With over 15 years working with food, Maria is the Head of Innovation for The Soulfull Project setting the vision for new products and inspiring the team with creative food every day. Initially, she started her career in Human Resources with the Campbell Soup Company but when her passion for food could not be ignored, she went back to school to become a Chef. Soon shifting to Research &Development, Maria created Skillet Sauces, the first line of Dinner Sauces for the Campbell’s portfolio. She also worked in the Consumer Test Kitchen creating strategic recipe content across the Swanson Broth, Dinner Sauces, and Innovation platforms. Maria is certified by the Culinary Institute of America as Professional Chef Level III; and a Certified Chef de Cuisine by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN, and graduated valedictorian with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA Maria lives in New Jersey with her husband and her two children and their dog. She is always on call to help a team member out with a last minute recipe or help in the kitchen!