Meet Maria Almeida: Empowering Tulsa’s Entrepreneurs to Thrive
With a career spanning international finance, community development and entrepreneurship, Maria Almeida brings a wealth of experience to PartnerTulsa. Learn more about her journey, her passion for supporting small businesses and her vision for Tulsa’s entrepreneurial future.
1.) Can you share a bit about your professional journey and what ultimately led you here?
I’m a bilingual and bicultural financial professional. I’m from Quito, Ecuador, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in financial engineering and my master’s degree in international relations, specializing in Economics and Finance. My experience has been primarily working with small businesses both in Latin America and the US. I started my career as a Commercial Banker in my country. In the U.S., I worked for almost 10 years with a CDFI in Chicago as an underwriter, loan officer, team manager, and created a Latino Outreach Program. I also had the opportunity to direct a business pitch competition promoted by the State Department and USAID, which intended to connect small business owners in Latin America and the U.S. I have been mentoring small business owners, providing technical assistance with the Women’s Business Development Center in Chicago and the Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers. I was also a VP Bilingual Financial Center Leader for Bank of Oklahoma and Operations Director for UMA Tulsa. In the Summer of 2025, I obtained her MBA in Entrepreneurship at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. My passion is to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses and communities.
2.) Which ongoing or upcoming project are you most excited to dive into, and why?
Developing educational programs for entrepreneurs and business owners from the City of Tulsa, both in English and Spanish.
3.) What makes Tulsa such a great location for small businesses?
The City of Tulsa offers a very welcoming environment for the small business community and people have access to a variety of organizations that support entrepreneurs and small businesses.
4.) What inspires your optimism about Tulsa’s future?
There are several economic development projects surrounding Tulsa that will represent opportunities also for new entrepreneurs and business owners.
5.) What’s your favorite local spot in Tulsa, whether it’s for food, fun, or just a place that feels like home?
Que Gusto is my favorite restaurant in Tulsa because it is owned by good friends from my country, Ecuador. I just appreciate the success of hard work and dedication.