Maria is an experienced leader with over 25 years of experience in the technology industry. Throughout her career, she has re-invented herself several times. Maria began her career with IBM as an Applications Programmer in Southbury, CT supporting IBM internal security applications. Maria was also a project manager in the technology services team within IBM Global Services working with customers in the financial services, distribution, telecommunications and government industries in New York City, NY. She also had an assignment as program manager within the Global Workforce Diversity organization. In that role, she was focused on internal and external programs for the Hispanic constituency and Multicultural Women.

Maria Tapia is currently the Transformation Lead working for the Vice President of IBM Systems Hardware Client Technical Team. She works with technical sales teams around the world on transformation projects in the areas of client engagement, collaboration and content.

Maria is a lifelong learner and earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Iona College in 1989 and a Master of Science in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic University in 1994.   She also completed an MBA at New York University in 2012.

Maria is passionate about encouraging women of all ages to pursue and succeed in technical roles. She is an avid mentor to women around the world.