Maria Magdalena Perez Otazo is a retired public sector employee from the City of Miami. Her 30-year public service career has provided her with a multitude of skills in the areas of grant writing, management of grant agreements, selection of architects, engineers and land surveyors, as well as the coordination of planning, design, and construction services for a variety of public-sector properties, including parks.

In addition, Maria is the proud mother of Alejandro, a 26-year-old individual on the autism spectrum. She and her husband Francisco, have guided their son to work, drive, and develop his magnificent musical talent with the bass.

Maria has been successful in assisting with the implementation of various programs, including Project SEARCH Miami, an adult transition program for high school students with disabilities. This program focuses on teaching job readiness skills at the City of Miami administration building. Alejandro and many others have benefited from this program as a result of her efforts in this area.