Maria joined the Fulbright Association in July of 2017 as a volunteer Senior Travel Fellow. In her role, she assists the Travel Task Force committee in developing trips for Fulbright alumni and friends of Fulbright. Maria was born and raised in Greece where she worked as a travel agent and later as an underwriter for an insurance company. She has over 15 years of experience training, supervising, and mentoring a diverse workforce in international higher education and military environments. As the spouse of a former military member (now retired and transitioned to federal service), she has learned to size up her environment and quickly adapt, and understand the importance of working with people from all over the world and effectively performing as a supporting member of a team.
Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and a master’s degree in Public Administration and she speaks multiple languages. Maria worked for University of Maryland University College in Europe, initially as an Academic Advisor and later as an Associate Director for Academic Advising, supervising 15 advisors all over Europe and Middle East. Additionally, she became the lead for international students for the university evaluating their foreign credentials. Currently, she is working for AACRAO as an International Education Evaluator. Maria is a staunch advocate for worldwide student intercultural exchange.