Listener & Resourceful are the two words that best describe you in my experience.

You use deep listening to connect me to the resources that are required at this moment.

Sally Pelto-Wheeler, Owner, Collaborative Training Network, LLC

My mother, Elia and Maria have been friends for many years now and their friendship has impacted everyone in our home. The first memories I have of Maria are those where she would help my sister or me with our school work. She was able to help my sister and me with any subject and I was encouraged to work harder so I too could be as helpful to others. Maria was, and is, a great friend to my mother. Maria was there when my family moved to Fort Gratiot and always supported my mother in all her endeavors. From education to emotional support, Maria always shows open-mindedness and support, allowing her friends such as my mother to shine and grow. Bottom line is Maria has been a good friend and good mentor and it's been a pleasure having her be a part of our lives.

Waris Hussain, MD

When I think of you, several things come to mind. One of the first is empowerment. You have a way of igniting a person's drive and own abilities. Another is laser focused. I've never met anyone better able to give attention to detail and cover all the bases. Nothing escapes your eagle eye. A third would be resourceful. You're connected, collaborative and community based and that allows you to cover vast ground. If you don't have the answer, you know someone who does. So you're able to place valuable resources directly in the hands of the person you're helping, advising, coaching, etc. Yer kinda like the bestest n stuff!!

Nathan Renner, Owner Indigo Wellness and real estate client

When I met Maria, I was working 4 part time jobs with no insurance and going to school full time. She was then the Import Manager for DHL; that was 12 years ago. After 2 separate interviews, DHL scheduled a 3rd interview with Maria and her manager, Ron. That day would change my life completely.

Maria is a role model to all women. I know she is my role model. If you have the opportunity to meet her, don’t let her go. She will give you so much and she will change your life. I know she has changed mine.

I love you Maria

Val xoxo

Valerie Connor, National Account Manager DHL Global Forwarding

I was introduced to Maria by a common friend when I was looking for employment. I didn't know where to start and how to get into the community I lived in. I met Maria and there was no turning back. I remember what she told me when I first met her "Be in the environment that you want things to happen for you in. Meet people and get connected."

Maria always made it a point when we were at an event, to introduce me and my background in human resources with such pride, that reiterated my objective and what I wanted to do.

Her maturity and strength of character has always encouraged me to bounce off ideas and most importantly be myself with my strengths and let go of self-created bottle necks.

Her go-getting attitude is contagious :)

Kanchan Wankhede,  Director of Entrepreneurial Services
The Underground, Region 6 Smart Zone Business Incubator Managed by the EDA of St. Clair County

I met Maria in college, we were both mothers and wives, juggling completing business degrees while our young children were in school and husbands were at work. Although she started as my accounting tutor she grew into my best friend and we have been together ever since. She encouraged me to complete a bachelor degree and much more. When I was ready to go join the workforce when my children went to college, she guided me from the resume and application process all the way through the first couple years of employment. She has always been a great support and a coach whenever I was unsure of how to approach a situation or word a report she had professional recommendations.

Elia Hussain, Owner and Founder Vinculum Care, LLC