Maria Aponte

Successfully led the design and execution of the following programs:

• The Ascension program (fundraising version) which aims to support pre-seed fintech founders to maximize their funding opportunities: non-dilutive and equity-based.
• The IFH Lab program which aims to support impact-driven fintech founders focused on improving Canadians' financial health through their products.
• Fintech Certificate designed for professionals, students and entrepreneurs aiming to learn about the foundations and trends in this industry.

Successfully led the design and execution of the following programs:

• The Dobson Bootcamp and Cup, the McGill Lean Startup program and the X1 Accelerator Program : McGill's key programs aiding early stage entrepreneurs with business model development, pitch refinement, 1-to-1 coaching sessions, and interactive workshops.

• Managed national events and programs across Canada including the 2019 Startup Canada Awards Tour, the 2019 Canadian Export Challenge Tour and the 2020 CANIE Awards Digital Tour and the 2020 Startup Community Program.
• Responsible for communications, media relations, government relations, stakeholders and sponsors, social media, and logistics.
• Managed multiple funds and projects in alignment with external stakeholders/sponsors including the Women Founders Fund, which provides micro-grants to women-led STEM companies in Canada.

• Successfully rebranded corporate image and products, enhancing local and international market presence, and securing key customers like supermarket chains.
• Spearheaded the launch of an innovative tea line, boosting Orquidea Ltda.'s sales by 12% through strategic product and marketing development.
• Optimized supply chain by negotiating with foreign material suppliers and streamlining logistics, cutting packaging costs by 14.5%.
• Established a direct buying process from local farmers, improving supply chain network and raw material quality.