I’m honored to be featured by VoyageMIA. In the interview, I reflect on a journey that began in Puerto Rico and has taken me across Fortune 100 leadership to entrepreneurship—with one through line: helping leaders build cultures where people belong and businesses thrive.
My path in brief
I spent 30+ years in global Human Resources—leading talent, learning, and culture transformation at companies like Merck, Microsoft, ESPN, and Royal Caribbean Group. Those experiences shaped how I see inclusive leadership as both a human need and a business driver. Eventually, I founded D&I-MD to partner with organizations on practical strategies for inclusion, leadership development, and measurable impact.
Lessons behind the work
In VoyageMIA, I share three defining moments that inform my approach today:
My Latina Awakening: Embracing my identity gave me the confidence to lead with authenticity—and to help others do the same.
The Road to Motherhood: Becoming a stepmom and adoptive mom taught me resilience, empathy, and grace—superpowers for leadership.
The Pursuit of Belonging: I learned that “accepted” isn’t the same as valued. That insight fuels my mission to help organizations build true belonging.
What I do now
My firm focuses on four service areas that turn insight into action:
Executive / Leadership / Career Coaching — for executives, senior leaders, ERG leaders, and high-potential talent. Learn more: https://monicadiaz.net/coaching/
Consulting (Inclusion & Belonging) — strategy, accountability, and culture change that strengthen attraction, engagement, advancement, and retention. Details: https://monicadiaz.net/consultant/
Speaking — energy-filled keynotes that translate inclusion into practical behaviors and business outcomes. Explore: https://monicadiaz.net/speaker/
Facilitation — mentoring circles, intergroup dialogue, and learning experiences that build cross-cultural fluency. See more: https://monicadiaz.net/facilitator/
Why this matters
Belonging isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a strategic advantage. When people feel seen and valued, they innovate, perform, and stay. That’s the heart of my book, From INTENT to IMPACT: The 5 Dualities of Diversity and Inclusion, and the focus of my work with clients every day.
— Mónica Díaz
Ready to go deeper? Explore executive growth through coaching, scale inclusion with consulting, and amplify culture via keynote speaking and facilitation. For DIY tools, try the Personal SWOT Analysis, the Mindset Matters presentation, and Your Latinidad as Your Superpower. Meet Mónica on the About page or reach out via Contact.
