Get to Know Director of Advancement Maria Lugar

Maria Victoria Abreu Lugar (Maria Lugar) is a Dominican Economist and international consultant based in the Washington, D.C. area, with 20+ years of experience in executive positions and strategic and operational project management within socioeconomic sustainable development initiatives. She has worked for international organizations, the private sector and non-profits, both in the Dominican Republic and the United States. Maria holds the position of Director of Advancement at Maryland Hall since June 2022, leading fundraising efforts and strengthening strategic partnerships.

Interview with Maria:

• What has led you to become the Director of Advancement at MD Hall?

I’ve worked with several organizations and my role at each one has been to connect people and create partnerships. It’s so natural for me professionally and personally. I love to make win-win situations for people. So it’s been very natural for me to step into the Director of Advancement at Maryland Hall – it’s what I’ve been doing my whole career. I have a lot of experience with strategic partnerships with many organizations and always strive to make connections and partnership for success.

• What do you enjoy most about working at Maryland Hall? 

I love being surrounded by art in so many forms. It’s very fulfilling to my soul. I also love the team I work with, it’s a wonderful staff and not too big. It’s a team with a lot of vision and everyone is so capable – very empowering and motivating. 

Also, after working for other countries as well as my country of origin, Dominican Republic, I love working someplace local that I call home now where I can make an impact in the community. 

• Can you share a couple of initiatives you’re excited to be working on as Director of Advancement? 

I’d like to grow and develop our donor base in a better more personable way. Less typical and mechanical methods, but in a more sincere way to get to know our community. I also have some innovative ideas to implement soon to make it easier for the community to engage and support Maryland Hall. Stay tuned!

• Anything else you’d like to share with our members? 

I have a 4 year old son that loves the arts – especially dancing! I’m also a Mompreneur and co-owner/founder of Dutidú, LLC, a company that celebrates the Latino culture and brings diversity and inclusion to the table/board games industry (@DutiduOficial, www.dutidu.com).