Maria Arias

Arias’ dedication to making Comcast a workplace that reflects the diversity of the world around it is getting noticed. In 2014, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce presented the company with its Diversity & Inclusion Award. Arias says, “If I know I helped advance diversity and inclusion for women, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, employees of all ages, and for people of every sexual orientation and identification, that would give me the ultimate sense of accomplishment.”

How do you define a successful career?

A successful career includes personal satisfaction and happiness, meeting or exceeding personal goals, developing a strong network of colleagues and friends, mentoring and supporting others, taking risks for the benefit of others, and maintaining a sense of resiliency during difficult periods. At some point, when I look back on my time at Comcast, if I know I helped advance diversity and inclusion for women, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, employees of all ages, and for people of every sexual orientation and identification, that would give me the ultimate sense of accomplishment.

Best trick for maintaining the personal-professional life balance?

Time management and personal forgiveness are critical balance tactics. It is difficult to achieve professional and personal balance simultaneously, but allocating time and trusted delegation to my teams have been successful strategies. If more time is needed at work, or more time is needed with family, away from work, an ounce of personal forgiveness helps me to maintain focus and peace of mind at work and at home. At the end of the day, I am proud to be both working, and a mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, and Godmother.

When not in the office, where are we most likely to find you?

Outside! Exercise is a non-negotiable part of my daily routine, including my weekend routine. Outside of the office, you are likely to find me running, power walking, or biking alongside Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River or, when the weather is not suitable, I’m an avid practitioner of power yoga and hot yoga. Exercise grounds me. My free time is also committed to my family and my community work.