Born in Rabat, Malta on August 7, 1952, Maria Camilleri graduated with an Honours Degree in arts from the University of Malta in 1974. The following year, she earned her teaching warrant.
As a teacher she taught at Maria Regina, secondary school and Junior Lyceum, Blata l-Bajda and later on at the higher secondary, Msida. She served as an assistant head at the primary and secondary schools in Rabat and was head of school at St Venera primary school.
Ms Camilleri was also involved in television and was a member of several cultural committees.
While still a university student, she became entrenched in politics. During the following years she joined the Labour Party and held various posts among them vice president of the Labour Party, a post which was only filled once by a female member.
She fulfilled her life-long dream in politics between 1996-1998 when she became a member of parliament serving as an assistant whip and a member of the Public Accounts Committee. During this time Ms Camilleri was also a parliamentary member of the Council of Europe, the first Maltese female parliamentarian serving in such a prestigious forum and for some time vice-chairperson of the Socialist Group.
She attended and participated in several international conferences related to women's issues and other important themes, formed part of Maltese Government delegations travelling abroad and was director on boards of several Maltese parastatal companies.
In 1997, together with the Imam of the Muslim community, Maria established the school for the Maltese Muslim children. Fully aware of the difficult task ahead, was, nevertheless, determined to bring Christians and Muslims to work together. Today Miriam Albatool College is a symbol of peace, tolerance and respect between Christians and Muslims. It promotes dialogue - the proper understanding and appreciation of both religions Christianity and Islam.
While preparing herself for the MEP elections, her priorities include further development of high social standards and conditions, education, health and environment, gender equality and the Mediterranean region.