María Arteaga-Beltrán, M.S has served in this position since December of 2020. She has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in youth development organizations. 

In this role, Maria is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of A World Fit For Kids!’ fiscal, administrative operations, and human resource systems.  This allows her to work closely with the executive and program departments to ensure that the organization has what it needs to be successful. 

Maria is dedicated to providing the communities she works with opportunities to find and utilize their voices. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Sociology and Black Studies and then obtained an M.S. in Human Services and Non-profit Management. 

Prior to AWFFK, Maria supported Best Start communities, empowering youth to take ownership of their voices and working with adults on skid row looking for a job. 

She worked in after-school and during-school settings with youth in underrepresented communities, developed after-school programs, and ran social enterprises. 

She has a credential in Family Development and is an alumnus of the National Institute for Out of School Time Fellowship, as well as a SHRM member. 

Maria has dedicated her life to service and ensuring that communities of color, disengaged youth, and families know that their voices matter and should be heard.