Maria has worked in higher education for 16 years; as Principal Lecturer for Fashion Business courses and manager of teaching teams for the Fashion Institute at Manchester Metropolitan University, Maria is responsible for around 800 students. In addition, she has an international profile as a guest lecturer in Canada, China and the USA. Maria is deputy chair of the Industry Committee for IFFTI (International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes).

Maria worked within the clothing industry for 20 years, having a key role within the head office of an international fashion retailer, managing a large team within the trading function. She travelled throughout the world appraising existing and potential suppliers as well as leading joint ventures in Japan and between major UK high street retailers.