Maria Anna Rafac is an architect, educator, activist, wife, and mother of five.

Since 1997, Maria has been dedicated to her students with a focus on helping them fulfill their education and career goals. She is currently a professor of Architecture and Sustainability, Academic Advisor for the Architectural Studies Program, and club advisor for the American Institute of Architecture Students at Joliet Junior College.

Maria attended the University of Illinois - Urbana/Champaign, receiving both a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture - Structures Option. Maria has been a registered Architect in the State of Illinois since 1992 and has worked for several architectural firms and in private practice over the past 30 years.

In 2008, Maria became Joliet Junior College's first Sustainability Coordinator working with students, faculty, staff, administration, and the community on sustainability initiatives and related issues. She serves as the co-affiliate for the Illinois Green Economy Network IGEN, and as the chair of the South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium's SMHEC Sustainability Initiatives Committee. She has additionally served as a member of the Environmental Commission for the City of Joliet, and as the chair of the city's Water Conservation Subcommittee.

Her past accolades include the 2016 Will County Land Use Department's Amicus Terrae - Friend of the Land Award, the 2017 Illinois Green Economy Network Sustainable Champion Award, the 2024 JJC Susan H. Wood Hall of Fame Award, and the 2025 AACC Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award.