Her Story
About Maria
Maria Harris is a benefits and insurance professional who has built a successful career through dedication, continuous growth, and a passion for improving employee well-being. A graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, where she studied Behavioral and Community Health, Maria began her professional journey as an intern in her company's well-being department. While supporting workplace wellness initiatives, she discovered a strong interest in employee benefits and insurance, leading to a full-time opportunity that launched a career spanning more than 12 years. Through hard work and consistent performance, she advanced from account manager to account executive and was recently promoted to manager.
In her current leadership role at CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc., Maria specializes in employee benefits, client relationship management, and workplace well-being strategies that help organizations create healthier, more engaged, and productive workforces. Throughout her career, she has embraced the challenges of being one of the youngest professionals—and often the youngest woman—in executive meetings with corporate CEOs and CFOs. By relying on thorough preparation, professionalism, and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone, she has earned the trust of clients and colleagues alike. She credits strong mentorship, particularly the guidance of Rebecca Royal, as an important influence on her professional development.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Maria is deeply committed to serving her community. She organizes an annual food drive benefiting the Howard County Food Banks, an initiative that raised more than $6,000 in its most recent campaign. Her dedication to helping others extends beyond the workplace and reflects the values that guide both her career and personal life. Having graduated from high school a year early and completed college while raising two children, Maria exemplifies resilience, determination, and a lifelong commitment to growth, leadership, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, continuous learning, and a passion for helping others. Over the past 12 years, I have grown from an intern to a manager while balancing my studies in behavioral and community health.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that growth comes from being uncomfortable. Whenever I feel nervous or face an unfamiliar situation, I remind myself that it’s an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of avoiding discomfort, I’ve learned to embrace it and lean into new challenges.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been earning credibility as one of the youngest—and often the youngest woman—in the room. Meeting with corporate CEOs and CFOs early in my career required me to consistently demonstrate my knowledge, professionalism, and ability to deliver value.
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