Why I’m Running

As an attorney, philanthropist, and mom, I seek to serve the Palos Verdes Library District, which has given so much to my family and our community.Over the past 22 years, I have seen an increase in the depth and breadth of programs available for young children, students, and readers of all ages—programs that bring global experiences directly to the Peninsula.Decades of service leading and chairing professional associations—providing oversight, policy guidance, and fiscal governance at the local, state, and national levels—have prepared me to contribute effectively to the PVLD Board from day one. As a mom, I applied these leadership skills locally at my son’s elementary school and our church. Recently, I served two three-year terms as Chair of the CSU Dominguez Hills Philanthropic Foundation Board, raising funds for scholarships, student programs, the Leo F. Cain Library, and the Gerth Archives. During my first term, in the midst of a global pandemic, we doubled our university fundraising goal.I want to ensure that our library system continues to serve as a vibrant "town square"—providing vital information, rich resources, and engaging experiences for our entire community.

About Maria

Maria Villa is a first-generation graduate of California State University Dominguez Hills (B.S., Business Administration, ’82) and Loyola Law School (J.D., ’86). She is a principal with the law firm of Lathrop & Villa in Rolling Hills Estates, which she co-founded in 1992. She has a state and federal appellate practice and has practiced in the areas of employment, business, and plaintiff’s class action litigation.Ms. Villa serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the California State University Dominguez Hills Philanthropic Foundation Board, having served two three-year terms as Chair. In 1998, she and her husband and co-founding law partner endowed the Loyola Law School Maria D. Villa Scholarship, which provides annual financial support to deserving Latina law students. Ms. Villa is a founding fellow of the California State Bar Foundation and a lifetime member of Loyola Law School’s Dean’s Forum.Ms. Villa was Vice President and Treasurer of the California State Bar Board of Governors (1999–2001), serving as its first elected Hispanic attorney. She co-founded the Latina Lawyers Bar Association (1997), served as President of the Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (1997), and served as Deputy Regional President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (holding lifetime membership). Ms. Villa is a founding board member of the nationally recognized Loyola Law School Immigrant Justice Clinic.Ms. Villa is the recipient of the American Bar Association Difference Maker Award, the Latina Lawyers Bar Association Trailblazer Attorney of the Year Award, the Mexican American Bar Association Attorney of the Year Award, the Loyola Law School La Raza Alumna of the Year Award, and the Loyola Law School Board of Governors Alumni Recognition Award for outstanding service to the law school and to the community.Ms. Villa has also received the highest honors her alma maters can bestow: the honorary Loyola Law School Order of the Coif and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the California State University and California State University Dominguez Hills. Ms. Villa was selected as commencement speaker for the Loyola Law School La Raza student graduation celebration and has twice been the commencement speaker for CSU Dominguez Hills graduation ceremonies.Ms. Villa is currently working to create a pipeline-to-law program for California State University Dominguez Hills students. She is proud that the initiative she began in 2018 with California State University Dominguez Hills and Loyola Law School led in 2024 to the formation of the annual CSU Day at Loyola Law School for all students in the California State University system interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession.Ms. Villa immigrated to the United States from Tijuana, Mexico, at the age of two and is the eldest of seven daughters. She resides in Palos Verdes Estates with her husband and young adult son.Ms. Villa is dedicated to opening the doors of opportunity for students through mentorship and philanthropy.

Endorsed By

Los Angeles County Democratic Party
Indivisible South Bay L.A.
Debby Stegura, Rolling Hills Estates Councilmember