Dr. Maria Vazquez: Champion for Students, Advocate for Community
Born and raised in South Omaha, Dr. Maria Vazquez has built her life around a simple but powerful calling: to serve others. Today, as Vice President for Student Affairs at Metropolitan Community College (MCC), she continues to embody that mission by ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to higher education and the support they need to succeed.
Maria’s path began at Daniel J. Gross High School, followed by an Associate of Arts degree from MCC. She went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and later completed her Ph.D. in Educational Administration at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Her career in public service broke barriers. As the first Latina to serve on former Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey’s cabinet, Maria directed the Greater Omaha Workforce Development office. She also served as a statewide liaison for U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, connecting with both Latino and general populations across Nebraska.
At MCC, Maria has risen through the ranks, from Director of Student Services, Coordinator of Nebraska Corrections Education Connection, Dean of the South Omaha Campus, Associate Vice President for Student Services, before assuming her current role as Vice President for Student Affairs. Each step reflects her deep commitment to education, equity, and community outreach.
Beyond MCC, Maria’s leadership extends across Omaha. She serves on boards and committees, including Fontenelle Forest, Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska, Salvation Army Kroc Center, Fraser Stryker Diversity Scholarship, and Latino Center of the Midlands. She has also helped establish organizations such as the Intercultural Senior Center and the Heartland Latino Leadership Conference.
Maria is also a mentor through TRIO, Partnership 4 Kids, TeamMates, and countless informal relationships, guiding the next young leaders. Her legacy is one of service, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Do you know someone whose story should be told — a mentor, educator, entrepreneur, veteran, artist, or advocate who has made a lasting difference in the Latino community? Please share their name and a little about their journey with us.
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