Maria J. Jácome Ottati | The Advocate

Presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group

BY MEGAN KREISER | ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS

Serving her community has been the driving force behind Maria Jácome’s life and career in York County. Born in Ecuador, she moved to York with her parents and sister when she was nine years old, seeking a brighter future filled with opportunities while sacrificing their comfort and stability for the chance at a better life. These sacrifices laid the foundation for Maria's unwavering commitment to serving her community. “Giving back and serving the community has been instilled in me since a very young age, and it feels like it’s a way to honor my parents’ sacrifices they made for me,” mentions Maria.

Maria grew up in a large, close-knit family supported by strong community ties. Her church, family, and friends became her lifelines, providing a sense of belonging that made her transition to a new culture more manageable.

With her father serving as a pastor in a local church, Maria was able to form friendships with other children who attended. Although she faced challenges in communicating with her teachers, she never felt alone. The bonds she formed with her family and community nurtured her spirit and instilled in her the values of service and compassion.

Maria pursued higher education at Millersville University, where she majored in anthropology and minored in biology. She learned early on that life rarely follows a straight path, but within those twists and turns lie opportunities for growth and learning – an understanding that would be a guiding principle in her professional life.

Upon graduating, Maria embarked on a career at Family First Health, where she quickly rose from a medical receptionist to a supervisor. Here, she honed her leadership skills, recognizing that healthcare is not just about treating patients but also about fostering community well-being. For Maria, giving back is more than a job; it’s a calling.

She found her niche in community work, where she could truly make a difference in the lives of those around her.

Now, as the Program Manager for the Community Progress Council’s Community of Hope, a role she has held for nearly three years, Maria leads initiatives aimed at supporting families and students in the Hannah Penn neighborhood. This school-based Family Resource Center is a hub of all the different services available through the Community Progress Council for this neighborhood. Collaboration is key to this work, as she partners with local organizations to address the unique needs of families, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive. Maria has worked tirelessly to create a safe space for families, emphasizing the importance of building trust and relationships within the school community.

With approximately 60% of the students at Hannah Penn speaking Spanish, Maria prioritizes hiring staff who reflect the community they serve. This representation fosters a sense of trust and connection, breaking down barriers that often hinder families from seeking help. Maria’s commitment to inclusivity extends to other languages, as she recognizes the need for Haitian and Creole speakers to serve the diverse community better.

Beyond her immediate work, Maria’s passion for serving her community is deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her parents instilled in her the values of generosity and support, encouraging her to volunteer from a young age. This commitment continues through her involvement with the York County Hispanic Coalition and church activities, reinforcing the importance of community connections.

Looking ahead, Maria aspires to expand her program’s reach, helping even more families in the Hannah Penn area. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in data analytics, emphasizing the significance of data-driven decision- making to enhance program effectiveness.

With her eyes on the future, Maria understands the balance between setting goals and enjoying the journey, reminding herself that the path to success often holds its own lessons.

Maria's story is not just about her achievements; it’s about the impact of her work and the legacy she aims to leave behind. She honors her parents' sacrifices by striving to make a difference, embodying the values they imparted.