Accomplishments & Community Impact
Delivering Results for Our Community
“Maria Hinojos Pressey has a proven track record of turning values into action, delivering real, measurable results for working families across Marion County.”
Supporting Farmworkers When It Mattered Most
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria helped ensure that essential workers, who kept our communities fed while facing disproportionate risk, were not left behind. From 2021 to 2022, she played a key role in distributing $6 million in direct relief to farmworkers and their families, providing critical financial support when it was needed most.
Expanding Opportunity Through Education
Maria believes every child deserves access to an education that honors their identity and sets them up for success. In 2022, she worked to expand the Salem-Keizer School District’s Dual Language Program, increasing access for students to become bilingual and biliterate while strengthening culturally responsive education in our schools.
Credit: PCUN
Credit: Salem-Keizer School District
Making Transportation More Accessible for Youth
Understanding that reliable transportation is key to opportunity, Maria helped lead the rollout of free youth transit fares through Cherriots in September 2022. Building on that success, she helped make the program permanent in 2023, ensuring that young people will continue to have free access to transportation for years to come. This initiative removes financial barriers for youth, making it easier to get to school, jobs, and extracurricular activities—supporting both families and future success.
Credit: Kevin Neri/Statesman Journal
“Maria’s leadership is rooted in equity, access, and a deep commitment to community. These accomplishments reflect her ability to bring people together, deliver resources where they’re needed most, and create lasting impact.”