Influential Woman · Marketing operations and digital marketing consulting
Mary Souza
Director Of Marketing And Product Management / Co-founder, Oceanic Expeditions
Vacaville, CA 95688
Her Story
About Mary
Mary Souza is a dynamic marketing and product management executive and co-founder of Oceanic Expeditions, where she has played an integral role in shaping the company’s brand, customer experience, and overall business strategy. As Director of Marketing and Product Management, she oversees initiatives that connect marketing, product development, operations, and customer engagement, helping position the organization for sustainable growth. Her work reflects a strong understanding of how compelling brand strategy, innovative products, and exceptional customer experiences can work together to create long-term business value.
Souza brings a multidisciplinary background that combines marketing, entrepreneurship, digital strategy, hospitality, and operations. Before co-founding Oceanic Expeditions, she developed her professional expertise through marketing and business development roles with organizations including Startup Monterey Bay and the Institute for Innovation & Economic Development, as well as through her experience with Pebble Beach Resorts. These experiences provided her with a broad perspective on brand development, market positioning, customer engagement, and operational execution. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and has continued to strengthen her digital marketing expertise through professional certifications, including Google Ads Display Certification.
At Oceanic Expeditions, Souza combines strategic leadership with a hands-on entrepreneurial approach, contributing across marketing, product management, operations, and business development. Her ability to move between creative strategy and practical execution enables her to identify opportunities, develop effective solutions, and continually improve the customer experience. As a co-founder, she is also deeply invested in building a company that reflects innovation, professionalism, and a strong connection to the Monterey Bay environment. Through her leadership, Souza continues to demonstrate how thoughtful marketing, product innovation, and entrepreneurial vision can drive meaningful growth and establish a distinctive presence within the marine tourism industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mary
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering the industry to trust themselves and take the leap. Do not allow other people’s fears, doubts, or limitations to define what you believe is possible for your own career. You know your capabilities, your experience, and the value you bring, so have the confidence to bet on yourself and pursue opportunities that challenge and inspire you. There is no reason to assume that you cannot achieve your goals simply because someone else doubts them. Believe in your potential, remain persistent, and give yourself permission to go after the opportunities you want.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is being taken seriously and having my capabilities recognized as a woman and as a Black woman. Navigating assumptions and stereotypes has required me to develop resilience, confidence, and thicker skin while consistently demonstrating my expertise and the value I bring to the industry. At the same time, this experience has highlighted a significant opportunity for greater representation and inclusion. I believe the industry has an important responsibility to create more pathways for women and underrepresented professionals to be heard, recognized, and empowered to succeed.
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