Brian Mariash and Dara Vilar

Sarasota wealth manager and philanthropist Brian Mariash and his fiancée Dara Vilar are thrilled to share news of their recent engagement. 

Brian popped the question this summer at Sarasota’s iconic Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, a nod to the very beginning of their nearly 13-year friendship.

Courtesy image

Brian and Dara were first introduced in Tampa shortly after Brian co-founded Mariash Lowther Wealth Management here in Sarasota. Dara was studying biomedical sciences at the University of South Florida when the two became connected through mutual friends. 

The pair hit it off instantly, especially when Dara showed support for Brian’s daughter, Lexi, a then 9-year-old with a love for sea turtles and a powerful desire to engage in philanthropy. Lexi made her mark by fundraising for Mote Marine, a passion project enthusiastically supported by Dara. It only made sense for Brian to bring their journey full circle with an intimate proposal in front of Mote’s otter exhibit.

Dara is a licensed pharmacist passionate about diversity and inclusion, health equity, and animals. Throughout her career, Dara formed strategic partnerships with patient assistance programs, enabling her to counsel and dispense medications at no cost to patients with rare conditions across the country. Dara believes strongly in the value of diversity, which is one of many reasons she loves living in vibrant Sarasota and traveling abroad. Dara’s explorations include Cuba, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, and the Philippines. 

Brian leads a private wealth management team in downtown Sarasota. His mission is to “educate, connect, and contribute” – a philosophy he lives by both personally and professionally. Brian is a familiar face to many in the local nonprofit community, having supported many philanthropic initiatives and previously serving on the boards of the Child Protection Center and Jewish Family and Children Services. A musician with a love for the arts, culture, and all things Sarasota, Brian is the proud father of Anthony, Zachary, and Lexi, as well as grandfather to Everly.

Brian and Dara plan to celebrate with friends and family early next year.