Maria Pike

Maria Pike is a Chicago mother who works both locally and nationally against conditions and policies that result in deadly gun violence and lack of services in, education, mental health, health, housing, food access and jobs in underserved communities. She does this is the name of her son, Ricky Pike, a victim of gun violence and families whose lives have been complicated by loss and crime. Maria works to strengthen communities in affected areas by collaborating with, supporting stakeholders through service and community outreach.

She believes in forgiveness & accountability, restoration & healing, second chances and equity in education, health, housing and food.

Maria has traveled extensively and lived overseas. She resides in Chicago and dedicates most of her time with non-profits and grass root work in support of families of victims of gun violence, children at risk insisting on equity in the justice and educational system in support of restorative practices both in school and in the prison system: She has been a contributor and has been featured in both Hispanic and English media at local and national levels in her efforts to bring awareness to gun violence, the youth within families affected by crime and the roots of violence in urban cities to compel others to join in solutions unique to each community. Maria has served on numerous boards including:

Chicago Survivors Org, Collaboration, Newtown Action Alliance, Community Violence Lead for the State of Illinois Moms Demand Action, Senior Fellow for Everytown for Gun Sense and Illinois Alliance to Prevent Gun Violence