Maria Baker Email & Phone Number

Detroit, Mi, Us

Detroit, Michigan, United States

- Led the development and successful launch of BasBlue, a 12,000 sq. ft. community space for women and nonbinary individuals, managing the project from initial concept to grand opening.- Raised over $4M in capital, targeted fundraising efforts from donors, corporate sponsors, members, and nonprofit organizations, including two major galas.- Assembled and led a diverse team by recruiting and hiring for 15 essential roles in operations, member services, hospitality, and programming, while cultivating a culture of collaboration and empowerment.- Partnered with various consultants to support marketing, social media, finance, public relations, and grant writing efforts.- Designed, launched, and developed six impact-driven programs that support women entrepreneurs and professionals, including mentorship initiatives, educational workshops, and networking events.- Grew membership to 700+ members within two years by offering high-value programming and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.- Collaborated closely with esteemed Co-Founders and Board of Directors to seek advice and support.- Created a strategic framework to scale impact programs, resulting in increased program participation and enhanced community engagement.- Managed and executed 100 programs annually, including high-impact initiatives focused on education, leadership, and business development.- Forged key partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations, expanding resources and opportunities for members.- Oversaw daily operations, including space management and member services, to ensure a seamless and enriching member experience.BasBlue is a non-profit organization, made possible by The BasBlue Foundation, dedicated to advancing economic mobility and leadership skills by providing valuable resources for personal and professional developmental growth to underrepresented and under-resourced women and non-binary individuals in Southeast Michigan.

General Motors

- Oversaw operations generating nearly $30M in total revenue across complex cafés, production and distribution kitchens, licensed stores, including Starbucks, Einstein Bros Bagels and Freshii, catering, eight 24/7 micro markets, 30 buildings with office coffee solutions, and 180 vending machines.- Managed comprehensive profit and loss budget, resulting in annual improvements and recognition.- Led and inspired a team of 10 salaried managers including Food Service Directors, Culinarians, Marketing Manager, Catering Manager and Controllers.- Negotiated and collaborated with 120 Union Team Members across eight Collective Bargaining Agreements. - Managed business relationship across all U.S. General Motors locations, including manufacturing sites.- Reinvigorated renovation projections; completing four new construction projects, including licensed Starbucks and Freshii national brands, grab and go market, and full-service coffee shop.- Assumed District Manager role for 12 months, overseeing 14 accounts with $27M in annual revenue, while securing and opening three new client accounts.- Built and implemented a pricing strategy with the analyst team achieving a 5% increase in revenue, supporting center-driven growth initiatives.- Implemented a catering program to include multi-location offerings for GM employees.- Collaborated with Transformation Team for a future $4M phased office coffee solution.- Converted four cafes into 24/7 self-check out markets, resulting in positive performance trends. - Partnered with Sales Team to secure potential new business opportunities.- Implemented “2 Year Plan” focused on growth, client care, and team building.- Created solid relationships, with personal reorganization in Client Survey, with key GM clients; including the Global Lead for Work Place Services- Established three Labor/Marketing/Safety Champion roles to cross utilize managers amongst all locations.

Wayne State University

- Successfully transitioned account to Aramark from a previous contractor, while exceeding client expectations.- Constructed, opened and led 15 retail operations at Wayne State University, including eight national brands generating $5.4M annual revenue Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Subway, Panda Express, Taco Bell, Wing Stop, Einstein Bros Bagels, Freshii- Optimized operations during $8M retail dining renovation, successfully opening 11 new venues over three years, surpassing volume expectations, meeting financial expectations and received client appreciation award upon project completion.- Management responsibilities included: complex weekly operating statements, ensuring brand compliance, brand representative and client relations, and preparing monthly projections.- Led engaged team of four salaried managers, 16 supervisors, 40 union employees and 225 student employees.

Ford Motor Company/ Bcbsm/ General Motors Tech Center

- Effectively managed union employees, an executive chef and a catering supervisor.- Assigned to three client groups during tenure: General Motors Tech Center, Blue Cross Blue Shield Headquarters, and Ford Motor Company.- Led teams in the daily operations of $3M business, consistently generating positive profit trends annually.- Management responsibilities included: client relations, budgets, accounts payable and receivable, inventory management ($50k, various vendors), scheduling, hiring, training and coaching.- Contributed as a selected member of the opening management teams at Nationwide Insurance, Columbus, Ohio and Dow Chemical, Midland, Michigan.

Bachelor Of Arts, Hospitality Business

Effective Communications & Human Relations