Nonprofit and Social Services
Dr. Maria C. Willis
Maria C. Willis hails from the Republic of Panama and moved to the United States in 1981 after graduating from Instituto José Dolores Moscote High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in human services from Metropolitan College of New York and went on to obtain a master’s degree in public administration, graduating with distinction from Long Island University. In June 2025, she completed her doctoral degree in health administration.
Maria has dedicated her life to the well-being of New York residents, actively uplifting her community through both her professional career and volunteer efforts. Over the years, she has held various managerial and executive positions in human services, where she has been responsible for training, supervising, directing, and coordinating a wide range of healthcare programs. Currently, she serves as an executive-level nonprofit administrator and is the Vice President of Community & Government Relations for Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, now recognized as Constructive Partnerships Unlimited, Inc. In 2022, Maria partnered with the NYC Racial Justice Commission, mobilizing a group to educate the community about their opportunity to vote on three ballot proposals during the elections.
She has actively served on the boards of several organizations, currently holding the position of President of the Day of Independence Committee of Panamanians in New York (DICPNY-Panamanian Parade). Additionally, she is the Board Chair of the Walburg Multiservice Organization and a member of Community Board #18 in Brooklyn, as well as the Panama 507 Roundtable Group. Throughout her accomplished professional career, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to community service by generously sharing her time and expertise with various esteemed organizations, including the Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, and the Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis Club.
Maria is a devoted leader at Covenant Keepers Ministries. She is married to Lesmore Willis Jr. and is a loving mother to her children Tatiana, Gabrielle, and the late Zion. Maria is a nurturing grandmother to Jaslene and Aubrey, and she values her unique position as the only daughter to Ursilla E. Humphrey.