Maria Aponte

Maria Aponte, PMP, currently serves as Associate Vice President of Banking at RBCx, beginning in November 2024. Prior experience includes leadership roles at Fintech Cadence, where Maria was Head of Programs from April 2022 to September 2024, spearheading initiatives to enhance innovation in fintech and coaching over 50 fintech founders. As Programs Lead at the Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation, Maria contributed significantly to supporting equity-deserving groups. Maria has held positions at the McGill Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship, managing flagship programs, and at Startup Canada, overseeing national programs and stakeholder engagement. Earlier roles include Business Analyst at Clausehound and Innovation Manager at Orquidea Ltda., where Maria drove brand repositioning and market growth. Educational qualifications encompass a Master’s of Management in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Smith School of Business at Queen's University, a diploma in International Business Law from Universidad de Los Andes, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Universidad Externado de Colombia.