Alumni stories

Maria Margarita Maldonado: bringing the world together

Business

Maria Margarita Maldonado: bringing the world together

From Bogotá to Sydney: the beginning of a global career

From early ambition as a teenager living in Bogotá, Colombia, Maria Margarita Maldonado built a strong foundation before moving to Sydney to pursue university studies. Her journey at UTS College and UTS led to an impressive global career in digital marketing, with roles at Microsoft, Regus, and Meta, where she continues to innovate in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.

Highlights

From: Bogota, Colombia

Competitive edge: international experience, digital marketing expertise, ability to work across cultures

Study path:

  • Diploma of Business at UTS College
  • UTS business degree (marketing and finance)
 

Career path:

  • Marketing manager roles at Microsoft and Regus in Australia
  • Marketing director at Easy Taxi in Colombia
  • Senior marketing leadership at Meta, leading Facebook and WhatsApp strategies across Latin America

Now:

  • Leads WhatsApp marketing across Latin America at Meta, creating innovative campaigns that celebrate diversity and connect people.
  • Helps businesses connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
 

Fun fact: Met Mark Zuckerberg in person, a proud moment on her incredible journey from Bogotá to big tech.

I love waking up and knowing that I work in a company where the mission is ‘bring the world closer together

UTS College gave her the confidence to thrive

Maria first visited Australia at age 15, then returned in 2005 to study business at UTS. Aware that her English vocabulary might not be enough for academic writing, she began at UTS College. The small classes and multicultural environment gave her confidence and skills to succeed at university.
 

Building her career, step by step

After graduating, Maria joined Australia’s digital marketing industry, managing campaigns for brands such as Clinique, Coca-Cola, Paramount Pictures, American Express, and Commonwealth Bank. She built expertise in both B2B and consumer marketing, and held senior roles at Regus and Easy Taxi, driving growth through strategic campaigns.

I believe Facebook valued my international experience and digital marketing expertise; skills they wanted to bring to Latin America.

Leading WhatsApp marketing across Latin America

Maria joined Facebook (Meta) in 2015 as marketing manager for Colombia and Peru. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming head of marketing for the Andean region, then business marketing manager for Latin America. In 2024, she took on her current role as WhatsApp marketing manager for Latin America.

Today, she develops world-class strategies, leads cross-functional teams, partners with industry associations, and delivers award-winning campaigns that drive product adoption, innovation, and inclusion across the region.

A truly global career

Maria’s story shows how ambition, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can open doors across the world. From Bogotá to Sydney and now leading marketing for WhatsApp in Latin America, she’s proof that a strong foundation, like the one built at UTS College, can launch a truly global career.

Her work continues to bring people closer together – just as she always dreamed.