Maria Said has been a member of Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) since 1993 when her son was diagnosed with severe atopy (allergic disease) including food allergy. As a volunteer, she became national President of the organisation in 1999. Maria is an advocate for individuals who live with allergic diseases including food allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis. She shares information on the mission of the organisation and the consumer perspective with teaching and health professionals, the food industry, federal and state government departments and the Australian community.

Maria is an associate member of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) and holds a position on several working parties. She has co-authored several publications in medical and food industry journals. Maria is a committee member of international organisations with a focus on allergic disease and has presented at several US and European medical and food industry meetings.

As CEO of A&AA, Maria forwarded statements to Australian Coroners after the deaths of individuals from food anaphylaxis. Maria has assisted State Coroners as an expert witness in seven coronial inquests. The unfolding of these investigations has resulted in change throughout Australia.