Maria Ciriaco: energy that welcomes, organizes, and connects

By Rafael Bortoloti

Even before the computers are turned on and activity begins in WSB’s Advisors office in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Maria Ciriaco is already at work. As an Administrative Assistant, she is consistently the first to arrive, helping prepare the environment for another productive day.

Her role, however, extends far beyond organizing spaces. Maria helps create an atmosphere of warmth, care, and well-being that has become part of the company’s identity.

Originally from Nova Russas, a small town in the state of Ceará, Maria left her hometown in 2002. Alongside her family, she traveled nearly 2,500 kilometers to Rio de Janeiro in search of new opportunities. Her story reflects that of thousands of Northeastern Brazilians who built new lives far from home while never losing touch with their roots.

Now 37 years old, Maria carries with her fond memories of a childhood spent under the care of her grandparents, Francisco and Zulmira. Among games, open spaces, and climbing trees, she discovered a passion that today also contributes to her livelihood.

“I have many memories of Ceará. I was raised by my maternal grandparents. I had a privileged childhood—surrounded by animals, plenty of room to run, and trees to climb. But making cheese and sweets with my grandmother was one of my favorite activities,” Maria recalls.

It was alongside Mrs. Zulmira, in the late 1990s, that Maria first learned about cooking. What began as a family tradition evolved into a skill admired by everyone around her. At WSB, her homemade treats have become part of everyday life. From sandwiches affectionately called internally as “Mac Mary” to cakes and desserts with or without sugar, her recipes help energize meetings, events, and visits from guests.

“I don’t have a favorite type of recipe. I simply enjoy exploring new ones. New challenges motivate me. Beyond being a hobby, cooking represents a life transformation for me. Above all, it is rewarding to see people appreciate and praise the dedication I put into everything I make,” she says.

In 2026, Maria celebrates two years with WSB Advisors. Alongside Camila Lopes and Vilma Fernandes, she contributes to the company’s facilities management, helping oversee workplace organization, visitor reception, employee support, and the infrastructure required for the daily operation of the office and corporate events.

Her professional journey includes experience as a receptionist, waitress, store manager, and sushi woman. Each stage helped develop qualities that define her presence today: attention to detail, a service-oriented mindset, and the ability to make people feel welcome.

The mother of four-year-old Bento, Maria balances her time between work, family, fitness, and leisure. She enjoys watching cartoons with her son while sharing a bowl of popcorn and also follows series such as “The Mentalist”, “Yellowstone”, and “S.W.A.T.”

“I have my challenges and my dreams, such as moving out of a rental home and into a larger house. But when I reflect on my life, I sometimes feel privileged. I have the most important things: health and the energy to wake up every day at 4:30 a.m., exercise, and work.”

At WSB, Maria represents something that is difficult to measure through reports or performance indicators. Her work helps keep everything running smoothly, but her greatest contribution may be her ability to transform simple gestures into meaningful experiences. Whether welcoming a visitor, preparing a cup of coffee, or introducing a new recipe, she turns dedication into a way of caring for people—and that, every day, helps power the company’s energy as well.