Honoring Dr. King's Legacy: Leading the Fight with Love 💕✊

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I reflect on Dr. King’s unwavering fight for justice, equality, and love. I often imagine that if I had been alive during his time, I would have marched alongside him, seeking ways to contribute to the change he so bravely fought for.

Dr. King taught us that fighting for equality through love is not a sign of weakness—it’s a powerful, intentional choice. Yet, even today, leading with kindness can sometimes be misunderstood or dismissed. But make no mistake: choosing love doesn’t mean the fight isn’t a fight—it’s simply a different, and in my belief, enduringly impactful, angle.

Today, I am proud to sit on the 2025 IREM Board for the DEI committee and chair Cortland's Women's Associate Resource Group, EmpowHER. These are small ways I contribute to the ongoing fight for equality for all.

As we honor his legacy, I encourage everyone to fight the fight in their own way—with a vision of respect for all and a goal of true equality. Let’s continue to work toward a world where justice and kindness are not just ideals but realities.

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend." – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

hashtag#MLKDay hashtag#EqualityForAll hashtag#FightWithLove hashtag#RespectAndKindness hashtag#DEI hashtag#EmpowHER hashtag#LeadershipThroughLove hashtag#TheLeadershipKey hashtag#IREMGA

Brunch, Friendship, and Growth

Today, I had the pleasure of catching up with a dear friend over brunch—a much-needed moment to reflect, share, and support one another.
There’s something truly special about having friends you can talk to candidly about your goals, dreams, and challenges. Balancing motherhood, relationships, careers, and friendships isn’t always easy, but it’s moments like these that remind me how vital it is to surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.
Here’s to creating opportunities, cheering each other on, and becoming the best versions of ourselves—together. 💕

#FriendshipGoals #SupportSystem #WomenEmpoweringWomen #BalanceAndGrowth #BrunchAndGoals #TheLeadershipKey

Press Release: New children’s book Empowers Readers to Stand Up to Bullies

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

New children’s book Empowers Readers to Stand Up to Bullies

ATLANTA, GEORGIA (September 29, 2017) - Parents struggling to find ways to help their kids deal with bullying will soon have a new resource to help them when the new children's book, The Secret Keeper: Perfect the Way You Are is launched in November.

Written by Maria Wills, The Secret Keeper is the first book in an inspiring five part series focusing on difficult topics for parents to discuss with their children.  The book is about a young girl, Juliana, who is bullied on her way to school. She is very sad but doesn't tell her teacher or her mother about it. But then her mother reminds her about the Secret Keeper who comes at night and gives her advice. Her mother turns into the Secret Keeper superhero after bedtime prayer. Juliana is filled with confidence and the next day has the courage to stand up for herself and also encourage her bully that it is okay to make mistakes

Maria Wills came up with the idea to call herself the Secret Keeper after her daughter began pre-school. “When you hear about all the horror stories of people taking advantage of children and making then afraid to tell their parents, I wanted to create a comfortable way for my daughter to communicate with me,” says the new Author. “I told her that God made me The Secret Keeper to keep all her secrets safe and give her advice,” Wills continues.  Maria realized the concept was working when Juliana shared what her father was getting her for Christmas and explained that she had to tell because mom was the secret keeper.

Statistics indicate that bullying affects one in three American school children and 60% of children who are bullied do not report it, according to the Business Insider. The Secret Keeper lays the perfect foundation for discussing bullying and how to handle bullies. The book is easy to read and features attractive illustrations that will capture children's attention. The storyline is engaging and will hook readers from start to finish.

The Secret Keeper: Perfect the Way You Are is scheduled to be released on November 1, 2017 and will be available in Kindle and paperback formats. Readers can get their copy on Amazon or on the author's website. The book will be available to pre-order on the author's website October 1, 2017. For further information visit: https://iammariawills.com.

About the Author:

Maria Wills is woman of many talents. Born in Washington, DC and raised in Prince Georges County, MD, Maria started her career at the young age of fifteen as a model and actress. She went to Drexel University for Music. Maria moved to Atlanta, GA to expand her brand in 2006. She is a radio, TV, and event host currently on Girl Power Hour Radio Show broadcasting on WAEC LOVE860 Atlanta.

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Media Contact:  Maria Wills

Email: Maria@IamMariaWills.com

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The Power of the Tongue

Let me tell you all about speaking things into existence! God is so Good!

This past weekend I had the time of my life. It was already a special weekend because one of my best friends were coming to visit me in the Atl from Philly. I already planned for us to attend the One Music Fest because I have been for the last 3 years and I am a huge fan. When the tickets were available for purchase I told my girlfriend, "Next year, I want to be hosting or interviewing the artist!." And guess what!? 

Two days before the One Music Fest, this year, I get a DM from an associate that I did an event with a couple months ago. She says "Maria I'm flying in from NY this weekend and I may need you for an event." Now if you know anything about me, you know I do not turn down a check! Then she proceeds to tell me that she needs me to interview the talent at the One Music Fest for Xfinity! When I tell you my happy dance came out! I contact my girls and let them know I was booked! 

My girls friends still were able to attend the One Music Fest, but I had the pleasure of being backstage meeting all the talent and interviewing artist like Jidenna, Ro James, Too Short, Tank and the Bangas, Luke James, and Elijah Kelly. I was sad I didn't get to interview my favorite girl from Philly, Jill Scott, or Mos Def but I'm not worried because the time will come! 

The moral of the story is to believe in yourself and speak the things you want. I knew I was going to get the opportunity to work at the One Music Fest, but God had a better plan and allowed me to do so ahead of schedule.  The Universe is listening so speak up!