Maricela Rios-Faust

Chief Executive Officer
Human Options

Guiding Human Options as its chief executive officer, Maricela Rios-Faust has emerged as one of Orange County’s most influential voices in the fight to end relationship violence. With over 30 years of experience, she has transformed the organization into a comprehensive service provider, expanding its reach and strengthening its programs. In June 2025, Rios-Faust launched Humanity in Action, a bold initiative to mobilize community members and spearheaded Courage Over Comfort, a video and panel series designed to inspire action. Her leadership was instrumental in the release of a groundbreaking 10-year analysis of domestic violence-related homicides, which is now informing new prevention strategies. A widely respected leader, Rios-Faust serves on the boards of the Family Violence Appellate Project, Hoag Memorial Hospital and the Blue Shield of California Foundation.