Maria is an Indigenous Ibaloi who has worked extensively with Indigenous-led movements advocating for land rights, equal participation, and environmental and cultural protection in her youth. As a Senior Social Safeguards Specialist in ADB, she currently handles involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples’ aspects for projects in Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the People’s Republic of China. She has over 15 years of experience in social development and social safeguards in 13 countries.