Maria Ferris is a community worker and social justice advocate at heart. Her experience spans a variety of challenging issues including migration, homelessness, addiction, mental health, youth and community development, and the non-profit sector. Building on a background in Anthropology and Sociology and a passion for equity, participation, and systemic change, Maria has worked in policy, project management, training delivery, quality assurance, and community education, with a strong focus on amplifying marginalised voices and creating inclusive, trauma-informed spaces. Her work is grounded in a belief that meaningful social change happens when people are empowered, connected, and supported to shape the systems affecting their lives.
Passionate about social justice, collective wellbeing, human rights, and democracy, Maria is particularly interested in the links between individual access and participation in the world around them, local inequality, and wider global challenges, and how these intersect to impact sustainability, social inclusion and self actualisation.
As a participant in the 2026 SDG Advocates Programme, Maria is excited to deepen her understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals as practical tools for awareness, advocacy, and action. She hopes to use the experience to strengthen her community work, take inspiration and contribute to building fairer, more compassionate, and sustainable communities while refining her process to support positive social change.