Maria D. Cabrera
President Pro-Tempore &
Council Member At-Large
Maria D. Cabrera first served on Wilmington City Council from 2013 to 2017. She is the first Hispanic female elected to office in Delaware and the first to run for Mayor of Wilmington (2016). She was re-elected to City Council in 2020 and is running for re-election in 2024. Maria has built strong strategic partnerships both locally and nationally and has served on over 30 boards and committees.
She is currently active with the Redding Consortium for Educational Equity and multiple senior and affordable housing organizations. Maria previously worked in the Wilmington Office of Cultural Affairs under Mayor James H. Sills, Jr., and as Director of Education and Community Relations for the Grand Opera House.
Maria is also an entrepreneur, having launched multiple successful businesses. Most notably, she founded the Los Angeles Agency in 2002, which specializes in designing culturally appropriate marketing and communications strategies. With over 38 years of combined experience in marketing, communications, and sales, and 30 years in community organizing and outreach, Maria is a motivational speaker who frequently addresses issues such as cultural competency, emerging markets, outreach strategies, healthcare, and professional development. Her outreach efforts include working with seniors and teenagers, emphasizing a positive and holistic approach, and consistently advocating for those in need.
Maria expanded her business expertise as a Health Insurance Broker, launching her own agency, Complete Benefits Group, LLC. Her advocacy for accessible and affordable healthcare stems from her six years as a Federal Navigator for Affordable Care Health Insurance (ACA). She is an active member of the National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National League of Cities, where she serves on several constituency groups, including Women in Municipal Government, Hispanic Elected Local Officials, and the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.
Maria has received numerous awards and commendations, including a letter of appreciation from President Bill Clinton, the Most Influential Hispanic in Delaware Valley Award from the Impacto Latino Media Group, the Outstanding Community Outreach Award from the Latin American Community Center, the Keys to the City of Wilmington, and the Outstanding Employee distinction from Mayor James H. Sills, Jr. She was also recognized as one of the most influential Women of the Next Century by the YWCA and received the Bridge Builder Award.
In her second non-consecutive term with City Council, Maria served as President Pro-Tem and on the following committees:
- Community Development & Urban Planning Committee (Chair)
- Health, Aging & Disabilities Committee (Vice Chair)
- Cable, Video, and Telecommunications Commission (Vice Chair)
Councilmember Cabrera is the proud mother of four wonderful children and grandmother of three.
Current Standing Committees of Council
Council Member Cabrera is a member of the:
• Community Development & Urban Planning Committee (Chair)
• Health, Environmental, Aging & Disabilities Committee
Council Member Cabrera is also the Vice Chair of the Cable, Video and Telecommunications Commission.