Age: 26 | Height: 5’7″
Hometown: Markham
Maria was born in Damascus, Syria and came to Canada at the age of five. Whether it’s acting, dancing, singing, or sports & fitness, there is no stopping this determined & passionate triple threat performer. After winning an acting scholarship from one of Toronto’s leading Agencies while still attending College, Maria knew she was blessed with the gift of performing and stage presence to command an audience.
While studying she fell in love with the works of Shakespeare and was fortunate to work with a Theatre company for 5 seasons performing for schools & the public in Ontario educating students in Literature and the Arts through voice and performance. Upon completing her Honours Degree in Theatre at York University Maria has been working in the acting industry starring in numerous commercials and TV shows, most recently you can spot her on NBC’s hit TV series Alphas as a reoccurring role.
Alongside the Arts, this passionate go – getter is also into Sports & Fitness, as the drive for Athletics is present in her blood. Her Father, hero and inspiration in her life ignited that flame at an early age. As an Olympic Athlete, her father was her coach, training her in track and field, long jump and high jump. Nonetheless, she didn’t stop here; she went on to train intensely in Ballroom and Latin dance and became an Instructor.
Maria presently runs her own classes 5 times a week; she teaches Dance Fitness and Belly Dance classes. Maria has found great rewards in her work as an instructor. Helping others achieve self-confidence, goals, healthy lifestyles and positive self-respect makes her work that much more fulfilling.
As well as teaching, Maria was introduced to CrossFit this year, a strength and conditioning system that combines Olympic lifting, sprinting, gymnastics, power lifting techniques infused in a high intensity workout. CrossFit Markham has affected her positively in every aspect.
She will attest to say she has never felt healthier and looked better in her life. Maria’s bubbly personality and infectious smile is what makes people around her want to interact with her on a daily basis. She is a strong, fearless and a passionate leader that will go above and beyond in anything that is asked of her.
Motto: It’s the man who waits for his ship to come in who’s always missing the boat… I would rather swim and possibly sink to find it.
Sponsored by: Bongo & B Entertainment, CrossFit Markham, Chris Cristini – Trainer, Ultimate Tan 7 Tanning Salon, Dance Fitness with Maria, Kicks Dance Studio, Mosaic Mediterranean Grill, Nicole Correia Damude, Family and Friends.
