Maria Alonzo-Diaz is a Mexican immigrant and school board member serving Des Moines Public Schools at-large since 2021, re-elected in 2025 with 38.3% of the vote. A counselor and advocate for domestic violence survivors for over 26 years at Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services, she is a strong voice for Latinx and immigrant communities. In 2012, she co-founded Giant Pekes Soccer, an affordable year-round community soccer program engaging Latinx families in wellness, character development, and social responsibility for 12 years. She serves on multiple boards including the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Board and SAFE Center of Iowa.
Serving
Maria Alonzo-Diaz
LocalDemocrat
IA-Des Moines School Board At-Large Local
About
Family & Heritage
Native of southern Tamaulipas, Mexico who immigrated to Iowa. Mother of three children (Javi, Lianna, and Carlos), all of whom attended Des Moines Public Schools. Has lived in Des Moines for over 15 years.
Political Career
Before Politics
Victim counselor and advocate at Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services for 26 years, supporting individuals and families affected by violence; Outreach Counselor at Children and Families of Iowa/Family Violence Center; Therapist at Young Women's Resource Center (joined Spring 2025); AFSCME union member; One of the first facilitators of Mariposa program at Young Women's Resource Center (2001)
Education
B.S.W. Social Work, Iowa State University; M.A. Counseling, Drake University
Key Issues & Priorities
Advocating for the well-being of all students
Representation for Latinx and immigrant communities on the school board
Public education funding and facility improvements through Reimagining Education bond initiative
Transparency in superintendent search process
Visibility for students to see themselves in their leaders
Building political power within diverse and underrepresented communities
Protecting immigrant families from harmful policies
Endorsements
American Federation of State
County
and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 61
Iowa Unity Coalition (2021
2025)
Des Moines Register Editorial Board (2025)