Mrs. Maria Whitmore grew up in central Mexico. She attended school in the U.S. when coming with her family when she was in 6th grade. Later, while finishing her BA in Industrial Relations at the University of Guanajuato she obtained an “Amistad Program scholarship” for her graduate studies to Southern Oregon University where she completed her Master of Science in Business Education. Maria returned to Mexico and worked as Director of Recruitment and selection and as an educator at the University of Guanajuato Prep School and as a University Professor at the School of Industrial Relations. Maria later collaborated in the area of faculty development division of the University of Guanajuato. Mrs. Whitmore studied public administration postbaccalaureate while working for the state government in Guanajuato, Mexico as in the Economic Development Secretariat as Director of the department of investments in tourism; while serving at this position she received the Award for Public Administration of the State of Guanajuato from then Governor Vicente Fox.
Maria is the Chairwoman of the Nebraska Commission on Latino Americans and is also a citizen representative in the Nebraska Judicial Resources Commission for the 5th Judicial district. She has held numerous community leadership and volunteer positions in Polk and Butler Co. in diverse areas including agriculture, economic development, faith, education and the elderly. She and her husband Greg currently farm the family’s 5th generation operation in Shelby, NE. Their 3 daughters are pursuing their graduate studies. In addition to farming, Mrs. Whitmore also teaches Spanish part time at the college level.
