Tell me about yourself.
My name is Maria Fortune. I am a Criminal District Court Judge, presiding over the Jefferson County Drug Court. I am from Denver, Colorado where I received my B.S. from the University of Northen Colorado and my Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Denver. Prior to taking the bench, I had my own law practice. I also served as a Deputy Public Defender and an Assistant City Attorney. I have a heart for the people, and this is reflected through my service on multiple nonprofit boards. I currently serve on the following boards: Workfaith Birmingham, Jefferson County Family Resource Center, Addiction Prevention Coalition, and New Awakening Recovery Services, LLC. I am also a mentor with Raising Royalty Mentoring Bhm, LLC, a girls mentoring program focused on Encouraging, Empowering and Enlightening young girls and I teach Sunday School to the youth at my church, Living Stones Temple.
How did you come to know the Lord and how has that relationship impacted your career, family, and ministry?
I came to know the Lord at a very young age as both of my parents were very active in church and our community. As a child, my mother was Director over the Children’s Ministry. She made sure I read and applied the Bible lessons to my daily life. My father was very involved in going out into the community and helping the underserved. He would take me with him, and we would feed and clothe the homeless several times a month. My father was a strong prayer warrior. He instilled in me the importance of prayer. As a result, I keep God first in all my decisions relating to my career, family and ministry
One of the things I love about you is your passion to provide people in difficult places opportunities to succeed. How did this become so important to you?
I always try to live by the motto, “What Would God Do”. God had a heart for individuals who were less fortunate and were passed over by society. I have this same passion to help others and it goes back to my childhood. I grew up in the inner city of Denver, Colorado, during the heart of gang violence. Although I had an opportunity to attend private school, I came home each day to kids in my neighborhood who were less fortunate. Many of the kids became involved in gangs; sold and used drugs; dropped out of school; and were in and out of the juvenile detention center. Because I personally knew these kids growing up, I recognized they could have had a different outcome in life, if they were provided with the opportunities and resources to succeed. As a result, I knew in high school I wanted to enter the legal field with the purpose of giving people opportunities to better themselves, their families, and the community. Presiding over Drug Court has helped me fulfil my purpose by giving individuals a second chance.
You are currently volunteering with WorkFaith as a Board Member and as a Mentor. What are your takeaways that you think people should know about serving on a non-profit Board?
Serving on a faith based non-profit board like WorkFaith Birmingham has been very rewarding as all our board members are committed to the organization’s faith-based mission and values. As a board member, our faith both play a vital role in the strategic decisions and the day-to-day operations of the organization. Serving on a faith-based non-profit board demands a balance of spiritual insight, professional skills, and community dedication.
Can you share what you think people need to know about the people that we serve?
I am a firm believer we have all been created for a purpose in this world. Many people we serve may have experienced unforeseen circumstances and/or may not have made the best decisions in their life which has caused them to be derailed from their purpose. When they seek our services, they are searching to regain focus of their purpose in life. Workfaith Birmingham allows them to receive the skills, support, and values to begin to live their life as productive citizens in society.
As a mentor, what have you experienced that has been a blessing to you?
As a mentor with WorkFaith Birmingham, I have developed a true friendship with my mentee. Since becoming her mentor, I have seen her confidence increase and her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and apply for new positions. As a result, she has been able to obtain additional employment to help enhance her quality of life. It is such a blessing to see her growth not only in her career, but in all areas of her life.
There are a lot of great places that you serve in and around Birmingham. Why WorkFaith?
WorkFaith Birmingham is one of my favorite boards as this board is like a family with Christ at the Center of Everything we DO!