Meet the Expert: Maria Bolaris

Can you tell us about your role at Fenton?

I am a Senior Account Executive on the Corporate Social Good (CSG) team at Fenton. As part of the CSG team, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a variety of corporate clients to help promote and amplify their social good initiatives, including Johnson & Johnson, Hyundai and PwC. I’ve had the opportunity to use a wide range of communications skills to support these clients on their earned media, strategic communications, digital, thought leadership, storytelling and event needs. I’m thankful to work for a company that has helped me grow so many different skill sets.

What have been some of the highlights of your time with Fenton?

Fenton has helped reignite my love of storytelling. I’m an avid reader and have always loved hearing people’s stories. As part of my work on Johnson & Johnson’s Our Race to Health Equity Initiative, I’ve had the opportunity to draft monthly articles spotlighting Johnson & Johnson leaders and community partners who are furthering health equity to amplify their impact through human-centric storytelling. It’s so inspiring to hear about their journeys, the impactful work they’re doing and how they’re making a difference for the future of health equity. Telling these human-centric stories is one of my favorite things that I’ve done during my time at Fenton.

What’s an accomplishment – either personally or professionally – that you’re most proud of?

Last year, I helped plan and execute a weeklong series of events in Washington, D.C. supporting Hyundai Hope on Wheels (HHOW), a nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. This included a Congressional Reception on The Hill, HHOW’s 25th Anniversary Gala, a Survivorship Summit that brought together more than 30 of the country’s leading experts on childhood cancer survivorship and a partnership with the Washington Nationals. These events are definitely my biggest work accomplishments to date and I loved having the opportunity to spend the week in Washington, D.C. with the rest of the HHOW team and see these events come to fruition. The best part was getting to meet the childhood cancer survivors and their families, leading pediatric oncologists and leading experts on childhood cancer survivorship who were in attendance. It was a good reminder of the meaningful impact that our team at Fenton has by supporting HHOW as they work tirelessly to help those impacted by childhood cancer. I’m excited to continue this work in 2024.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone looking to break into this space?

I’d encourage anyone to keep an open mind when trying out new communications skills and identify how your work aligns with your passions. Since I started my career in communications, I’ve worked with clients in a variety of industries. I started out at another communications agency in an earned media role working with clients in the arts & culture space. While this first job was a great learning experience, I didn’t feel passionate about the work. I soon realized that in order to feel a sense of purpose in my day-to-day work endeavors, I needed to expand my skills and support clients who are making a positive impact on the world. I eventually found my way to Fenton where I’ve gotten the chance to hone a variety of skills and work on social issues that I feel passionate about. It took keeping an open mind and accepting that the path isn’t always straight to get here.

What social issues are at the forefront of your mind right now?

Mental health support and awareness, gun control, health inequity and furthering women’s rights are just a few issues I’m passionate about. Since the pandemic, mental health support - particularly health inequity - has remained at the forefront of my mind. Those who have been historically marginalized are often disproportionately impacted by healthcare’s structural and systemic barriers. In addition, I’ve witnessed firsthand the mental health stigma and misinformation that continues to exist in our society, and the many barriers to accessing quality, mental health care. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to support clients who are working to solve these issues.

What is something your colleagues don’t know about you?

I know how to Greek dance. My Greek heritage has always been an important part of my life. When I was a kid, my parents enrolled me in Greek dance lessons and I even competed in Greek dance competitions and performed at my church’s Greek festival every year. I still remember many of these dances now and get to show off my skills at family reunions and weddings.

What is your favorite thing to do in New York City?

I love seeing Broadway shows with my friends. Broadway tickets can be expensive so my friends and I enter the Broadway lottery to get discounted tickets and take each other to see shows when we win. Since I moved to New York, I’ve seen 30 Broadway shows and my favorites are Moulin Rouge and Little Shop of Horrors. I’m seeing Sweeney Todd for the first time in February and am excited to see Aaron Tveit, one of my favorite Broadway performers, in the lead role.

What are you most looking forward to in 2024?

I am most looking forward to my wedding! I’m getting married on March 9 in Orlando, FL which is where I grew up. It’s going to be a true big fat Greek wedding with tons of family and Greek dancing during the reception. My fiance, Austin, and I have been together for almost nine years and I’m so excited to celebrate our love with our friends and family.