About me
Maria Imperial serves as Vice-President of the Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center (the “Center”) where she assists in guiding and overseeing the executive responsibilities and strategic direction of the Center. The mission of the Center is to eradicate systemic injustices through litigation, advocacy, education and grantmaking.
Maria previously served as the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights, CEO of the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester and Executive Director of the New York City Bar Justice Center.
She is a graduate of Harvard University, the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and Harvard Law School. Throughout her career, Maria has been dedicated to increasing access to justice and community building. She is a member of the New York City Bar Association, where she is a member of the Pro Bono and Legal Services Committee and the Civic Education Task Force. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of Bronx Legal Services, a member of the Advisory Council of the Feerick Center for Social Justice and was appointed by Governor Hochul to serve as a member of the SUNY Purchase College Council.
