About Me
Maryann Fernandez brings more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of wealth management, philanthropy, and social change. Her career spans both the private and public sectors, where she is known for creating thoughtful opportunities for exploration, learning, and engagement among families, advisors, and institutions. A trusted relationship-builder and creative problem-solver, her work has advanced the missions of families and organizations while contributing meaningfully to broader social impact.
As a Philanthropic Advisor, Maryann helps clients imagine and act on the positive change they can bring about in their communities and the wider world. She aligns values, interests, and strategy to ensure philanthropic efforts are intentional and effective. Her work often includes the design of customized learning experiences, from local Impact Excursions to national and international Learning Journeys. She is particularly adept at navigating nuanced family, organizational, and partner dynamics to develop strategies that are both practical and relationship-centered.
A defining chapter of her career includes a year with the Nobel Peace Prize–winning UN World Food Programme in its Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok. There, she focused on diversifying funding streams and cultivating relationships with regional institutions including the Asian Development Bank, ASEAN, APEC, and other multilateral development banks, as well as UN sister agencies such as FAO and IFAD.
Earlier, Maryann served as Vice President of Family Education Services & Senior Marketing Representative at Harris Private Bank, where she led educational programming around wealth management opportunities and challenges. In partnership with Harris Bank’s parent company, Bank of Montreal, she also spearheaded one of the firm’s first cross-border initiatives, introducing educational wealth management events to the Canadian private banking market.
Maryann is also Co-Founder & Executive Producer of the award-winning Shaking the Tree Interactive Productions, which uses professional theater and film to catalyze meaningful conversations among successful families and their advisors around wealth, purpose, and legacy. In 2018, the firm received the Outstanding Contribution to Wealth Management Thought Leadership award from Family Wealth Report.
Professional designations: Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), Impact Philanthropy Advisor, 21/64 Certified Advisor, Certified Fora Travel Advisor.
testimonials
“Maryann possesses a unique blend of relationship management and partnership capabilities that define her approach and conduct in an organization….Maryann has been instrumental in leading and establishing contacts with [Asian Development Bank “ADB”] and creating the opportunity for elevating RBB/WFP’s relationship with ADB. She has a highly developed sense of emerging issues, the ability to connect these with the mandate of WFP, and generate ideas of collaboration with the relevant partner institution. She is tenacious and researches information to support her ideas and is not shy to reach out to individuals for additional information and discussion.” - Deputy Regional Director for Asia & the Pacific, The UN World Food Programme
"I've have had the pleasure of personally knowing Maryann, since our time together at BMO Harris Bank, just over 20 years. When I think of her, my immediate description begins with her passion and deep understanding on how to help families learn, grow, and evolve – to flourish! She has literally walked side by side with them in foreign countries listening to their frustrating challenges as well as their highest aspirations. It is this unique insight and experience that empowers her to conduct her philanthropic advisory. She demonstrates this repeatedly in her work - the learning journeys, the purposeful events she creates, and through the meaningful scripts developed and produced for Shaking the Tree's Living Case Studies. She embodies a special understanding of the families and a proven ability to help.” - Managing Director, T. Volk & Company
“I’ve known Maryann for many years. She has shown tremendous creativity in developing content and facilitation for workshops geared towards families of wealth and their close advisors. Her diverse positions from private banking to philanthropic journeys to Shaking the Tree’s Living Case Studies have showcased her insight, sensitivity and flexibility in engaging with multiple generations.” – Managing Director, America’s Private Family Office Advisory, EY
“I was just thinking about the trip and what an amazing opportunity/experience that was. I'm in my second year at USC, studying Sustainable Environmental Design! I'm interested in making cities and urban environments more sustainable and suited for everyone who is part of them. Going to Kenya with a group of strong and influential women definitely inspired me to make an impact in some way. “ – next generation family member who participated in a learning journey
“The whole event from your warm welcome to the ambiance, the gathering of interesting committed people, and interchange of ideas was very well done. Kudos to YOU.” – participant in a philanthropy dinner discussion
“I just wanted to say another big thank you for all you did to facilitate such an amazing, meaningful trip. From the trip planning to the discussions on the ground, everything was well-executed and professional.” – philanthropist who participated in a learning journey
“Thank you so much for the [site visits] yesterday. I had such a great experience and went home last night, and came back to work today, with renewed energy….I learned so much about our target organizations….I would love to do it again – anytime.” – family office executive participant in a field trip in Atlanta