With a robust background in steering marketing and communications initiatives for renowned entities, Maria boasts a twenty-year track record working with Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, restaurants, and charitable organizations. Notable roles include serving as the publicist for India and Australia at Warner Brothers’ Discovery Channel International; managing online communications for the Grocery Manufacturers Association (now Consumer Brands Association), and acting as the director of marketing and communications for an IT firm Aaxis Technologies (now Huron Consulting). Maria holds multiple degrees and professional certificates, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and professional development.

Maria’s entrepreneurial journey took off with the successful launch of the inaugural Cookology at Dulles Town Center in February 2009 (closing its doors in October 2022). She unveiled the second Cookology at Ballston Quarter Arlington, VA, in 2019. This impressive 6,000 square foot facility now houses both Cookology and the Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute.

Maria worked in many restaurants including as a cook in pizza shops starting in Ocean City during her high school junior and senior summers, as a prep cook in deli's and yogurt shops in College Park while attending University of Maryland studying English Literature & Journalism, and as a line cook, expeditor and waiter at Positano in Bethesda, MD for 6 years as a second job to her daytime desk job.  While owning and running Cookology, Maria opened her lunchtime catering company in 2012 which led to becoming a personal chef to a famous Nationals baseball pitcher in 2014.

The Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute, a post-secondary culinary arts program, holds certifications from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and has American Culinary Federation APPROVED status (ACF-Approved). In her commitment to supporting students, Maria established a 501(c)3 organization, allowing for the collection of donations to assist MCAI students in offsetting tuition costs. Her goal is to offer cooking classes both recreationally and professionally at an affordable price.

For inquiries or to connect with Maria, feel free to email her!

Cookology Culinary School
Ballston Quarter, Arlington, VA
(703) 433-1909
Cookology Website
Facebook| Instagram

Join Cookology newsletter mailing list
Video: Team Building for 90
Video: Building Ballston Quarter

Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute
Professional Culinary Arts Certification
Location: Ballston Quarter, Arlington, VA
Chef Dacy’s MCAI Journey VIDEO (10 mins)
Facebook | Instagram
MetroCulinaryArts.com
Join MCAI newsletter mailing list

+Linkedin Profile Maria Kopsidas
+IG/mariakopsidas