“ Community is helping others , being compassionate and loving . Community is everything to me .”

Owner , Maria Cid Agency , Farmer ' s Insurance

or helping local non-profits through volunteering , advocating , and financial support , she is pursuing her passions — oenology ( the study of wine ) and supporting motorcycle and auto racing events . Wherever you find her , she ’ s operating at full speed .

Maria ’ s passion for life stems from growing up in a traditional Mexican / Catholic household with lots of family . The Gilroy native grew up surrounded by cousins who did everything together . “ We were more like brothers and sisters , and each other ’ s best friends .” She says . Now as parents , they are raising their children with the same values — loyalty , compassion for others , and pride of heritage . Maria ’ s mom was especially influential . “ She was a beautiful , energetic woman with a deep love for family and friends .” Maria says . She describes her mom as humble and caring , with strong moral values . “ She was transcendent . She lived life fully .”

After 25 years in the insurance industry , Maria has built her business by truly caring for her clients . Her success enables her to do even more for the communities she serves . As an advocate for small business , she chooses to always shop local . She is a board member for the Youth Alliance in Hollister , where she ’ s lived for the past ten years . She serves on the Gilroy Ostrich Farm advisory board and is president of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival .

Maria ’ s influence and efforts helped to establish the # gilroystrong movement in response to the 2019 Gilroy Garlic Festival tragedy . By raising money , awareness and supporting healing for the injured and their families , the movement was instrumental in the community ’ s unified stand against violence .

She advocates and supports the Edward Boss Prado Foundation , Love146 , March of Dimes , Rebekah Children ’ s Services and Kneaded Bakery . She is a Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and was named the 2021 “ Volunteer of the Year ” for her contributions . For the past 15 years , she has served as the assistant Director of communications for SCRAMP at Laguna Seca Raceway , where she works with celebrities , artists and others in the racing universe . In 2020 she purchased hundreds of lunches from local restaurants and provided them to first responders . She is an active member of # farmerscares and the Suits for Soldiers program . In 2021 Maria plans to do even more . She hopes to inspire others to get involved by using their voice , abilities , and skills to benefit their community . Mom ’ s influence is shining through .

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com

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