She worked as a civilian attorney-adviser for the U.S. Army for over 27 years at the Rock Island Arsenal. She is married and the mother of three adult sons (two lawyers and a cardiac-thoracic surgeon). She is proud grandmother of six. Maria hails from the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Her paternal family have resided in South Texas since the 1790's --- Maria and her family did not cross the border; the border crossed them. Maria has humble beginnings. She and her family were migrant farmworkers for many years; however, the family believed in the power of education. With financial help, student loans, and work, Maria graduated with honors from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas with a BA in Criminal Justice. She attended and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1983 and passed the Iowa Bar the same year.