MARIA PEREZ-BROWN
New York
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in creating engaging educational content for children and families, while developing strategic visions that enhance audience diversity across television and publishing platforms. Spearheaded groundbreaking projects that significantly boosted audience engagement, showcasing expertise in collaborative team leadership and operational excellence. Successfully extended knowledge of children’s content to improve admissions processes, aligning educational goals with institutional objectives.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Admissions Associate
The Dalton School
New York
09.2024 - Current
- Conducted individualized interviews with prospective family applicants for lower school admissions.
- Reviewed data obtained from interview for completeness and accuracy and filled reports following interviews.
- Established relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally that support the mission of the Admissions Office.
- Performed outreach activities such as attending college fairs or visiting high schools to promote university programs.
- Researched best practices for recruiting a diverse student population from various backgrounds, and advised the Head of Admissions on cultural diversity questions.
PRESIDENT
Brown Kids Media LLC
New York
01.2016 - Current
- Create and develop groundbreaking children's educational content across diverse platforms, fostering partnerships with major networks to maximize global reach and impact.
- Foster partnerships with major networks like PBS, Nickelodeon, Disney, Netflix, and Nelvana, ensuring broad distribution and maximizing the reach of original content.
- Launch a podcast division to create educational and entertaining podcasts for kids and families. Recently launched comedy podcast for iHeart Podcasts.
- Guide writers in crafting compelling book adaptations and TV pitches, leveraging market insights to develop successful projects.
- Spearhead the successful production of the 'Enchanting Leela' animated series, delivering high-quality content for a diverse preschool demographic.
- Provide strategic guidance to international production companies, facilitating successful content distribution in the U.S. markets through data-driven insights.
- Executive produced two new series from Reino Infantil, the producer of the top kids' YouTube property 'La Granja de Zenon,' with over 65 million subscribers and 62 billion views.
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Columbia University
New York
01.2010 - Current
- Develop a cutting-edge curriculum for the 'Bible Writing' course and the Art of the Pitch course, integrating industry trends.
- Organize diverse panels with renowned writers and producers to speak to the students.
- Foster creative partnerships among students in TV and film content creation.
- Shape future industry leaders through advanced instruction in TV series development.
- Participate in the admissions advisory process by selecting and interviewing candidates for admission to the School of the Arts.
HEAD OF KIDS & FAMILY
TIME Studios
New York
06.2021 - 05.2024
- Spearhead TIME Studios' Kids & Family division, driving content strategy and partnerships.
- Launched innovative projects for major networks, expanding market presence.
- Drive substantial revenue growth through strategic initiatives, overseeing the development and distribution of original content across diverse media platforms, including television, streaming, and podcasts.
- Foster a dynamic production team, nurturing creativity and responsibility, while delivering compelling content for major networks and expanding market reach.
- Pioneer groundbreaking projects in the Kids & Family space, including comedy and news series for PBS KIDS, children's series for Nelvana and Nickelodeon, and podcasts and documentaries, enhancing TIME Studios' market presence and audience engagement.
- Worked across divisions to create revenue-generating initiatives. Partner with TIME for Kids magazine to create original content from their news magazine stories.
- Analyze market trends and audience preferences to develop targeted content strategies, resulting in measurable growth in viewership and brand recognition.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
NuvoTV/ Fuse
New York
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Led strategic content development across platforms, boosting revenue, and spearheaded NuvoTV's rebrand (from SiTV) to include multicultural audiences, securing Jennifer Lopez as the network ambassador post-rebrand.
- Managed TV and digital series from concept to production, increasing primetime ratings by over 200%.
- Directed multiple departments, produced original content, and created additional revenue streams across ad sales and marketing divisions.
- Developed programming vision and partnerships, resulting in Emmy-winning content, and enhanced brand visibility.
- Led strategic content development across platforms, targeting Latino and multicultural audiences
- Established partnerships with celebrities, and created original content.
- Conducted key research and presented findings to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders, influencing strategic decisions and marketing efforts.
- Implemented an acquisition strategy for movies and series, substantially boosting primetime ratings.
- Led digital, ad sales, and marketing teams to produce content supporting special initiatives, driving revenue growth, and brand visibility.
- Conducted key research, presenting findings to the Board, advertisers, and distributors.
- Led external marketing events and D.C. lobbying efforts.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Nickelodeon/ Dorado Ent.
New York
01.2000 - 06.2007
- Spearheaded projects at Nickelodeon, delivering high-quality animated series on time and within budget, enhancing the network's competitive edge.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with writers, animators, and producers at Nickelodeon, ensuring seamless execution of creative visions, and increasing diversity in front of and behind the camera.
- Analyzed market trends and viewer preferences at Nickelodeon, informing strategic decisions that led to successful show launches and renewals.
- Created and Executive Produced shows like 'Gullah Gullah Island' and 'Taina,' enhancing Nickelodeon's diverse audiences and critical acclaim.
- Cultivated a dynamic, creative environment, fostering cross-functional teamwork to produce groundbreaking shows that resonated with multicultural viewers.
- Delivered award-winning content that significantly boosted Nickelodeon's reputation, cementing its leadership in creating inclusive, and educational entertainment.
Education
EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE -
The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA01.2024
JURIS DOCTOR -
New York University Law School
New York, NY06.1987
BACHELOR OF ARTS -
Yale University
New Haven, CT01.1983
Skills
- Strategic Vision Development
- Educational content development
- Collaborative Team Leadership
- Television production
- Book writing & Publishing
- Digital transformation
- Revenue growth
- Partnership development
- Operational excellence
- Project management
- Diverse audience expertise
- Budgets and Financial Oversight
Publications
- Latino Leaders Speak: Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph, University of Houston Press/ Arte Publico Press, VOLUME TWO, to be published in 2025, A collection of inspiration essays about leadership lessons shared by successful Latinos leaders in a variety of occupations, from media and politics to education and activism.
- Latino Leaders Speak: Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph, University of Houston Press/ Arte Publico Press, VOLUME ONE, 2017 .
- Zuri Pi: Do I Have to Go to School?, Zwoosh Kids Press, 2015, preschool board book series about emotional intelligence.
- Mama: Latina Daughters Celebrate Their Mothers, HarperCollins, 2002, Nonfiction book exploring the relationship between mothers and daughters. The national bestseller was featured in newspapers, magazines and television programs. (Book published in English ans Spanish)
Languages
- English, Native
- Spanish, Native
- Portuguese, Highly proficient
Affiliations
- Jack & Jill Member, 2015-Present
- Co-Chair of the Jack & Jill Education Seminar
- Admissions consultant
Certification
- Member of the New York State Bar
- Licensed NYS Real Estate Broker
- Certificate in Corporate Governance, The Wharton School, UPENN
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Admissions Associate
The Dalton School
09.2024 - Current
HEAD OF KIDS & FAMILY
TIME Studios
06.2021 - 05.2024
PRESIDENT
Brown Kids Media LLC
01.2016 - Current
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
Columbia University
01.2010 - Current
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
NuvoTV/ Fuse
01.2008 - 01.2013
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Nickelodeon/ Dorado Ent.
01.2000 - 06.2007
EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE -
The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania
JURIS DOCTOR -
New York University Law School
BACHELOR OF ARTS -
Yale University
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