Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Salvatierra.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After moving from Spain to Manchester, England, I became the marketing co-coordinator for the UK’s first center for urban culture. It was while working there that I developed my appreciation for design and architecture. I then worked at the Royal Academy of Arts in London for seven years. It was a fast-paced and competitive environment, and promoting some of the most popular exhibitions in the world was incredibly rewarding. Plus meeting the best curators and artists in the world was very inspiring. Working for a nonprofit organization in Boston has provided me with the opportunity to explore other areas of responsibility such as sponsorships and grants writing. In a nonprofit you have to nimble, hands-on, and open-minded about changing the way you work.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For a young woman from a different country, working abroad can be challenging. On occasion, I have had to fight negative stereotypes. Yet, it is very enlightening to see yourself from a different perspective. Boston has always been a welcoming city from the start and it has been easy to settle down and call it home.
My Spanish upbringing and college years taught me to be resourceful so working sometimes with limited budgets requires creativity and ingenuity, skills I am proud of.
One of my ongoing challenges is working in the marketing and communications industry. It is such intangible work at times, and can be exhausting and frustrating. You definitely have to develop a thick skin and a lot of patience and self-belief.
Boston Society of Architects/AIA and BSA Foundation – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the senior marketing and communications manager for the Boston Society of Architects/AIA and the BSA Foundation. We host programs and free exhibitions at BSA Space gallery. Our mission is to excite people about design and architecture. We also celebrate Boston architecture and the architects behind it.
I am proud of the work that the BSA/AIA and BSA Foundation has supported over the years, particularly those focusing on issues around climate change and how architects can make a difference. BSA Space is currently hosting Nature Structure, an exhibition that explores design projects that work in harmony with nature to heal and restore ecosystems and make cities more resilient and sustainable. Another inspiring program is Family Design Days. These monthly workshops allow children and parents to explore and formulate ideas about their communities, architecture, and design as they build bridges, green buildings, and during our yearly Kids Build! Program, an entire city from the ground up.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Professional success for me means doing what I love, doing it well, while supporting a worthy mission and my team.
Pricing:
- BSA Space is free and open to everyone!
Contact Info:
- Address: BSA Space, 290 Congress Street, Boston MA 02210
- Website: https://www.architects.org/
- Phone: 6173914019
- Email: msalvatierra@architects.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsaaia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSAAIA/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BSAAIA
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