Duran Concepts is redefining all things marketing and all things sports by serving and emphasizing the wonderfully diverse & multicultural elements of Houston.
Maria Vilma Duran is a sports and community engagement leader with more than 19 years of experience at the intersection of sports, culture, business, and community. She is the owner of Duran Concepts LLC, a multicultural experiential and sports marketing consultancy that helps organizations build authentic connections with diverse audiences.
Maria began her career with the Houston Dynamo and Dynamo Charities, where she rose through the ranks and built a strong foundation in multicultural marketing, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Her experience spans some of the world’s largest sporting events, having served on the Copa America Centenario Local Host Committee, the College Football Playoff National Championship Host Committee, and as Director of Community Engagement for the Harris County–Houston Sports Authority. Her work focuses on designing and leading initiatives that drive equity, economic inclusion, and lasting community impact—ranging from major sporting events and legacy programs to grassroots campaigns and local business activation.
A graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Communication, Maria is deeply committed to civic engagement and community development. She actively advocates for inclusive economic opportunities, supports small and minority-owned businesses, and uses the platform of sports to connect people, elevate culture, and create meaningful, long-term impact in Houston and beyond.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Central American Collective – Founder
- BakerRipley Pasadena Campus – Advisory Committee Member
- Houston Symphony – Hispanic Leadership Council Member
- Alley Theatre – El Zocalo Committee Member
- Holocaust Museum Houston – Latino Initiatives Advisory Committee
- Twin Oaks Community Center – Board Member
ACCOLADES
- Rumbo Newspaper’s Mujeres Destacadas del 2014
- 2014’s Influential Latinos of Houston by Latino Leaders Magazine
- 2025 Humanitarian Awards – Philanthropic in Sports
Duran Concepts 