About Maria Lassila

I’m an online marketing strategist, podcast host, author and networking maven living in Milan, Italy, for more than a decade.  For 20 years I worked in the apparel industry,  ranging from retail sales to managing production for luxury brands in ladies’ shoes and golfwear.  I now help small businesses and independent professionals grow their visibility and get their phone to ring. I work with both the English-speaking community in Milan as well as US-based companies, both online and off.

I’ve been an active member of the Professional Women’s Association of Milan, serving more than 10 years on their board of directors. PWA Milan is where I first became integrated into the English-speaking community in Milan and learned how to navigate the cultural obstacles faced by non-Italians here.

I’m on the organizing committee of the American Business Group Milan which holds monthly business networking events for English-speaking professionals of all nationalities. ABG Milan is where I’ve met hundreds of local business owners over the years and come to understand the special challenges of connecting with the local expat community, both short- and long-term residents.

I divide my time between Milan and the state of Washington – east of the Cascades in my hometown of Omak – where I oversee our family’s Omak & Mirage Movie Theaters.

Contact Maria at maria [at] marialassila [dot] com [encoded to deter spam].