In The State of California, museums are categorized as a natural resource, preserved and protected specifically under The California Natural Resources Agency. The federal objective of the Natural Resources Agency is to restore, protect and manage the state's natural, historical and cultural resources. With the emergence of current and future generations in mind, The State of California appoints qualified leaders to use creative approaches based on collaboration and respect for all involved communities. Maria Damian has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer of California’s Historic, Highway Route 66 Museum.
Dynamic female business leader, Maria Damian.
In December 1990, California legislation designated Route 66 as “State Historic Highway Route 66”. California Historic Route 66 Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion and enjoyment of the Historic Route 66 in California. There is such an organization in each of the eight Route 66 states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. COO, Maria Damian shares ,“As a Filipina leader, I embarked on this journey of American history to bring my culture to new frontiers.”
With hopes to one day collaborate with the The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, Maria expressed that ,“California is a unique place for history to take place. For members of Filipino heritage, Los Angeles even has a branch of government that connects and empowers the Filipino-American Community with opportunities for Business Development in Greater LA.”
Maria’s path to success began in the medical field, where she worked as a healthcare professional in California. Her career in medicine was characterized by a deep passion for serving others and a commitment to patient care. Balancing a demanding job with supporting her family in the Philippines, Maria’s life was a blend of professional dedication and personal sacrifice. Her days were filled with the rigorous demands of healthcare, but her spirit remained strong, driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients. Amidst her professional responsibilities, Maria found solace and inspiration in an unexpected way – through music. Colleagues and friends introduced her to the vibrant world of concerts, a departure from her typical hospital environment.
A warm welcome from the Trojans! MARIA DAMIAN was saluted with her own customized billboards at one of California’s hotspot entertainment venues.
Over time, these events became more than just recreational escapes. They were transformative experiences that allowed Maria to build connections with diverse personalities in the entertainment industry. The friendships and networks she found during these outings sparked her interest in the world of production, entertainment, and talent management. This intersection of interests led Maria to explore a new career path – she transitioned from medicine to the entertainment industry, leveraging her network and newfound passion to make a mark in a different arena. Maria’s journey through the entertainment world was more than just a career shift; it was a continuation of her dedication to helping others, now through a different lens.
When the demands of business are relentless, Maria Damian is a shining example of resilience, ambition, and compassion. As the CEO of both Legacy Entertainment and Legacy Dialysis, Maria’s journey is one of both remarkable professional achievement and personal growth. Her leadership roles in these two distinct industries make her a unique role model, particularly for Filipino and Fil-Am individuals, showing that with determination and a clear sense of purpose, it is possible to balance seemingly contrasting careers while making a significant impact on the lives of others.
“My journey with cancer has made me more of a go-getter,” Maria reflected. “Now I see everything that comes my way as an opportunity to grow and an opportunity to impact another person’s life.” This personal battle has given her a renewed sense of purpose, allowing her to relate to her patients on a deeper level and ensure that her staff is fully attuned to their needs. While her work in healthcare is impactful, Maria’s passion for the arts is equally evident in her role as the CEO of Legacy Entertainment. This company is a focus of creative talent, offering artist development, management, live events, and production services that provide a platform for artistic expression, particularly for Filipino and Fil-Am artists. Maria’s dedication to promoting the arts has had a lasting impact on the cultural landscape, fostering a vibrant creative community.
Damian epitomizes what it means to be a leader in today’s world. Her ability to balance the demands of two vastly different businesses while remaining committed to patient care speaks to her organizational skills and dedication. Her leadership style is based on empathy and empowerment, qualities that resonate with those she mentors. By prioritizing the growth of others, she cultivates an environment where women feel motivated to pursue their ambitions. “I enjoy what I do because I see lives change before my eyes. My life will forever be used to heal others, just as my mother would have done if she were here,” Maria stated. By advocating for diversity and inclusion, she creates pathways for young people to succeed in various industries, reinforcing the idea that diversity drives innovation.
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