Maria is a highly experienced engineer with over 15 years of industry experience in various civil engineering design, sustainability, data analysis and project management specialties. She holds Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professional (ISAP) and Green Star Accredited Professional (GSAP) qualifications, reflecting her expertise in sustainability consulting. Her career in sustainability started in 2009 when a US-based land development company she was working for sponsored her for a training visa under an exchange employee program. After extensive training in development planning, sustainable development and green buildings, she obtained LEED credential from US Green Building Certification Institute. She contributed to numerous land development planning for commercial and subdivision projects in Georgia and Florida. She has been part of pioneering sustainability practitioners in the Philippines which was influenced by a massive growth and uptake of LEED certification for high profile, international client and business owners.   

Throughout her career, Maria has demonstrated her ability to deliver sustainability outcomes for both green buildings, built environment and infrastructure. Maria is currently the Acting Team Leader for Sustainability & Climate Resilience team within SMEC. She works closely with environmental specialists and scientists and engineers supporting the delivery of sustainable outcomes on major infrastructure projects. Prior to joining SMEC, she worked for Infrastructure Sustainability Council for five years and has been involved in facilitating the IS (Infrastructure Sustainability) rating scheme for some transport projects in Queensland and South Australia. She led the research, planning, development and implementation of programs and initiatives to increase adoption of infrastructure sustainability.