Maria Aguirre joined Port Houston in 2021 and is the Director of Community Relations. Prior to joining the Port, Aguirre worked at Avenue CDC where she served as the Director of Community Initiatives. Her accomplishments include securing a $750,000 grant for the Northline Community and a $675,000 grant for capacity building and advocacy efforts in the Greater Northside. She also implemented the BUILD health challenge grant that helped refer 700 homes to the Health Department Lead Abatement program. Maria was also selected as the 2020 Houston Texans Campeón de la Comunidad, which honors an outstanding leader in the Latino community who is making a positive impact on the city of Houston through service and dedication to a local non-profit. Maria is a Cum Laude graduate of Baylor University, with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She is also a Certified Associate in Project Management. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree from Harvard University – Extension school.