Maria Avila is a social media manager at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, where she brings creativity and strategy to the organization. Passionate about giving back to her community, she also serves on the Hammond Education Foundation Board, supporting regional educational initiatives. Avila’s digital engagement and community development expertise has made her a professional and local leader.
"Originally, I’m from the Region, but after high school, I moved to Texas. While in Texas, I worked for a newspaper that focused on marketing and advertising and stayed there for 11 years. When I decided to move back home, my sister Andrea, who worked at ‘The Times of Northwest Indiana,’ told me they were looking for a recruitment strategist, and that’s how I found my next opportunity,” Avila said.
At first, Avila didn’t even consider social media. However, she recognized her potential and gradually became more involved.
"I was raised in East Chicago, in the Harbor, and growing up, I thought you had to work two or three jobs just to make ends meet,” said Avila. “Having a cool job, like in advertising or as a social media manager, felt completely out of reach. I didn’t think those kinds of opportunities were possible for someone who came from the Harbor."
Avila applied for a recruitment strategist position at “The Times of Northwest Indiana” while still in Texas and began the role shortly after relocating to the Region. In this position, she worked closely with local companies, including Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, to address their hiring needs while managing marketing, advertising campaigns, and social media.
"I told myself I’d take a month off and not actively look for jobs,” said Avila. “If something came up, I’d apply, but I had faith that God had a reason for letting this happen. A few weeks after my position was eliminated, I was on LinkedIn and saw an opening for a social media manager position at Hard Rock. They moved my resume to the front because they thought highly of me, and I got interviewed. I interviewed on a Friday, and by Monday, my now boss, Christie, offered me the job, and I was beyond happy!”
Avila began working at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in March of last year, and by November, she had also taken on the responsibilities of communications manager. Rather than being discouraged by previous setbacks, she confidently re-entered the job market, leading her to a reward as a social media manager.
"As a communications manager, aside from the entertainment and all the fun aspects, I also focus on community engagement and philanthropy,” Avila said. “It’s rewarding to play a role, even in a small way, in connecting companies or organizations with Hard Rock. Seeing our president lead efforts like making significant donations or mobilizing team members to volunteer is truly inspiring."
She has worked on several impactful projects for Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, but one stands out. This project was especially memorable due to its unique challenge and positive impact.
"One of my favorite ones this year was for Chippendales, which we hosted for two nights at Hard Rock,” Avila said. “I created a contest for the ultimate bachelorette VIP experience, where the winning bride-to-be could bring her bridal party of up to ten people and enjoy a full VIP experience. They dined at any of our five restaurants, skipped the line with the VIP entrance, and were escorted to the front table to enjoy the show. It was a hit because it felt like the ultimate bachelorette party."
Outside of work, she loves interacting with others and is very extroverted. She always says she can make friends wherever she goes because she enjoys being social.
"I love spending time with my kids, even though they're not kids anymore—my sons are 18 and 19, and my daughter just turned 21. We enjoy hanging out, karaoke at home, playing paintball, or going to the movies,” Avila said. “Lately, I've also been invited to mentor in the Circle of Success program at Indiana University Northwest through Helen Harmon, and, of course, I love hanging out with my group of friends, a bunch of moms we call 'The Moms.' We make time for a nice dinner and drinks every few months."
Looking back, she reflects on how as a young teenager, she never imagined someone like her could have the opportunities she has today. She’s had the chance to do amazing things, like hosting clients in box suites for Bulls and Blackhawks games, among other incredible experiences.
"Even though I'm a single mom and, like everyone else, I've faced setbacks, I’m grateful that my kids have witnessed my growth and career evolution,” Avila said. “It inspires them and shows them that no matter where you're from, Griffith, Dallas, or anywhere else, you’re not limited by your background. You really can be whatever you set your mind to."
For more information on Avila and her work at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, click here. To see an update on the Hammond Education Foundation Board, visit here.