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Cohort 7

Jurisdiction: Town of Murphy

University: UNC Chapel Hill

Hometown: Wake Forest, NC

Maria Jose Cuenca earned her degrees in Political Science and Global Studies from UNC-Chapel Hill, concentrating on international Latin American politics and minoring in Urban Studies. She recently returned from serving in the Peace Corps in Peru, where she focused on youth leadership, civic engagement, and gender equity alongside local families and leaders. At Carolina, she served as Vice President of UNC Por Colombia, drawing on her Colombian American identity to foster cultural connection and community involvement. Maria Jose has also interned with international NGOs such as Counterpart International and We-Empower, contributing to global development and partnership strategies. As a Lead for NC Fellow, she’s eager to build on her public service journey and collaborate closely with the people of Murphy.

March 2, 2026

Hyde County is launching a Citizens Academy, a free educational program designed by local governments to teach citizens how their local government operates. The academy has three main goals: to…

January 15, 2026

Maria Cuenca-Romero is driven by a genuine desire to give back, turning her passion for public service into meaningful change for the communities she serves. After attaining a bachelor’s degree…

September 22, 2025

In Clayton, numbers show how resources support services and meet residents’ needs. Each figure in the budget provides insight into how departments operate and how programs are funded, creating a…

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