Where Vision Meets Execution
Ave Maria Media began not as an idea on paper, but as recognition that two very different paths were designed to work together. When Marcela and Alejandra started collaborating, what quickly became evident was not just shared values, but complementary disciplines.
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Marcela had spent years behind the lens and inside creative environments. Trained in film in Argentina, refined in Paris, and shaped by documentary work across cultures and art direction for television campaigns, her instinct has always been to identify the narrative beneath the surface. From photographing chefs in Europe to building an independent photography career in the United States and growing a digital community of over a quarter million followers through authentic storytelling and creativity, her approach has never been experimental. It has been intentional and sustained.
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Alejandra’s trajectory developed in parallel, rooted in leadership and structure. With nearly two decades of experience across the public and private sectors, she founded and scaled a successful educational program, launched initiatives and foundations, led fundraising efforts, and directed teams at various scales. Currently pursuing her MBA, she approaches every initiative with operational clarity and long-term sustainability in mind. Her deep commitment to nonprofit and community-centered work shapes a leadership style that is relational, compassionate, and grounded in responsibility.
What makes Ave Maria Media distinct is not simply experience in creativity and leadership, but the integration of both in real time. Marcela shapes the emotional architecture of a project, its tone, story, and visual language, while Alejandra builds the structural framework that sustains it. Together, vision and strategy move as one, ensuring every project is both inspired and executable.
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For clients, this matters.​ Creative projects often fail when they are beautiful but unsupported, or structured but uninspired. Our partnership ensures that neither happens. Vision is challenged, refined, and strengthened by strategy. Strategy is humanized and elevated by storytelling. When you work with Ave Maria Media, you are not hiring a vendor. You are engaging a balanced leadership team, one that understands both the art and the infrastructure required to bring meaningful media to life.
Alejandra Rodas
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Mother of three boys. Wife to a veteran. Heart of service. Woman of faith.
Marcela Banuls
Co-Founder & Creative Director
Mother of two girls through adoption. Wife. Adventurer. Woman of faith.
Maria
Heaven’s Creative Director
Mother of Jesus. Wife of a carpenter.
Full of grace. Woman of faith.
care before craft
We begin by listening. Before cameras, concepts, or timelines, we take time to understand what matters. Care shapes every decision that follows.
people, not content
The work is never just material. Every project represents real people, real effort, and real stakes. We approach each story with respect and responsibility.
clarity over noise
We believe good work doesn’t need to be loud. Clear stories, intentionally crafted, create a stronger connection than volume- or trend-driven output.
partnership, not production
We work alongside our clients, not at a distance. Our role is to think with you, shape with you, and build something that feels considered and lasting.