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About Maria

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Maria has spent decades in the fast-paced world of advertising and design. From global brands to startups, her career has spanned print, web, video, and digital, giving her a deep understanding of how strategy, design, and creativity come together to build brands people remember.

Maria started her career in top ad agencies, working with brands like Unilever, 7-Eleven, Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson, and Levi Strauss. She later took her expertise in-house at Skechers and Princess Cruises before working with agencies like One Eighteen and Du Puis in Southern California, helping mid-size companies and startups develop their branding, advertising, packaging, social media, and digital marketing. She then led a team of designers as a Senior Designer and Manager at the National Notary Association, a leading organization in notarial education and compliance. Before joining Connective, Maria built a reputation for blending strategic thinking with creativity across corporate and agency settings.

For Maria, design is equal parts strategy and craft—big-picture thinking guided by meticulous attention to detail (because, yes, kerning matters!). To her, design isn’t just about making things look good; it’s about clarity, function, and lasting impact.

In 2018, Maria left corporate life to pursue a more independent path, joining her then-fiancé, Rodney, at Connective. Today, she leads the creative team, ensuring every design choice aligns with a brand’s voice, goals, and purpose.

Outside of work, Maria finds inspiration in all things analog—paper crafting, creative gift wrapping, and the quiet joy of working with her hands (even some calligraphy!). She treasures her 1967 Smith Corona Sterling typewriter as a reminder that great design stands the test of time.

Maria also shares her love for design with her daughter, Francesca, a UX/UI designer based in Germany. Attending events like Config 2024—alongside Rodney—isn’t just about staying on top of industry trends; it’s a rare and rewarding treat. For Maria, there’s something special about geeking out over design with family.

As Connective’s art director, Maria thrives on crafting purposeful designs that leave a lasting impact—always curious, inspired, and ready for the next creative challenge.

Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts
Major in Advertising
Major in Graphic Design
University of Santo Tomas,
Manila, Philippines

Config 2024

Moscone Center
San Francisco, CA
 
Management & Leadership Skills
for New Managers and Supervisors
Pryor Learning
Lancaster, CA
 
Professional Development Seminar
for Ethnic Media Colleagues
UCLA Campus
Los Angeles, CA
 
Society for News Design Quick Course
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles, CA
 
Study on the Growing Importance of
the U.S. Asian Market: Best Kept Secret
Asian American Advertising Federation
St. Anne’s Conference Center
Los Angeles, CA
 
Typography Seminar
Presentation Skills Seminar
McCann Erickson Philippines
Manila, Philippines
  • Bronze, Philippine Advertising Congress Johnson & Johnson, “First Night” TVC
  • Breakthrough Award, Philippine Creative Guild Johnson & Johnson, “First Night” TVC
  • Finalist, Mobius Advertising Awards Levi’s “Only Way to Fly” Print
  • Certificate of Excellence Philippine Advertising Congress Levi’s “White Christmas Card”, Collateral
  • Certificate of Excellence, Philippine Advertising Congress, Doktora Foundation “Bunga”, TVC
  • Ad of the Month, Philippine Creative Guild Levi’s “Only Way to Fly” Print
  • Ad of the Month and Best in Photography, Philippine Creative Guild Levi’s “White” Print
  • Successfully transitioned from corporate life to leading a creative team at Connective (without losing her sanity).
  • Can spot a misaligned pixel from across the room and will absolutely say something about it.
  • Once commuted 100 miles a day for work— now her daily commute is a few steps to her desk, a well-earned upgrade.
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