Maritza Quintuna was born in Bronx, New York, and lived in Yonkers until the age of 5, before moving to Ecuador, where she spent the next 10 years of her life living in the beautifully country side and on her families farm. At 15, she returned to the United States, living in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This unique blend of cultures has shaped Maritza’s perspective on cultural interactions and a deep belief in embracing individuality, regardless of the cultural boxes society might place people in.

Raised in a family where community advocacy was a core value, Maritza learned the power of using one’s voice to create positive change. This belief became the foundation of her creative work, fueling her passion for developing projects that not only challenge boundaries but also uplift and empower others. Maritza’s journey into the world of creative storytelling began as a child, inspired by the challenges faced by her communities. From arts and crafts to STEM projects, she found her path in graphic design and fine arts. In 2018, Maritza’s life took a transformative turn when she became a mother. This experience enhanced her career focus, driving her to make the world a better place for her daughter and future generations. It deepened her understanding of resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of nurturing others—values that now guide every aspect of her creative process and drive the stories, programs, and projects she develops to support and celebrate individuals, families, and communities. Maritza earned her Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design from Housatonic Community College in 2019, serving as Art Director for Horizons magazine and volunteering with school-based art initiatives, gaining experience in leadership roles. In her sophomore year, she was part of the pilot internship with the Connecticut Office of the Arts that focused on Arts Administration; she was placed at City Lights Gallery, Bridgeport, CT. Same year she also worked in her first advertising agency as an intern at TFI Envision, Inc., as well as getting promoted to the in-house marketing department at Housatonic Community College.

In 2021, Maritza launched her freelance career, combining her creative skills with a commitment to community empowerment with mission-driven organizations across education, arts, agriculture, and social services.

In 2024, she graduated with honors from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design. Her academic work, including campaigns for local farmers’ markets inspired by her community in Bridgeport, was praised for its social impact. She applied this knowledge to the Alliance for Community Empowerment’s Farmers Market Program, where both the community and farmers felt empowered and valued. Over the years, Maritza volunteers as a graphic designer for AIGA’s Makethon program, where she helps develop design strategies for nonprofit organizations. Currently, she is the artist-in-residence for the Milford Arts Council, where she blends graphic design with fine arts, using visual storytelling and arts administration to connect, inspire, and empower. She mentors emerging creatives, helping them start in the right track by providing resources and feedback on client acquisition. Additionally, she creates programs that bridge the gap between the creative world and local communities, develops photography workshops for first graders, and consults with artists on how to market their work and get into galleries. She has also supports nonprofit organizations through marketing.

To Maritza, design is a tool for transformation. Through her work, she strives to create lasting change, empower individuals to embrace their voices, and foster connections that drive social impact.