Maria C. Barraza
Santa Clarita,CA
Summary
Visionary Senior Publicist with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, specializing in crafting innovative, award-winning publicity campaigns across platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and major theatrical releases. Calculated thinker and collaborative leader, known for spearheading audience engagement and enhancing brand visibility through dynamic campaign development, event coordination, and talent management while fostering trusted relationships with talent, press, and executives. Well-versed in studio culture; dedicated to a professional reputation built on performance, collaboration, and integrity.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Publicist – Regional & Specialty Media
Walt Disney Studios
01.2023 - Current
- Managed regional and multicultural publicity efforts across key releases, coordinating press outreach, event logistics, and media engagement strategies
- Orchestrated junkets, press days, press conferences, and one-on-one interviews with major daily outlets to maximize media coverage
- Led press inclusion for PA Tours and regional press events, ensuring seamless execution and high-quality media exposure
- Initiated and coordinated multicultural press outreach with Allied Global Marketing, supporting inclusion efforts and community engagement
- Supported seasonal campaigns, including annual previews, “Best Of” lists, and award season positioning across regional and specialty press
- Planned and executed Satellite Media Tours and liaised with regional critic groups to enhance visibility and influence during campaign
Senior Publicist, Global Publicity
Walt Disney Studios
2020 - 2023
- Spearheaded global publicity campaigns for high-profile releases including Moon Knight, Hocus Pocus 2, Prey, and Quiz Lady
- Served as Talent Lead, managing end-to-end media strategies and talent logistics across press tours, junkets, and fan events
- Collaborated cross-functionally with internal teams and external agencies to shape narrative strategy, talent messaging, and event execution
- Developed lasting partnerships with press, agencies, and talent reps, resulting in streamlined campaign execution and favorable media coverage
Senior Publicist, Global Publicity – In-Home
Walt Disney Studios
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Directed publicity strategies for major releases including Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and The Lion King
- Oversaw talent and filmmaker activities throughout the campaign lifecycle, from messaging to press tours and events
- Facilitated junkets, premieres, set visits, fan conventions, and content days with cross-team coordination
- Developed synergistic programs with key partners (Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar) and digital providers for impactful reveals and talent activations
Junior Publicist, In-Home Entertainment
Walt Disney Studios
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Maximized PR outreach for campaigns and served as liaison between Publicity, Marketing, Digital, and Social Media teams
- Reported performance metrics to executive leadership to inform future strategy
Assistant, Theatrical Publicity
Walt Disney Studios
01.2002 - 01.2005
- Managed all logistics for talent and filmmaker appearances, including travel, hair and makeup, and scheduling
- Coordinated event execution in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while also supporting accounts payable functions
Education
B.A. - Communication & Media Studies
California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA Skills
- Strategic Campaign Development
- Extensive Media & Talent Relations
- Creative Event Planning & Facilitation
- Team Building & Mentorship
- Large Budget Oversight
- Multi-Media Communications
- Cross-Team Collaboration
- Transparent Communications
- Innovative/Big-Picture Thinker
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Publicist – Regional & Specialty Media
Walt Disney Studios
01.2023 - Current
Senior Publicist, Global Publicity – In-Home
Walt Disney Studios
01.2012 - 01.2020
Junior Publicist, In-Home Entertainment
Walt Disney Studios
01.2005 - 01.2011
Assistant, Theatrical Publicity
Walt Disney Studios
01.2002 - 01.2005
Senior Publicist, Global Publicity
Walt Disney Studios
2020 - 2023
B.A. - Communication & Media Studies
California State University Northridge
Memberships
Member, The Publicist Guild of America (2012 – Present)
Member, Television Academy (2022-Present)
Board Member, The Santa Clarita Ballet Company (2023 – Present)
Awards
- 2025, Maxwell Weinberg Award for Television Publicity Campaign “Agatha All Along”
- 2024, Maxwell Weinberg Award for Television Publicity Campaign “Ahsoka”
- 2024, Maxwell Weinberg Nomination for Television Publicity Campaign “Prey”
- 2023, Maxwell Weinberg Award for Television Publicity Campaign “The Mandalorian” Season 1
- 2020, Hermes Creative Award
- 2012 – Cinderella/Christian Louboutin Partnership
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