Cheshire CommonsCheshire, Connecticut
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Portrait of Maria Alvarez, Founder & Executive Director

Maria Alvarez

Founder & Executive Director

Maria founded Cheshire Commons after two decades working in community-based job training programs. She oversees the venue's mission work and partnerships, making sure every event booked here helps fund something bigger.

Education

  • M.S. in Nonprofit Management, University of Connecticut
  • B.A. in Sociology, Central Connecticut State University

Career

  • Founder & Executive Director, Cheshire Commons (2023–present)
  • Director of Workforce Programs, Cheshire Community Services (2014–2023)
  • Program Coordinator, ARC of Greater New Haven (2007–2014)

Accomplishments

  • Built Cheshire Commons' job training program from a single pilot cohort into a full-time hospitality and events curriculum
  • Secured founding grant funding and community partnerships that made the venue's nonprofit model possible
  • Recognized by a regional nonprofit council for community impact in workforce development

Looking ahead

Maria's long-term goal is to make Cheshire Commons a model other venues can replicate — proving that an event space can be financially sustainable while funding real, paid job training for people who are too often overlooked by traditional employers.