Maria Jose Suarez

Maria Jose Suarez is the Youth Carpentry Programs Coordinator at La Colaborativa, where she utilizes her extensive experience in program coordination, logistics, and community engagement to support youth carpentry initiatives. In her role, Maria develops and implements carpentry programs, collaborates with local educational institutions, and creates partnerships with industry professionals to provide practical skills and training opportunities for young participants.

Prior to her current position, Maria was a Community Entrepreneurship Coordinator at La Colaborativa, where she designed programs to assist Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs in accessing essential resources and education to grow their businesses. She also held a role as Program Coordinator at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, managing both virtual and in-person educational events and developing outreach strategies to enhance program success.

Additionally, Maria completed an apprenticeship at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, coaching clients on nutrition and wellness, and served as a Head Teacher in Costa Rica, where she coordinated educational activities and supported students with learning disabilities.

Maria holds an MBA from Van Loan School at Endicott College with a double concentration in Human Resources and Marketing, and a Bachelor of Education in English from Universidad Americana in Costa Rica. Fluent in Spanish and English, Maria’s strong organizational skills and her proficiency in various digital tools enable her to effectively manage and expand youth carpentry programs at La Colaborativa, fostering skill development and career readiness among participants.