Influential Woman · Marketing

Maria Mahanes

Founder Marketing Consultant, Marketing Made

Miami, FL

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor’s in International Affairs Degree Financial Management Certificate Degree Digital Marketing Certificate Degree Marketing Management Certificate

Her Story

About Maria

Maria Mahanes is a strategic marketer, team builder, and problem solver with extensive experience driving brand growth, integrated marketing, and business strategy across Fortune 500 companies and fast-moving startups.

Her expertise spans multi-channel marketing, PR, brand development, sales enablement, and project management. But beyond tactics and titles, Maria is driven to help businesses connect the dots between vision and message, value and audience, and strategy and execution.

Throughout her career, she has led campaigns that sparked momentum and guided organizations through periods of transformation and growth. Along the way, she’s learned that the most impactful marketing isn’t about making noise, it’s about making meaning. That impact starts with clarity, empathy, and intention.

Today, as the founder of Marketing Made, Maria works directly with businesses to bring that philosophy to life, helping them build strong foundations and execute smarter, more aligned marketing strategies. Her approach is collaborative, practical, and deeply human, designed to make marketing feel accessible without sacrificing sophistication.

At her core, Maria believes in leading with integrity, showing up with purpose, and creating work that helps others grow. She is a strong advocate for unity, honesty, and thoughtful leadership as drivers of positive change and a better world.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Maria

01What do you attribute your success to?

Family and faith. They ground my values, guide my decisions, and keep me focused on purpose over pressure.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

“Let the work speak for itself.” That advice taught me to focus less on proving myself and more on delivering meaningful, high-quality work. Consistency, integrity, and results create credibility over time, and that kind of reputation is far more powerful than any title or spotlight.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Never stop learning. Marketing and business in general evolve constantly, and curiosity is your greatest advantage. Invest in your skills, ask questions, stay adaptable, and trust that growth comes from progress, not perfection. Confidence follows competence.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

AI is the biggest shift happening in marketing today. Many see it as a threat, but I see it as a powerful opportunity. Used thoughtfully, AI can enhance creativity, efficiency, and strategy, freeing professionals to focus on higher-level thinking, connection, and impact rather than replacing human insight.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Honesty. Being honest with myself and others builds trust, strengthens relationships, and leads to better outcomes. It allows for more transparent communication, more decisive leadership, and work that’s aligned, ethical, and meaningful.

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