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OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AS A YOUNG FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR As a young woman in business, Maria faced her fair share of challenges. Earning the trust of industry leaders wasn't always easy. "It's about getting the right people to listen to you," she says. "But I've learned to be persistent and confident in what I'm doing, and that has made all the difference." Maria's leadership philosophy is rooted in fairness, efficiency, and kindness. She believes in delegating wisely, making tough decisions for the greater good, and building genuine connections with everyone she encounters. "Efficiency in leadership is important, but kindness has taken me far," she shares. ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY AND GIVING BACK RepSource isn't just about sustainability—it's about people. Maria makes it a priority to give back to the hospital staff who are instrumental in the initiative's success. At NYU, for example, staff members promoting sustainability are entered into raffles for gi cards as a token of appreciation. "ey work long, hard hours and are on the front lines of this initiative," Maria says. "Without them, RepSource wouldn't be what it is today." Maria also hopes to extend her community engagement efforts further, with dreams of creating an annual donation fund to benefit underserved communities in New York and New Jersey. INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS Maria's advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: "Keep going. Even in the face of failure, find a new path. Don't give up." She believes in rejecting stereotypes and focusing on hard work and determination. "While some might see being a woman in business as a disadvantage, I've never viewed it that way. I grew up surrounded by good men who encouraged me to succeed, and I've always believed you only get out of it what you put into it." THE FUTURE OF REPSOURCE Looking ahead, Maria's goals for RepSource are ambitious but deeply rooted in her vision. She plans to expand into more hospital systems in the NY/NJ area while continuing to refine and grow her network. Ultimately, she dreams of taking RepSource nationwide, creating a legacy of sustainability in healthcare. Beyond business growth, Maria envisions becoming a changemaker on a larger scale. "I'd love to take on employees, give back to those who've supported me, and create a foundation to help underserved communities," she says. Maria hopes to leave behind a legacy of persistence, kindness, and inspiration. "I want people to know that if you work hard and have faith in what you're doing, you can achieve anything." A LEGACY OF SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION With RepSource, Maria has proven that one person's vision can spark meaningful change. By addressing a critical issue in healthcare, she has created a solution that not only reduces waste but also inspires others to rethink what's possible in business and sustainability. Maria's journey is a testament to the power of innovation, persistence, and community—a story that will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of healthcare for years to come. I ' M S O T H A N K F U L F O R T H E S T RON G WO M E N I N M Y L I F E W H O I N S P I R E M E E V E RY DAY . " VUE ON | MARIA BIO 80 VUENJ.COM

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