Today’s modern world often encourages specialization, but Maria Damian is a rare exception—a woman thriving in two dramatically different fields. As the founder and CEO of both Legacy Dialysis and Legacy Entertainment Production LLC, Damian defies the idea that success must follow a singular path. Instead, she has built a life grounded in purpose and vision that unites the compassion of healthcare with the transformative power of the arts.
Maria Damian, CEO of Legacy Entertainment and Legacy Dialysis
Her story begins in Southern California, where Damian’s roots are planted in healthcare. For years, she served patients in need, managing long shifts and taxing situations with determination. Her motivation was not just professional, however—it was also personal. While balancing her demanding role as a caregiver, she also supported her family back in the Philippines, reinforcing a sense of responsibility that would influence every business decision to come. This became the bedrock of her leadership philosophy that encouraged her to found Legacy Dialysis, a healthcare provider specializing in in-patient dialysis services. Under her guidance, Damian’s company has grown to 12 facilities across California. And for Damian, this work is a lifeline.
But behind the scrubs and clinical settings, a different spark was forming. Damian, a breast cancer survivor, found her own healing in music and creative spaces. Surviving cancer changed her worldview, igniting a desire to explore every opportunity life had to offer. “I wanted to live fully,” she said. This notion led her down a path she had only glimpsed before: the entertainment industry. What began as casual invitations to live events evolved into meaningful relationships with artists and industry insiders. Damian discovered that her skill for nurturing people also translated into an ability to guide creative careers with care and clarity. And just like that, Legacy Entertainment Production LLC was born.
Damian founded the company with a mission to uplift underrepresented voices, particularly those of Filipino and Filipino-American artists. Under her leadership, Legacy Entertainment has evolved into a full-service production company offering artist development, career strategy, live event production, and global representation. In the past few years, Damian has helped guide the careers of celebrated Filipino actor Christian Bables and vocalist Nin DeReyes, providing them with opportunities that span borders and challenge expectations. Bables, a major figure in Philippine cinema, has secured film projects in the United States under Damian’s strategic direction. DeReyes, meanwhile, is expanding her musical reach in Los Angeles with a fresh new sound under Damian’s mentorship. American talents are also part of Damian’s creative world; she has worked closely with four-time Emmy-nominated actor Max Ehrich, aiding his crossover into the music industry with his new singles and EP.
Maria Damian works closely with talents like singer Max Ehrich
Recently, Damian’s company hosted Fashion Night at The Godfrey Hotel in Hollywood, a showcase that brought together music, fashion, and emerging talent. Max Ehrich and Nin DeReyes performed live, and another rising star, Ysabella Loyola, is working with Legacy on a new project set to debut later this year. Earlier this summer, Legacy also produced a concert in Chicago featuring Dionela, a fast-rising Filipino R&B singer. And this is all part of Damian’s bigger strategy to spotlight Filipino artists on American stages—a move that brings global music to new ears. Whether the event is in California or Illinois, Damian strives to be inclusive. Each event under the Legacy name is meant to entertain as well as launch careers and build networks.
What is most striking about Damian is not just the breadth of her career, but the depth of it. She builds platforms—and more importantly, people. Her background in healthcare has made her empathetic, and that empathy affects everything she does. From patient care to artist development, Damian leads with her soul, backed by strategy and work ethic. She is not afraid to take risks or challenge norms. Her life is living proof that fulfillment does not come from choosing one passion over another; it comes from integrating them and letting them evolve.
Maria Damian has created a legacy that spans industries, crosses oceans, and transforms lives. Her work reminds us that healing and creativity are not so far apart after all.
