April 2019 - Maria Williams

Maria is the founder and executive director for Hope Awaits. Hope Awaits is a local nonprofit dedicated to fighting human trafficking. She is passionate about teaching both music and acting and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. She started 18 years ago teaching various musical instruments, and for the last nine years has worked as a drama instructor for a local children's theater company. She also is the music director for a local church here in Lafayette. She holds a degree in Spanish and Criminal Justice from ULL. As one of four daughters she embodies a passion for women and the protection of all children. Maria believes there has been a tremendous injustice that has gone on for far too long, and throughout the years her desire to rescue women and children from sex trafficking has only grown. She feels it is important to begin by educating and spreading awareness of the dangers that surround us on a daily basis. Her mission is to be hope for those hurting as a result of this horrible tragedy.