Episode 157

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Published on:

26th Apr 2026

Maria Torres S3E157

Maria Torres is a community advocate and founder of the CommUnity Project. Born in El Salvador and now living in Council Bluffs, her story spans migration and motherhood, trauma and healing, and the discovery of a public voice turning her lived experience into advocacy for belonging, community, and care for others.

Torres came as a child to the United States. She now lives in Council Bluffs with her family, previously worked as the health equity coordinator for Pottawattamie County Public Health, and is the founder of The CommUnity Project, a Southwest Iowa organization working to celebrate the unique diversity of the community. Her story is one leading to a growing call to raise her voice on behalf of people too often unheard.

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I'm Stuart Chittenden—an existential coach, Certified Humanist Professional, and the creator and host of Lives Radio Show & Podcast. My work centers on helping people explore who they are, what matters most, and how to live well in a world that often rushes past those questions.

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