Overcame many obstacles to pursue her dream of being a professional dancer and on graduating high school in 1967, she joined the Radio City Music Hall Corps de Ballet. Over time Maria has worked with many of the top names in the theater including Joshua Logan. With no formal training she became so skilled in theater management that she formed Maria Productions, Inc. and produced shows at the Astor Place Theater and Broadway's Shubert Theater, among many others. She raised four children and is now a proud "Nonna" to Luca and Jaden. She is currently V.P. of the Board of Directors of  BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS. She also serves on the Board of the League of American Theaters and is V.P. of the Board of Off-Broadway Theaters and an Advisory Board member of Jacques D'Amboise's National Dance Institute. Maria is a role model for girls because she works passionately to make the world a better place through the arts and through community service. (Tile dedicated by her friend Ann Clarke.)