Maria C. Maris
From a young woman stepping off a plane into a country she had never seen, armed only with determination and an unshakable belief in possibility, Maria C. Maris has built a career that spans continents, industries, and transformations. Today, she is a global human resources executive and transformation leader with over twenty years of experience guiding multinational organizations through change — from pre-IPO readiness to large-scale global integrations.
Her journey began not in boardrooms, but in the quiet resolve of reinvention. She entered the corporate world as a Human Resources Business Partner, quickly earning a reputation for connecting the human element to business strategy. With each role, Maria expanded her sphere of influence — advising leaders on mergers and acquisitions, orchestrating the creation of shared services functions across EMEA and APAC, and managing high-performing, cross-border teams that spanned time zones and cultures.
Her multi-lingual fluency has been a cornerstone of her ability to bridge perspectives, foster trust, and lead with cultural intelligence in diverse environments. As Managing Director of MC Consulting LLC, she became a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders on three continents, shaping transformation roadmaps, operational risk strategies, and people-centered solutions that enabled organizations to grow with confidence.
In 2021, she joined Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, where she progressed from Vice President to Director of HR Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness, leading enterprise-wide change and helping position the organization for a future driven by innovation and insight.
Her Story
Maria’s path has been anything but linear. It has been a story of crossing oceans, breaking barriers, and reimagining what is possible — not just for herself, but for the organizations and people she serves. Arriving in a new country at an early age, she learned the art of adaptation, the necessity of resilience, and the quiet strength of perseverance. Those lessons became her compass, guiding her through the complexities of global business and diverse cultural landscapes.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that strategy is only as strong as the people who bring it to life. She listens deeply, builds trust deliberately, and balances bold vision with a respect for the lived experiences of those around her. Whether advising on AI adoption in the financial services industry, navigating a complex acquisition, or mentoring emerging leaders, Maria approaches each challenge as both an architect of systems and a steward of human potential.
It is this blend of strategic acumen, cultural intelligence, and people-first leadership — enhanced by her ability to connect across languages and cultures — that defines Maria’s work and fuels her belief that transformation is not just about change, but about progress that endures.
Her Vision & Mission
As a human capital strategist and transformation expert, Maria’s mission is to empower organizations to unlock their full potential through people, data, and culture. She aims to elevate HR as a strategic partner — expanding the role of analytics in decision-making, strengthening diversity and inclusion, and creating resilient organizational structures that thrive in change.
Currently, she is energized by the transformative potential of AI adoption in the financial services industry — leveraging emerging technologies to enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and unlock new efficiencies. Her vision is simple yet profound: to inspire leaders to see talent as their most valuable investment, and to equip them with the tools to nurture and retain it while embracing the future of work.
Professional Affiliations & Influence
Maria is an active member of the Association of International Bank Auditors, the Financial Women’s Association, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), the Project Management Institute (PMI), and PROSCI — expanding her influence at the intersection of human capital strategy, regulatory compliance, transformation, and financial governance.
A Bit of Fun
Beyond her executive work, Maria channels her creativity into mentoring emerging professionals and speaking at industry events on the future of HR, leadership, and transformation. She is deeply engaged in her community, serving on her school district’s technology committee and as President of the Greek school board, where she is a vessel for community building through education and technological progress.
Whether guiding complex integrations, advancing community initiatives, or coaching leaders through change, she believes that connection, adaptability, and vision are the true cornerstones of impactful leadership.
Tara Smith
Tara’s journey has been shaped by a genuine passion for people and possibility. From the earliest days of her career, she discovered that she loved helping others grow - whether that meant guiding colleagues through challenges, finding a new role, or designing programs that unlocked potential. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a trusted advisor who combines business acumen with empathy, always keeping both organizational goals and individual needs in focus.
Mission & Values
At the heart of Tara’s mission she is dedicated to building cultures where employees feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Her values - integrity, collaboration, and innovation - guide every decision she makes, whether that’s launching development programs or championing inclusion and belonging initiatives.
As the co-founder and co-chair of the Parent & Caregiver Network, Tara has also been a strong advocate for fostering communities where working parents and caregivers feel supported, connected, and able to thrive both personally and professionally. She leads with both vision and authenticity, ensuring that the strategies she develops create real impact for organizations and the people within them.
A Bit of Fun
While her professional journey is a big part of who she is, Tara also knows the importance of balance and joy outside of work. She loves spending time with her husband and two children, who keep her days full of laughter, learning, and adventure. Whether it's exploring new places, enjoying simple family moments, or creating memories together, Tara finds inspiration and energy in the time she shares with them. After nearly a decade of city life, Tara recently moved to the suburbs and is enjoying the chance to explore her new community and create fresh experiences for her family.
The FWA Voices Committee is chaired by Leya Yusupov. Follow FWA on LinkedIn for more FWA Voices stories featuring our members!
