Maria Jacobo

Maria is a well respected business owner, consultant and philanthropist, possessing distinct levels of expertise in event management. Her clientele have included several national and international non-profit organizations.As an alumna of Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, Maria majored in International Politics with a minor in Mathematics and Statistics.

She is a passionate mother of two teenage sons, one of which is diagnosed with ASD. As her son’s advocate for the past 19 years, she decided to take her advocacy one step further, and, in 2016, joined and became the co-creator of what HAAPE is today. During this time, her son became the inspiration for the foundation. Maria has acquired a broad leadership experience with Autism, which fits in perfectly with her duties as HAAPE’s Vice President, Fundraising and Marketing Director.

Professionally, Maria has expertise with startup/turnaround challenges and rapid growth situations for nonprofit organizations. Her experience includes event planning, business development initiatives, program elaboration and management.

As a Certified Image Consultant and Transformation Life Coach, Maria makes use of her personal branding skills to help others, especially young adults with autism like her son.One of Maria’s most exceptional gifts is communicating in a way that others receive very well. Trilingual in English, French, and Spanish, Maria works well with a broad range of cultures through her unparalleled level of integrity and interpersonal skills. She has been HAAPE’s official spokesperson on several occasions.

Known for being impactful and inspirational, Maria has recently received two awards. She was highlighted as one of Weston’s Amazing Moms through InWeston magazine in May, 2017. In July, 2017, Maria was the recipient of the Inspirational Woman Award from the Pearls of Hope Foundation. Maria and her two sons currently reside in the Weston area. She is completing her masters degree in ministry, while serving her church in a variety of leadership roles.