Meet Maggie
America needs bold progressive leaders who understand the urgency of today's political moment and the needs of working Americans. I'm here to get Washington and our economy working for We the People again.
My story
I was raised by working class parents chasing the American dream. Mom is a first-generation Cuban immigrant and homemaker, while dad comes from a long line of proud blue-collar manufacturers. Through their tireless work and sacrifices, my parents rose above their station and passed on to us the values of curiosity, hard work, and a deep desire to serve.
Mom taught me to never stop asking questions and challenging the status quo. During the 2008 financial crisis, she put together a 100+ page binder of articles and data to illustrate the problem for my brother and me. Just because she felt it was important. As a lifelong deacon and Sunday school teacher, dad taught me the importance of investing in others. And together, they modeled how to overcome the challenges that working families in America face today.
Their lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and career. As a healthcare consultant, I've investigated and developed solutions for the most pressing issues facing our health system today. I've worked to reduce racial disparities in care access, expand dental coverage and mental health services, facilitate patient information exchange, democratize virtual health, and build equitable payment models. With exhaustive research and creative thinking, we can craft policies that enable all Americans to live with health and dignity.
During my time in the private sector, I harnessed big data to make organizations more efficient. I've identified and helped companies overcome the roadblocks that prevent them from operating effectively, from enhancing data collection and reporting capabilities to refining their staffing models. With smart analysis, we can find ways to make institutions – like the US government – work better for workers and greater society.
My belief in the power of education also led me to develop Dis.course, a political social video app designed to put everyday Americans in charge of our political discourse. With an honest desire to educate, we can help our people more effectively advocate for their interests.
What I'm fighting for
A healthy, fair economy
Corporations are making more than ever while American workers are making less. Today's minimum wage doesn't cover the cost of living anywhere in America, and basic essentials aren't affordable. GDP growth has stalled out under our elitist economic policies. This isn't a healthy economy. We need policies that enable all Americans to live with dignity, check corporate greed, and meet the shifting demands of today's job market.
The tools that empower American workers
UNICEF reports that "America ranks last in family-friendly policies" like childcare and paid family leave. A college education is more expensive in America than in any other OECD nation. 1-in-4 Americans can't afford to access needed medical care. Everyday Americans can't live well or move up the ladder when they aren't equipped with the resources that allow them to be healthy and pursue new opportunities.
Ethical, humane, and productive government
Money from billionaires and corporations has flooded and influenced our politics to the point where "the preferences of the average American have only a near-zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy." Conflicts of interest in both Congress and the Courts persist, and members face little oversight for ethical violations. We must crack down on corruption so our government answers to the interests of everyday Americans over Big Business.
A safe and clean environment
The United Nations warns that failing to curb the greenhouse gasses driving global warming will put us "beyond reach of a livable future" by 2050. Communities and wildlife are being displaced by rising sea levels, food and water pollution, and drought. If we don't act soon to reverse climate change, we're going to leave behind a very sad, challenging world for our children.
The good stuff
I live in Coolidge Corner, Brookline with my husband Cory. We love our vibrant community and home of five years – from the Coolidge theater to the public libraries and transportation to the top-tier food spots (shoutout Zaftig's, Chilacates, and Rod D Thai). When I'm not working, I'm either reading or dancing. Follow along with my reading list here!
