Meet The Founder
Hi! My name is Maria Oceja, pronounced [Oh-sĕ-ha], like the short e sound in the beginning of Memphis! I grew up in between the vastly different worlds of a First generation Mexican-Immigrant household and the rich, soulful, historically impactful Memphis culture.
Growing up as a member of a new cultural player in recent Memphis history, led me to understand that there is a need for connections between Latinx, immigrant communities and Memphis Citizens. Because of this need, many Latinx and immigrant communities across Memphis face the impacts of cultural misinterpretation.
Maria A. Oceja
Liberacíon Founder
Serving the City
Memphis is a great city known for breeding talent. After graduating from Craigmont High School’s optional program, I received my bachelors degree in Sociology from Wellesley College in 2015 and decided to return home to nurture the community that built me.
Upon returning, I quickly remembered that there are many cultural enclaves of Memphis; some are more connected than others. Local history lets us know that some of that disconnection lies in intentional policy, such as redlining. At its height, Jim Crow lived comfortably in Memphis, TN, and we carry the worst tragedy in Civil Rights history; Dr.King’s assassination.
Memphis’s "Jim Crow" history impacts the continued separation of enclaves across our city. Because of our more recent arrival, the Latinx and immigrant communities remain generally disconnected. Despite this, many organizations across Memphis have done a great job of reaching out to local Latinx community organizations. I am here to support your efforts and elevate your approach.
My education, lived and professional experiences make me capable of working with local businesses, community organizations and governmental agencies to create systematic approaches to integrate the Latinx and immigrant community with the greater Memphis community. Moreover, my education in Sociology, professional experiences, training and community organizing also equip me to provide tools to create more diverse, equitable, inclusive and just spaces.
This year, I had the honor of serving on Mayor Paul Young's Good Governance Transition Team. I presented key recommendations for him and his staff to include more translations services across the City of Memphis. You can learn more about the full recommendations on his website. If you'd like to read the in-depth Good Governance Team recommendations, they are available as well.
I look forward to working with you to create a more connected Memphis!