What this is
Meet Maria Hernandez, a Gulfton Sharpstown leader who turned her passion for dance and wellness into powerful community organizing that created new parks.
Blog
Posted July 11, 2025 by BakerRipley
Maria Hernandez is living proof.
A longtime Neighbor and leader in our Gulfton Sharpstown community, Maria’s journey from community participant to powerhouse organizer shows what’s possible when passion, culture, and civic advocacy come together.
Maria has been part of the BakerRipley family for years. She began by teaching health and wellness classes at our community centers, helping her Neighbors live fuller, healthier lives.
But Maria’s gifts don’t stop at education—she’s also a talented dancer. Donning traditional baile folklórico (folkloric dance) costumes, she often performs at community events, keeping Mexican cultural traditions alive and vibrant. She has also led art classes for children, creating joyful learning spaces in the neighborhood she loves.
Her leadership blossomed through BakerRipley’s Community Leadership Program, where she received training in Appreciative Community Building and grassroots organizing. With these skills and a deep sense of purpose, she co-founded Madres del Parque (Mothers of the Park) in 2016—a group of local moms determined to make their neighborhood parks safe, welcoming spaces for all families.
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She connected with local government leaders, making sure the needs of her community were heard. At a March on Crime event in 2022, Maria spoke directly to former Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle and got him to commit to building a new park. Her persistence and advocacy helped bring Burnett Bayland Park into existence. Soon, the park will serve the community as a hub for health, safety, and connection.
Advocating for cleaner, safer parks and organizing events that bring the community together. Maria remains at the heart of it all—whether she’s leading a park clean-up, performing traditional dances, or mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Her passion for her Neighbors, the environment, and healthy living is infectious. She reminds us that true leadership comes not from titles, but from the love we show to the community and people around us.
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