Executive Vice President C. Maria Weems Maria is a marketing and public relations professional with years of proven, practical experience. She holds a Masters degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland, University College, a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications from Towson University and an Associate of Arts degree in Fashion Merchandising. Maria is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Mocha Moms, Inc. her professional history includes work as the Communications Director for Astrachan Gunst Thomas, a law firm specializing in intellectual property. She was also a PR account executive with Stanton Communications, Inc., a national public relations firm specializing in Corporate Counseling and Public Affairs as well as a Special Events Coordinator with Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T.), where she worked on projects such as the BET Awards and the St. Lucia Jazz Festival.