With more than five decades of experience, Maria Garcia Berry has played a pivotal role in shaping public-private partnerships, leading major civic projects, and driving policy initiatives that have transformed Denver’s economic and political landscape. Known for her ability to navigate complex challenges, she has built a reputation as a leader who consistently finds productive solutions that benefit all parties involved. In 1981, she founded CRL Associates, a leading public affairs firm she led for 43 years, guiding organizations through complex policy environments and helping build strategic partnerships across Colorado and the country. Under her leadership, the firm became nationally recognized for its ability to anticipate challenges and position clients for long-term success.

A Cuban American immigrant, Garcia Berry’s path to leadership began when she arrived in the United States as a child through Operation Pedro Pan, which brought approximately 14,000 unaccompanied children from Cuba to the U.S. between 1960 and 1962. These early experiences shaped her deep commitment to mentorship, entrepreneurship, and immigrant advocacy. She currently serves as chair of the Biennial of the Americas and has held leadership roles with the Cuba Emprende Foundation and the Cuba Study Group, supporting initiatives that expand economic opportunity and cultural exchange. She also played a key role in elevating Denver on the global stage during the inaugural Cities Summit of the Americas in 2023.

Her contributions have been widely recognized, including the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Denver Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business program and the Individual Award for International Women’s Day from WorldDenver. She has also been honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Colorado Girl Scouts, named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women by the Colorado Women’s Chamber, and recognized as the 2025 Woman of the Year by the Colorado State Chamber for her lasting impact on Colorado’s business community and her commitment to leadership. She currently serves on the board of the Biennial of the Americas, the UMB Financial Advisory Board, and the Front Range Passenger Rail Commission, and recently completed her tenure as chair of the RTD Accountability Committee established by the Colorado General Assembly.