Maria Cristina Fuentes was already used to changing the world after six years in Washington, D.C. where she served President George W. Bush in the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Justice. She also served in the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, working to help states across the country develop and establish their own faith-based initiatives.

Following that, she worked at Casey Family Programs to provide and improve — and ultimately prevent the need for — foster care.

This all prepared her for her current position as Director of the Arizona Office of Youth, Faith and Family, where her team works with issues ranging from substance abuse prevention to human trafficking, sexual & domestic violence, juvenile justice, and child well-being. GOYFF also serves as the Governor’s faith-based office and administers the state’s AmeriCorps program. Learn how she is leading the effort to strengthen the health and safety of Arizona’s communities.

Original air date: November 19, 2020

To learn more about the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family, click here: https://goyff.az.gov/content/about-goyff