Maria Linares is a Business Initiatives Manager at Orange County Business Council, advancing inclusive, resilient economic development in Orange County through the California Jobs First Initiative. She leads regional strategies that bridge business, education, workforce, and community partners to strengthen local economies while centering equity, environmental sustainability, and shared prosperity.

A proud California native and alumna of California State University, Fullerton, Maria holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in political science. She previously served as a trustee on the California State University Board of Trustees, appointed by Governor Newsom, where she advocated for equitable access to higher education for nearly half a million students statewide and was recognized as Trustee Emerita. Her work is driven by a clear mission to improve the lives of all Californians through public service and inclusive policy.

In her professional and community roles, Maria contributes her expertise across several advisory bodies focused on education, workforce development, and community wellbeing. In her free time, she provides education to currently incarcerated individuals, facilitating courses on higher education pathways and professional development in an engaging and supportive learning environment. Her work reflects a deep commitment to stewardship, collaborative leadership, and long-term solutions that expand opportunity for historically underserved communities.