Maria Serafica (formerly Serafica-Stermer): entrepreneurial finance professional with over twenty years of progressive leadership growth within complex public and private companies.

Currently the CFO for Umedex, Inc. and board advisor to numerous start-ups. Previously, the CFO for Other World Computing and companies in the technology, real estate, nonprofit and venture capital sectors. Maria has been an advisor to numerous technology startups and was a renewable energy financial executive for PermaCity, a leading solar company in the US, where she contributed to growth and strategy and a successful exit (acquired by Catalyze).

With over 20 years of experience as a certified public accountant, Maria has an active tax practice serving clients (high net worth individuals and businesses) by referral only.

Maria is dedicated to helping charitable causes through her involvement in philanthropy and nonprofits, and helping clients establish their own private foundation for legacy, charitable causes and tax savings. She has served on numerous boards and has helped with strategic and financial planning, development and board governance.

At ACTAI Global, Maria champions the potential of founders, investors, athletes, and artists by harnessing the power of human connections to create deeper impact. In her leadership role, she produces ACTAI Global’s flagship events in Greece, Necker Island, and Asia, and directed the ACTAI Asia Pacific Web3 and AI Tech competitions. Since her participation in the inaugural Maui event in 2009, Maria has held pivotal roles as CFO and Treasurer, notably chairing the Ocean Gala in 2015 and 2016 that raised over $1M for ocean conservation.

Fun fact: Maria was a former professional ballerina who trained in Los Angeles, New York and London and performed on the prominent stages of Southern California including the L.A. Music Center, UCLA and the Ford Ampitheater. She founded Aeolian Ballet Theatre in 1999.