Maria Chavez Wilcox

Maria Chavez Wilcox is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in nonprofit management and community advocacy. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish since September 2016, Maria oversees initiatives that directly impact 15,000 women and girls, focusing on creating stable homes, promoting economic advancement, and advocating for social justice. Previously, as President of Childhaven from May 2011 to August 2016, Maria led efforts to prevent child abuse through supportive programs for vulnerable children and families. From January 1995 to December 2010, Maria served as President & CEO of Orange County United Way, significantly increasing revenues and establishing key strategic alliances. Maria also held positions with Valley of the Sun United Way and United Way of King County, where impactful fundraising and community engagement strategies were successfully implemented. Educationally, Maria holds a Master of Education in Public School Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Boston University, alongside a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Harvard University.