Chief Marketing Officer
As Chief Marketing Officer, Maria is responsible for shaping all organizational communications and marketing efforts, successfully raising Miami-Dade County’s profile as a world-class business destination in an integrated, consistent, impactful way. In this role, Maria leads the development and implementation of The Beacon Council’s global marketing and communications strategy including creative development and production, relationship management, digital and social marketing, paid and earned media, sponsorships, events, partnerships, media relations, and corporate communications.
A seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience delivering creative, brand-building solutions for Fortune 500 companies including Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, The J. M. Smucker Company, and Johnson & Johnson, Maria was most recently a Group Director at WPP’s Zubi Advertising. In addition to leading account strategy and management for Dunkin’ Donuts, Walgreens, and SC Johnson, Maria also managed new business development. She managed similar responsibilities as Vice-President at CSA Marketing, crafting brand and promotional strategies for global brands including Nestlé Waters, Lysol, Bounty, and Pampers, and rolling out successful shopper programs at leading retailers across the country.
Prior to her work in marketing and communications, Maria wrote for a variety of print and online publications including Latina, Miami Herald, Teen People, The Miami New Times, MSN.com, CitySearch.com, LiveNation.com and HispanicAd.com. She also served as Executive Producer on “Generation ñ”, a PM magazine show for USA Broadcasting, based on an eponymous magazine where she was also Managing Editor.
A graduate of Yale University, Maria is involved with the Yale Club of South Florida and the Yale Alumni Schools Committee. She is also a Board Member and Vice-Chair of the Arts & Business Council of Miami.
Communications Manager
Highly motivated integrated marketing professional with public relations agency experience, social media acuity, strong media/blogger relationships and account management skills, which span multiple industries and markets for over 6+ years. Creative thinker possessing the ability to identify key messages for companies and develop 360-degree strategies that tell their stories.
Proven success in regional communications resulting in direct story placements for premier hospitality & tourism/travel brands, global fashion lines, technology and consumer goods. The bulk of my past and present clientele include Palace Resorts, JetBlue Airways, Marriott International, Cricket Wireless (AT&T Wireless), Safilo Group, Armani Casa, Casa de Campo Resort, Olympus, Bâoli Miami, Ferretti Group, among others.
Marketing & Events Manager
Cristina Ojeda joined the Miami-Dade Beacon Council as Marketing and Events Manager in 2019.
Using her experience, skills, and creativity to bring a unique eye to Beacon events, Cristina is responsible for organizing and managing both virtual and live events for The Beacon Council. She also serves as The Beacon Council’s Community Manager, coordinating the development of our social media content and multiple newsletters, as well as contributing to other marketing efforts as part of the collective team.
Prior to joining The Beacon Council, Ms. Ojeda worked behind the scenes for multiple fashion shows and on large-scale industry events, assisting in various capacities including conceptualization, marketing, management and direction. In her role as an Assistant Fashion and Beauty Editor for VOGUE Mexico/VOGUE Latin America, Cristina was exposed to the world of fashion publishing and their exclusive luxury clients and events. Here she learned the importance of client relations, timing, and discernment. Cristina has worked as a marketing professional in a variety of industries ranging from Fashion to Biotech/Pharmaceuticals (and everything in between), managing local, national and global events. While living in Boston she worked for Boston Biotech Conferences developing content and assisting in the production of significant medical networking conferences for global biotech CEOs, academics (including Nobel Prize winners) and industry giants, again establishing her abilities in high-profile event direction and management.
A Miami native, Cristina holds a degree in Fashion Marketing from the Miami International University of Art & Design. Passionate about her community and the rich cultural diversity that defines it, Cristina revels in everything Miami has to offer. A self-proclaimed foodie, she is an active YELP Elite Squad member with a strong following due to her thoughtful reviews of local dining and events.
Junior Graphic Designer
