Director of People and Operations

mgalarza@crwa.org| she/her

As Director of People & Operations, Maria provides strategic leadership for human resources, DEI initiatives, organizational operations, and financial oversight at CRWA. She partners with senior leadership to foster an inclusive workplace, improve organizational effectiveness, and equip employees with the resources they need to succeed.

Previously, Maria served as Director of Administration & Finance for Northeastern University, where she managed HR, finance, and operations across multiple departments. Maria holds an M.S. in Project Management from Boston University, a B.S. in Business Management from Lesley University, and is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). She is an active member of the Northeast HR Association (NEHRA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Outside of work, Maria enjoys nature walks with her husband Hector, trying new recipes, and traveling to her native Dominican Republic.