As a child growing up in a military compound in Kontum province during the Vietnam War, Maria lived through nightly cannon attacks that forced families to run to bunkers for safety. Sleep was often interrupted, sometimes impossible. Those early experiences shaped her resilience and gave her a lifelong understanding of how essential safety, stability, and responsible leadership are to a community.
Her cultural background has played a defining role in shaping her beliefs and character. Raised in the traditions of Catholicism and Buddhism, and influenced by humanism and Confucian moral philosophy, Maria developed a deep respect for others and a strong commitment to preserving cultural heritage. These values continue to guide her actions and her vision for a community that honors diversity while staying united.
Maria is also a self-respecting, self-reliant, and independent individual. In her early years in the United States, she faced significant challenges—raising her son as a single parent while attending college full-time and working three part-time jobs. Despite financial hardship and being informed that her family qualified for public housing and economic assistance, she chose to support her family independently, paying her own way and maintaining her commitment to personal responsibility.
Her perseverance helped shape the next generation. Her son went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2020 and now serves as a pilot officer in the United States Air Force—a source of deep pride and a reflection of the values she worked hard to instill.
Maria possesses a strong logical thinking and problem solving, together with interpersonal skills, with her experiences as a logic math tutor at North Hennepin Community College. She continues to expand her legal knowledge in Paralegal study to better understand how systems of government function—and how they can better serve the public with fairness and accountability.
Maria has also experienced firsthand the difficulty of speaking up against wrongdoing. As a whistleblower advocate, she understands the risks and pressures involved, but remains grounded in a simple belief: truth and integrity must always come first. Those who speak up for what is right deserve protection, not retaliation.
Maria believes that fraud and financial abuse are not just policy issues—they are harms that quietly weaken communities over time. Every wasted dollar represents the hard work and sacrifice of residents. Protecting public resources is not about politics; it is about doing what is right for everyone.
Now running for Mayor of Brooklyn Park, Maria is committed to bringing people together to restore trust in local government. She believes there must never be a blurred line between public funds and personal benefit. Tax dollars must be managed with discipline, transparency, and respect.
Maria is asking for your support—not just to win an election, but to build a city government that listens, respects, and works for everyone.
Together, Brooklyn Park can move forward—with integrity, unity, and a shared commitment to a stronger future.