Inducted in 2018
Maria has held numerous positions in both the not for profit and governmental sectors where her leadership, commitment, passion and support have resulted in highly successful festivals and events for over 20 years.
From Tourism Development Officer to Group Service Coordinator to Visitor Service Coordinator to her current role as Executive Director of Hamilton Halton Brant Regional Tourism Association (RTO 3), festivals and events have always been interwoven within her career path. In 2010, the Western Corridor War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance was formed by Maria with support from the City of Brantford. The Alliance promoted 1812 events but left a legacy by creating Route 1812, a historic driving trail and an exhibition on the history of the Grand River. Maria partnership with Six Nations was recognized by the City of Hamilton.
More recently she was asked to head up the Francophone and First Nations Committee for host initiatives for the 2015 Juno awards. Maria has been instrumental in leading a regional approach to tourism and marketing of major events such as: Rendezvous Tall Ships 2017, Canada Day, Canada 150, North American Indigenous Games and the 2018 Canadian Country Music Week and supporting financially and through programming Supercrawl.
Maria has committed hundreds of volunteer hours to support professional development and has held various portfolios.