From Chile, María has law degree from the University of Chile, where she developed a strong interest in economic regulation and competition law. Her career has been shaped by her work at a specialised law firm, where she focused on complex litigation and provided preventative legal advice on economic matters. She also conducted research on competition policy with the aim of improving the regulatory framework in Chile.

Alongside her legal work, María is passionate about education. During her time at university, she led an educational non-profit organisation that supported students from underserved communities. Over four years, she mentored a group of students throughout their secondary education and strongly contributed to the development of the organisation's educational plan. This experience sparked her interest in educational policy and regulation and has driven her desire to make a meaningful impact in this field.