She put herself through Los Angeles Mission College, where she earned a degree in Paralegal Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, and a Paralegal certificate. She also earned a B.A. in Law from the University of Arizona. She believes education is the great equalizer. Every person, regardless of income or immigration status, deserves access to a safe, high‑quality, and affordable public education.

Mariana began her public service career as a paralegal serving low‑income families at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County. After moving to Arizona, she continued her public service at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. There, she assisted in prosecuting air and water polluters and protecting wildlife. Seeing Arizona’s public schools consistently underfunded and families struggling without meaningful action, she was motivated to run for her local school board so she could be part of the solution.

She served four years (2016-2020) on the Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board, focusing on expanding opportunities for underserved students and improving teacher pay. She currently serves as an Ex‑Officio Member of the Arizona Latino School Board Association and as a Board Member of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Her experiences at the local level strengthened her resolve to fight for stronger public schools statewide, leading her to run for the legislature. She was elected to serve in the Arizona State House of Representatives for Legislative District 23 in November of 2022 and has remained in that role since January 2023.

Legislative District 23 spans over four counties: Maricopa, Yuma, Pima, and Pinal, and encompasses a diverse range of communities, including suburban, rural, and tribal communities. It contains the largest stretch (230 miles) of the U.S. - Mexico border in Arizona and is home to the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Cocopah Tribe, and part of the Fort Yuma Quechan. Historic fact, approximately 80 percent of Arizona’s Legislative District 23 overlaps with Congressional District 7, which is represented by Adelita Grijalva, the first Latina/Chicana elected in Arizona to serve in the United States Congress.

With more than two decades of public service, Mariana approaches her work in the State Legislature with one goal: to make life better for the people she serves and ensure every Arizonan has the opportunity to thrive.