1986. Christmas party in a Hollywood bank for MAOF. Maria Contraras Sweet. Flourished during the civil rights movement (1960s to 1980s) and, became one of the 10 major Mexican American women leaders. She laid the groundwork to help build MAOF into what it is today. In 1999, DM proclaimed her as one of the major Hispanic women leaders in the nation. "Very special lady."

Currently, Maria is Founer/Chairwoman of the Board of Promerica Bank,