Maria De Howitt, a proud alumna of UCLA, serves as an Investigator and Strategic Partner in the Dean’s Office at the David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) at UCLA. In this capacity, Maria assesses newly reported complaints, conducts workplace investigations, and performs workplace climate assessments, among other projects. Before her current role, Maria was an Investigator in the Discrimination Prevention Office and the Title IX Office under UCLA's Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. There, she investigated cases of discrimination, harassment, disability, and sexual harassment/sexual assault. 

Maria obtained her Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, where she specialized in Public Interest Law. Licensed in Illinois and Colorado, she practiced probate litigation law in Illinois and employment law in Colorado, before transitioning to a career dedicated to civil rights investigations. As a Civil Rights Investigator for the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD), Maria enforced state anti-discrimination laws with notable expertise and commitment. 

Her investigative work includes two landmark cases that underscore her impact and dedication involving transgender rights and the systemic issues of race, sexual harassment, and retaliation of immigrant workers. The findings in the transgender case led to a groundbreaking decision and set a new precedent that prompted a Colorado school district to revise its bathroom policies with guidance from the CCRD. As a result of her findings in favor of immigrant workers, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed suit against the resort employer and reached a $1 million settlement, requiring the employer to implement systemic changes and regular monitoring to prevent future discrimination and harassment.

Maria’s commitment to public interest and equity continues to guide her professional endeavors, ensuring fairness and integrity in all her work.