Maria Balais ’90

Maria Balais ’90 is a dynamic leader in community engagement, business development, and the arts. She currently serves as Director of Programs for the Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC) and is the Founder & Principal of The Balais Group, a consulting firm specializing in community engagement, communications, and strategy.

Previously, Maria was Executive Director of Leadership DeKalb (2013-2020), where she cultivated over 500 leaders, supported 50+ nonprofits, and strengthened the organization’s financial position. She also spent a decade in corporate community relations at ING Americas and Troutman Sanders, managing $6 million in grants and sponsorships nationwide.

Maria’s career spans both public and private sectors, including managing two successful political campaigns and founding the Atlanta Downtown Arts Festival (2002-2011) to spotlight emerging artists. She has actively engaged with Hispanic and Asian communities through organizations such as The Latin American Association and The Philippine Chamber of Commerce.

A Leadership Atlanta alumna (Class of 2006) and recipient of the Outstanding Atlanta 50th Anniversary Award (2018), Maria has served on numerous advisory boards and civic organizations, including the Emory Board of Visitors, Atlanta Commission on Women, and Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation.

Maria holds a degree in Theater from Agnes Scott College with a minor in modern dance. She lives in Atlanta, GA, with her son, Christopher.