Maria Lemus

Maria Lemus is the Founder and Executive Director of Visión y Compromiso, the largest promotora-led organization in the country. Founded in 2000, Visión y Compromiso supports promotoras and grassroots leaders through leadership and workforce development, training, and advocacy throughout California and the nation. Hacia una vida digna y sana reflects its vision of a dignified and healthy life for all.

Her dedication to the Community Transformation Model fuels her consultation work across the United States, Mexico and Central America, advancing the Promotora Model for community wellness and emphasizing community leaders as key partners in health.

Ms. Lemus is an alumna of the National Hispana Leadership Institute and the California Women’s Policy Institute of The Women’s Foundation. She has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Community Latina Award (California Latinas for Reproductive Justice) and the Contra Costa County Women’s Hall of Fame (Women Improving Healthcare). 

A B.A. graduate from the University of California, Riverside, she began her public service career with the California Department of Corrections. She was born in San Bernardino, California to Mexican parents who immigrated in search of a better life. Married for 39 years she is the proud mother of two adult children.