Maria Heras is a Ph.D. student in Human and Community Development at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She received her MBA from University of Alcala in Spain. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from ITESM in Mexico. Her research interests include resiliency among immigrant families; early care and education and accultration. She is a current member of National Council on Family Relations and Illinois Student Council on Family Relations.