in public service projects through their local church. Their leadership and kindness towards others are her driving force. Eventually, she wants to return to her hometown, where she will advocate to reform the district’s unjust education system so that all children and youth can flourish.

At Harvard, she writes for the Harvard Crimson, manages the Community Outreach Committee for the Harvard College Women’s Center, and is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager for the Radcliffe Choral Society. In her free time, Maria enjoys going on runs, exploring bookstores, and trying matcha lattes from cafes all over Boston.