Mariela Saldana, MBA
Mariela Saldana, MBA is a Brand Ambassador at GoBeRewarded Marketing Agency and Video Pro San Diego, where she supports local businesses in North County with marketing, digital content, and video production services. With a strong focus on building meaningful client relationships, Mariela combines her marketing expertise with her analytical and financial background to deliver personalized solutions that drive results. She is known for her commitment to integrity, service, and fostering trust within the communities she serves.
Prior to her current role, Mariela gained extensive experience in healthcare and academia. She worked as a Reimbursement Specialist at Tandem Diabetes Care, handling complex claims and ensuring accurate reimbursements while leveraging data analysis to improve operational efficiency. She also served as a Research Administrator at UC San Diego and as a Fund Manager at the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering, mentoring student-led ventures and managing investment portfolios. These experiences reflect her ability to bridge technical expertise with strategic leadership.
Mariela holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, San Diego, Rady School of Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Political Science from UCSD, where she studied abroad in Paris and became proficient in English, Spanish, and French. Passionate about community involvement and minority business development, she actively volunteers, mentors, and participates in organizations such as Phi Lambda Rho Sorority, Inc. and Hermanas Unidas. Her dedication to continuous learning, professional growth, and empowering others defines her career and personal mission.
• Management - MBA
• UC San Diego - BA
• UC Paris
• Phi Lambda Rho Sorority Inc.
• Hermanas Unidas
• Phi Lambda Rho Sorority, Inc.
• Helping Hands
• Key Club International
• Rotary International
• The Surfrider Foundation
• Interfaith Community Services
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family, who have always been my greatest motivators, and to the strong work ethic I developed during my years in finance. Earning a full-ride scholarship to UCSD gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals, while my habit of networking extensively, meeting business owners face to face from morning to evening, has helped me build meaningful connections. By balancing marketing and accounting with intention, integrity, and genuine care, I have cultivated a reputation of trust among local business owners. Additionally, my diverse experience across finance, accounting, UCSD program roles, and marketing has provided me with a broad skill set that continues to support my professional growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “Don’t isolate yourself network, connect, and let people help open doors for you.” I live by this principle, attending events daily and staying active in Chambers of Commerce to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to support each other, recognizing that there is room for all of us. Use networking as a tool for empowerment rather than comparison, and commit to continuous learning through school, online courses, or new roles. Don’t be intimidated by male-dominated fields like finance or accounting, and remember that you can reinvent yourself at any stage I’ve done it successfully. Above all, view other women as allies, not competitors, and lift each other up along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include competing with firms that rely heavily on AI tools, businesses outsourcing marketing instead of building local partnerships, and maintaining human connection in an increasingly automated landscape. At the same time, there are significant opportunities, such as the high demand for personalized, in-person marketing services, supporting small businesses that value local relationships, and the growing interest in financial literacy, particularly among women and minorities. My dual skill set in marketing and accounting provides a strong competitive advantage, and I see great potential for AI to enhance rather than replace personalized client care.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity and nurturing meaningful personal relationships. I approach everything with a service mindset, consistently checking in on clients and showing up in person. I prioritize connection over competition, especially among women, and am deeply committed to community involvement and giving back, including volunteering with hospice patients. Continuous learning is also central to my life, as I work steadily toward my long-term academic and professional goals.