BIO

Mere words can only capture the refrain of her awesome talent. She is the ballad of beauty and elegance. The melodies flowing from the petite vocalist are truly amazing. While casting a spellbinding smile, she mesmerizes her captive audience with incredible harmonies and rhythms.

AS AN ACTOR, she has appeared in hit TV shows such as (Lifetime’s), “Army Wives”, and Marc Cherry's, "Devious Maids". Eric Kripke and J.J. Abrams' apocalyptic, “Revolution”, and “Aquarius", starring X-Files' David Duchuvny, both on (NBC), and “Criminal Minds”, on (CBS), alongside Joe Mantegna. She has also guest starred on “The Resident” (FOX), and “Delilah” (OWN). Theatrical credits include, “The Blind Side”, “Addicted”, starring Sharon Leal and Boris Kodjoe, “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, as Seeder, and "Christmas Wedding Baby”, by Award-Winning Writer/Director Kiara C. Jones. She also stars in Writer/Director, Shea Sizemore's "The Next Day." In addition, she recurred in Bounce TV's, "Saints & Sinners" as Lt. Hawkins, and as Ms. Sumner is the Oscar nominated film, “Hidden Figures”. She also worked with Eric Close and Kristin Chenoweth in the Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie, “A Christmas Love Story”. Maria also utilizes her vocals as a voiceover artist, on numerous radio and TV commercials, video games, narrations, not to mention her all-time favorite thing…animation.

A SONG STYLIST in her own right, Maria has shared the musical stage with such legendary artists as Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Ray Charles, Earl Klugh, and Ronnie Laws. After a very successful 6 year stint in Asia, Maria relocated back to the U.S. and performed at Sambuca Jazz Café for 9 consecutive years. She and pianist Bill Wilson (son of legendary jazz pianist, Teddy Wilson), held the distinction of being the longest-running act at the Atlanta, GA location. Maria hosts her own live music series (which originated in Hollywood, CA), called #DUETS, featuring artists performing “songs to soothe your soul”. In the most recent 11 years, she has collaborated and recorded with the wonderfully talented pianist/arranger/singer, Noel Freidline and his band, NFQ.

Maria is not only a song stylist and actor, but a very devoted supporter of several charities. Students Without Mothers, where she has served on the BOD and Advisory Board for over 10 years. She also serves as a Board Member of Tosco Music, and supports another important organization called Ava’s Heart.