Maria Horta Vorse
About
Maria was born in Apan, Hidalgo, Mexico, and emigrated to the United States at the early age of 26, with lots of dreams and no English skills. Maria volunteered for 2 years at her son, Marco’s, elementary school, where side by side, both learned the English language.
Maria is characterized for having an entrepreneurial spirit that was fundamental in overcoming the language barrier and earning her Bachelor and Juris Doctor’s degrees from the University of Idaho. In her academic career, Maria earned a place on the Dean’s list in 2017 and 2020. She also joined the Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 79, the Golden Key International and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Societies. She was also awarded the 2017 Alumni Excellence Award.
Maria has also participated in business venture competitions such as the Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs in 2018, Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge and the Idaho Pitch in 2017, obtaining 2nd and 1st places respectively.
In her legal career, Maria has participated in internships and externships in private practice and a semester in practice under the supervision of Hon. Judge Sunil Ramalingam, in the Nez Perce County in Lewiston, ID. After law school and while waiting to be licensed in South Carolina, Maria assisted attorneys as a Bilingual Paralegal and Interpreter for Spanish Speaker defendants in federal and state courts. This last experience introduced Maria to the criminal defense area.
In her personal life, Maria is married to Chad Vorse, and together share six children: Marco, Hannah, Elijah, Jessica, Joshua and Caleb; and are blessed to be called “granpa and grandma”
Maria’s hobbies include traveling and visiting museums of any kind. She enjoys graphic design and French beading. French beading is a hobby dear to Maria’s heart as she spent numerous hours with her late mother creating flower bouquets and building the unbreakable bond of true friendship.
Like many of us, Maria has experienced a variety of challenges. In her case, navigating the immigration system to become a U.S. Citizen, and defeating a breast cancer diagnosis, among others.
Maria is passionate about serving her community. She loves volunteering in her church, The Crossing, in Idaho; assisting with translations and interpretations in the English and Spanish languages; and supporting toy and food drives. While in law school, Maria participated in pro-bono activities that included the Othello Fundraising Program, and the Immigration and Tax Clinics.
In this new venture, Maria partners with Stuart in bringing legal services to the Hispanic community, in the Spanish language.