Maria T. Gillespie

Maria Gillespie is a Senior Sales Executive and the Head of Sales for the East Region Channel at TE Connectivity, where she leads a multimillion-dollar organization spanning eleven business units. With nearly two decades in the electronics industry, she has built a reputation for accelerating growth, strengthening distributor partnerships, and developing high-performing teams through clear vision, collaboration, and people-first leadership. Maria is known for driving high-impact, cross-functional initiatives that deepen customer engagement and enhance alignment across the business.

Maria’s leadership extends beyond her corporate responsibilities into her industry and community. She serves on the WE United Council and is a proud recipient of the WE United Award, recognizing her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to elevating diverse talent within the electronics sector. In her community, Maria has spent over a decade in PTA leadership roles, supporting school initiatives, family engagement, and youth development. She also serves as the Vice Chair of Youth Advisory Board, helping shape programs that inspire confidence, purpose, and spiritual grounding for youth of St. Luke Church.

Maria’s belief in accessible, real-world education is deeply shaped by her own non-linear academic journey. She began her career before completing her degree, paused her studies multiple times to support her family, and later returned to higher education while balancing full-time leadership and community service. Now completing her Executive MBA, she brings that lived experience to the Kennedy University Industry Advisory Council, championing flexible, relevant pathways that reflect the realities of modern learners, especially working parents, community leaders, and those navigating complex life responsibilities while pursuing their goals.