Maria’s mission is to renew minds by educating, teaching, and inspiring youth with integrity.  Although she was born and raised in Philadelphia, her parents are originally from Angola, Africa.  Maria graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls.  She later received her B.S. degree in Business Management from Hampton University.  She worked in Northern California as a Human Resources professional for several high-tech companies and eventually obtained her MBA with an emphasis on Small Business Management from California State University – Hayward. 

 

In 2002, she returned to Philadelphia and worked on a home-based business.  In 2004, she accepted her calling to teach.  She started teaching as a Guest Teacher in various high schools such as Strawberry Mansion, Germantown, Parkway Northwest, Roxborough, Girls’ High, etc.  Some of the subjects she teaches or has taught are Business, Information Technology, Math, Social Studies, and English. Most recently, Maria worked for a grant-funded program where she taught Abstinence and Character Education to schools, churches, and organizations throughout the Philadelphia area.  She has a heart for youth and feels privileged and honored to teach and inspire young people. 

 

Maria is passionate about loving people, living life with purpose & authenticity, arranging family events, dancing, creating photo shows, and traveling around the world.   She is a Travel Professional who specializes in organizing group trips.  Also, she is a student of dance such as African, Latin and Hip Hop; and is a Licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor.  Additionally, she is the owner of The Narrow Gate Productions where she creates video photo shows that leave a lasting impression. 

 

Maria has traveled to over 10 countries and loves to eat “tasty” food and meet people from around the world.  She worships and serves as a Deaconess at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia.  She is married to Landis Rowe and has one daughter, Ifika.