Maria Alvarez Braunstein is a dedicated advocate for animal welfare, bringing a professional background in Business Administration and Human Resources to the Board. Since 1991, when she arrived to attend CSULB, Maria has been rooted in the Long Beach community, serving with the Long Beach Unified School District since 2002.

Maria’s passion is deeply personal. In 2008, she and her late husband adopted their dog, Reinhard (Rhiney), who thrived in the community. Whether swimming at Rosie’s Dog Beach or playing with his best friend, Bella, at local dog parks, Rhiney’s life in Long Beach inspired Maria’s commitment to ensuring all animals have the support needed to lead healthy, happy lives.

Known for her creative and open-minded approach, Maria prioritizes integrity and ethics in all her endeavors. She combines her organizational expertise with a lifelong love for animals to drive community engagement and collaborative support for the city she calls home.