Not only a Marketing Professor in the CBE, Dr. Maria Akopian is an award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and producer
Coming from a long line of teachers, Marketing Professor Dr. Maria Akopian “has always felt an innate passion to transfer knowledge.” Dr. Akopian joined the CBE in January 2019 after working in marketing for many years. Teaching at a business school was the natural choice, and “what better than at such a reputable institution.”
She always served in youth advocacy organizations and she believes teaching is her purpose. Dr. Akopian explains, “My students inspire me more than I hope to inspire them and it’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to impact the lives of so many.”
It is to no surprise that for Dr. Akopian, the most rewarding aspect of being a professor is, “Knowing that you have the chance to guide others, provide support, and help aspiring leaders reach their fullest potential. At the end, it’s all about building an army of good; change agents with big hopes and strong work ethic.”
Her biggest sources of inspiration, first and foremost, are her parents and sister. “Without support from them, I wouldn’t have achieved anything in my life.” Aside from them, Dr. Satinder Dhiman, Professor and Assistant Dean of the MBA program at Woodbury University, was her “guiding light and greatest source of inspiration.” Because he believed in her and equipped her with his life lessons and teachings, she pursued her doctorate.
While some of Dr. Akopian’s students may already know, Dr. Akopian is an award-winning recording artist, songwriter, and producer with three albums and her fourth on the way. She also has a parallel career in television as an executive producer and host. She has been on stage her entire life and was inspired to pursue marketing through marketing her own artistry. It is no wonder she can barely find time to unwind!