Maria Griffin

Maria Griffin, Chief Advancement Officer, leads DREAM’s Advancement Team and fundraising and donor engagement strategy.

Maria is a former public school teacher, political consultant, and fundraising consultant. As a Vice President at CCS Fundraising, a consulting firm specializing in fundraising and nonprofit strategy, Maria managed fundraising planning studies and campaigns for local, national, and international organizations, including George Soros’ Open Society University Network, UNICEF, KIPP Foundation, Partnership Schools, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the Fund for Public Health in NYC. Within the consulting firm, Maria led as Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and oversaw the firm’s pro bono strategic initiatives.

After starting her career in the classroom with Teach For America, Maria served as a political coach for over 30 candidates, where she worked with current and former teachers running for local office across the country. She has worked with a diverse set of politicians, ranging from candidates running for local City Council and State Assembly, and specialized in political fundraising, communications, and endorsement strategy. She previously served as Communications Director for civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson, where she managed fundraising and communications during his campaign for Mayor of Baltimore. A chief strategist on the campaign, Maria planned and executed large donor fundraising events that raised the campaign budget by 50%.

Prior to joining DREAM, Maria worked at nonprofits Teach For America and Leadership for Educational Equity. She is a former member of the Board of Directors for Emerge New York, an organization that inspires women to run for office. A Brooklyn resident, she was raised in San Diego, CA but refined in Nashville, TN where she attended Vanderbilt University. She’s also a fan of Broadway musicals, Serena Williams, and local live music venues.