Maria Elena Banks

Born and partially raised in family Caracas, Venezuela. Maria Elena Banks comes from a diplomatic family. Her maiden name is Maria Elena de Santa Anna. General De Santa Anna was her great, great-grandfather. Her background is in accounting. Her step-dad thought she had too much personality to be sitting behind a desk and literally pushed her to get her real estate license back in 1976. This is when you were encouraged to get a degree in real estate which she did.

She has three children, Michelle, Brian, and Bobby, and three talented granddaughters; Brooke, Abbey, and Kadey. She lost her husband at an early age in her life, her boys were 18 months and four years old. She was extremely involved in their lives to the point that she became the first woman Little League Coach in Newport Beach and San Juan Capistrano.

Maria Elena has always given back to her community in many ways. When her children were young she volunteered at their school and raised funds wherever needed. She lives in Monarch Beach/Dana Point and is very much involved in her community of Dana Point Commissioner Arts & Council Niguel Shores. Past president of Women's Golf, serves on the Recreation Committee and Women's Club member.