Maria Said is the Health Strategy and Advocacy Manager of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA). After some 26 years in the role of Chief Executive Officer she stepped down in 2025 and now works part-time for A&AA. Maria is a Registered Nurse and Director and co-chair of the National Allergy Council. In 2022 Maria was awarded the honour of Member of the Order of Australia for her tireless work in the field of allergy and anaphylaxis.

Maria has been a member of A&AA since 1993 when her son was diagnosed with severe atopy including food allergy. She continues to advocate for individuals who live with allergic disease including those that live with the risk of anaphylaxis. She has presented on the management of allergic disease both nationally and internationally. She shares information to ultimately help improve the quality of life of people with allergic disease. Maria speaks on the consumer perspective, management of allergy and anaphylaxis in real life with individuals and those that care for/about them with teaching & health professionals, the food industry, federal and state government departments, and the Australian community.

In her advocacy role and as a result of her breadth of understanding and expertise, Maria has been called on to provide expert advice to state coroners after deaths from food anaphylaxis.  She has forwarded numerous submissions to state coroners’ courts across Australia. The learnings from these investigation and inquests have assisted with improved care and education of those at risk of anaphylaxis.

Maria, a registered nurse, has more than 30 years of experience in the day-to-day management of allergic disease and is nationally and internationally recognised and respected.