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Name: Maria Zavala MBA ’06, MS ’10
Hometown: Diriamba, Nicaragua
Job Title/Department: Senior Financial Analyst, Enterprise Development
Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus
In a nutshell: I am responsible for analyzing the performance of the university’s direct service organizations and for collaborating on developing financial models for special projects.
Number of years at FIU: Three and a half.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Interacting with people of different areas within the university. I like diversity and working in my department has allowed me to work together with many people who have different work styles, personalities and goals. I learn a lot from them.
What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?
We are here to assist FIU enterprises to develop new business initiatives, to help them improve their operations, and to serve as a strategic consulting arm to better serve our students, faculty and staff.
Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?
The seventh floor of the Green Library. I like that place for many reasons: it’s peaceful, it offers a great campus view and on it you can see real commitment from students advancing in their goals.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?
To FIU come people from around the world; people who work hard to be better professionals. I would like everyone to know about the quality of education that FIU provides to those people to help them become the great professionals they aspire to be.
How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?
FIU is “Worlds Ahead” by having the right attitude towards becoming a better institution. The university is passing on this attitude to students and faculty and staff to also become the best they can be in achieving their objectives.
Family snapshot:
My parents and little sister, Mai, live in Nicaragua, and my sister Ana and her husband live in Mexico. Even though I live far from them, we communicate every day. Also, I feel fortunate to have caring aunts and cousins living in Miami.
Word that best describes you: Analytical.
First paying job: Quality control assistant in a cookie manufacturing company.
Favorite TV show: I don’t have a specific one, but I mostly watch home decoration shows.
What is playing on your iPod?
I am getting one soon, so I guess I will fill it with music from Jesus Adrian Romero, Elefante and anything else that someone else can put in it for me.
Your proudest accomplishment:
In my personal life, I have many. In my professional life, I can say getting two master degrees. Of course, I am looking forward for many more to come in every area of my life.
What do you do when you are not working at FIU?
I like spending time with my friends and family, traveling, reading and lately, I am enjoying cooking.
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