Maria Papaioannoy is a well-known figure in the vaping community, recognized for her unwavering dedication and persistence. Her journey towards a smoke-free life began in September 2010 when she turned to vaping as an alternative to smoking. Seeing its life-changing potential, Maria quickly emerged as a vocal advocate for both the industry and its users.
In 2013, Maria made a bold move by opening one of Canada’s first vape shops, positioning herself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving market. Simultaneously, she committed herself to championing better regulations within the vaping sector. Her advocacy was evident as she organized and led protests against federal and provincial governments, ensuring that vapers’ voices were heard on critical policy issues.
Maria’s influence reached beyond local borders as she co-founded the Vapor Advocates of Ontario and spearheaded the Rights 4 Vapers movement. Over the past decade, she has leveraged her expertise to address legislative bodies, passionately opposing flavor bans and contributing to the broader vaping discourse. Her impact has also been felt internationally, with her participation in panels across North America.
In 2021, Maria registered as a third party during federal elections, further demonstrating her commitment to shaping policies aligned with the vaping community’s interests. Residing in Cobourg, Ontario, with her husband, Maria has seamlessly transitioned into radio, hosting two weekly programs that inform and engage her audience.
This year, Maria’s advocacy took her to the Global Forum on Nicotine and the Good Cop Bad Cop event in Panama, where she actively countered the FCTC COP 10. As she navigates a shift in career, Maria continues to champion consumer choice, remaining a steadfast advocate for the right to choose one’s preferred method of consuming nicotine.
Share articles :