Maria Roach, formerly Maria Bland, had a childhood in Columbia, Maryland that would shape her lifelong fascination with crafting captivating broadcast television content. At the tender age of 12, she embarked on a journey that would span decades, creating engaging TV shows that would resonate with audiences.
Alongside her identical twin sister, the late Janet Bland Figueroa, Maria co-created a weekly television program called "Graffiti," a production produced by teenagers for teenagers. This early venture not only honed her skills but also instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling.
Maria's academic pursuits took her to Hampton University, where she earned her degree. Following her graduation, she relocated to New York City, where she joined the esteemed CBS Sports network. As a member of the CBS Sports team, Maria had the opportunity to cover a wide range of high-profile events, including March Madness, MLB, the U.S. Open, a Winter Olympics, and the NFL.
After leaving CBS Sports, Maria joined "Street Stories with Ed Bradley" at CBS News, where she gained invaluable experience in investigative reporting. This experience ultimately led her to Dateline NBC, where she spent three years working on investigative reports, including a highly publicized case involving the disappearance of child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey.
In recent years, Maria has ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing her own production company, Roach Media LLC. Under this banner, she has produced content for a diverse range of clients, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, the U.S. Department of State, NASA TV, BET News, PBS, Visit Orlando, PUSH Agency, and Darden Restaurants Inc. Throughout her career, Maria has remained committed to her passion for storytelling, and her dedication to this craft has earned her a reputation as a masterful producer and journalist.