How did a drama major become the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Comcast Spotlight? In the Imelda Foundation’s second Cafecito Podcast episode, we speak about embracing change, shifting one’s mindset, navigating difficulties, thoughtful activism, politics, race, gender, community service, self-care, and motherhood with the awesome Maria Weaver. Through hard work, humility, building relationships, and staying connected with people over the years, Maria ascended in her career and is now the most senior Black woman at her company. During our conversation, I also found out for the first time that Maria is Frederick Douglass’ great-great granddaughter! We had such an awesome conversation…and honestly, a few technological glitches along the way…but I think you’ll gain tremendous value from what Maria is about to share. Enjoy!
Background Music: “Struggle” by Joel Masacote & Ritmo Masacote. Song composed and arranged by Joel Masacote. Produced by Masacote Entertainment.
BIO:
Maria Weaver
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Comcast Spotlight
Maria Weaver is the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Comcast Spotlight, the Advertising Sales Division of Comcast Cable. In this role, she leads the strategic evolution of Spotlight’s brand, reputation, product marketing and sales development to further enhance the company’s brand and growth.
With more than 30 years of experience in the advertising and marketing industry, Maria brings a broad range of expertise to the company. She develops and implements innovative marketing strategies to elevate Spotlight’s ability to deliver audiences through best-in-class product marketing, advertising strategies, promotional partnership, and creative services. Additionally, Maria is responsible for developing, leading, and managing the marketing strategy of Spotlight’s various advertising solutions.
Prior to joining Comcast Spotlight, Maria served as Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Marketing for Interactive One, the digital division of Radio One, Inc. She was also a Principal at Triple Threat Films, an entertainment and marketing company specializing in financing, content development, and marketing, and Senior Director, Subscriber Marketing and Brand Development at Home Box Office, where, in part, she oversaw brand development and the strategic marketing plan. Additionally, Maria worked at Showtime, where she helped build its internal creative services agency. She began her advertising career with Rainbow Ad Sales, a division of Cablevision.
Maria holds a Master of Professional Studies in design management from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Arts in communications and media studies from Pace University. She received the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) Award of Excellence for African American Brand Advertising Campaign, the 2015 Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) Catalyst Award, and multiple Telly and Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing awards. She serves on the board of Figure Skating in Harlem, the IRTS and is a member of The Links Inc., WICT, CUP and NAMIC.
Maria and her family reside in the New York area.
Connect with Maria:
- LinkedIn (HINT: In your personalized LinkedIn request to Maria, mention that you listened to her podcast interview and ask her if she minds sharing her favorite blogs with you)
- About Comcast Spotlight
Did You Enjoy This Podcast?
Please consider making a donation to the Imelda Foundation. Your support will empower underserved young girls to recognize and develop their unique capabilities to live, lead, and serve, in an ever-changing global society.
Click here to learn about our Cafecito Podcast Series.