Maria Calvo

Maria joined Ashoka after seven years in eBay, where she was the general manager for Spain, leading the team that launched and developed the platform to achieve critical mass in the Spanish market. During her years at eBay she partnered with several nonprofit organizations to help them leverage internet to raise resources, or as a way to self-employment and social integration. Maria personally trained some of these organizations and their members in the use of the web and e-commerce, including a venture in Morocco, to develop and support local young entrepreneurs.

Maria also led the development of the entrepreneurs’ initiative at eBay, with various programs to support people setting up new businesses leveraging an e-commerce marketplace. Maria is passionate about the power of communities and networks to accelerate impact.

She was part of the pilot group to launch the Women’s Network on eBay.

Prior to eBay, Maria started the European marketing function for Ray-Ban sun glasses. She worked 9 years for the multinational Bausch & Lomb, where she held different positions in Marketing in various countries in Europe and Middle East.

Maria holds a Degree in Business and Economics by Universidad de Zaragoza and an MBA in Instituto de Empresa, Madrid.

Company / Organization: Ashoka   
With www-link: www.ashoka.org

A short Intro about your company and relation to Innovation:

” Ashoka is a global association of leading social entrepreneurs – individuals with innovative and practical ideas for addressing social needs“.

Address of the Company in Europe:

In Spain: C/ San Bernardo 97-99. Madrid 28015  

Telephone +34 91 4489255

Fax: +34 91 4489962

Email: mcalvo@ashoka.org 

What connects you the topic and what is your background to Innovation?

The core purpose of Ashoka is to promote innovation in the social sector and boost network effects to bring major social change. I joined Ashoka in 2008, after seven years at eBay, where I was the country manager for Spain, leading the team that launched and developed the platform to achieve critical mass in the Spanish market. During these years at eBay we partnered with several non-profit organizations to help them leverage internet to raise resources, or as a way to self-employment and social integration. I was also part of the entrepreneurs’ initiative at eBay, with various programs to support people setting up new businesses leveraging an e-commerce marketplace. I am passionate about the power of communities and networks to accelerate impact.