When casting the Hawkgirl character on "Justice League" , the casting department looked for an actress with an accent, in order to make Hawkgirl sound more unique since she was an alien. Therefore Maria was chosen in part for her Hispanic accent.
Is of Cuban descent.
Her nephew, Ricky Canals, attended Dade Christian School in Unincorporated Miami Lakes, Florida, but now attends Barbara Goleman Senior High.
Has 2 daughters with her husband David Barrera - Bridget Barrera (b.2003) and Madeleine Barrera (b.2005).
