Bloustein School alumnus Maria Del Cid-Kosso, MPAP ’20, is focused on expanding educational opportunities for undocumented youth and amplifying marginalized voices in politics. In 2021, she was appointed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy as a Commissioner on the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission aims to develop a responsible, regulated medicinal and recreational cannabis industry. The Commission emphasizes safety and equity, focusing on patient access, safe product production, and promoting diversity and inclusion to create a national model for fair oversight.
Maria previously served as the director of Policy and Legislative Services at the New Jersey Department of Health. In this role, she played a key part in the state's COVID-19 pandemic response, leading strategic communications for statewide vaccination efforts. She also contributed to crafting and assessing numerous legislative bills aimed at promoting equitable healthcare policies.
Additionally, Maria has held several leadership positions within political organizations. She was elected president of the Union County Young Democrats, co-chaired the Latino Caucus of the NJ Democratic State Committee, and currently serves on the board of the Latina Civic Foundation.
A longtime resident of New Jersey, Maria lives in Mercer County. Raised in Plainfield, she was born in Guatemala.
