significantly expand its footprint in the region. TACA Airlines subsequently promoted Maria to be their Sales Manager for Costa Rica, where she instituted numerous sales and marketing initiatives that revitalized the airline’s presence in the Central American market. Over the last decade, Maria was instrumental in steering loyalty programs for VISA / Citibank and American Express. Though seemingly a departure from aviation, this experience further enhanced her proficiency in customer service and sales. In this role, Maria was responsible for market research, ensuring that these financial giants stayed ahead of consumer trends, particularly in the Americas. Her analytical skills were crucial in dissecting huge datasets, translating them into actionable insights that would later influence marketing strategies. Maria’s negotiation expertise found new avenues here as well, as she orchestrated deals that yielded mutually beneficial partnerships, in addition to nurturing longstanding relationships. Rejoining the aviation sector, Maria brings an amalgamation of skills crucial for her current role. Her exposure to the financial services sector contributes to her holistic understanding of customer retention – an invaluable asset for any airline looking to enhance its market share and customer experience. Her familiarity with the American markets gives her the experience and the expertise to make strategic decisions that resonate with these specific demographics. With her understanding of customer behavior and her ability to ensure client satisfaction, Maria has proven herself to be more than just a sales professional, she is a business strategist, a market analyst, and above all, a leader committed to excellence.