Maritza Penagos

Maritza Penagos is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in public health, nonprofit management, and community empowerment. Currently serving as the Chief Program Officer at Hamilton Families since October 2021, Maritza has held various significant positions, including Interim Executive Director at Openhouse and the Women’s Therapy Center - East Bay/Berkeley. Maritza's work at the Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative focused on COVID-19 recovery efforts, emphasizing health equity for marginalized communities. Previous roles included National Program Director at Health Career Connection, where Maritza enhanced workforce development initiatives, and Director of Operations & Client Services at the AIDS Emergency Fund. Maritza holds a Master of Social Work and a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, alongside a Bachelor's degree in Ethnic Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.