Maria is an internationally recognized author, practitioner, speaker and coach specializing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and intercultural competence. Her career has spanned roles in the U.S. Department of State and Office of Personnel Management, the National MultiCultural Institute, American University and George Washington University. As the founder of MSM Global Consulting, Maria and her team support leaders and organizations in holistic systemic change efforts to develop thriving organizations that are strengthened by diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Maria is the author of The Belonging Blueprint: Designing a Workplace Culture That Fuels Performance (ATD Press 2026) and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Trainers: Fostering DEI in the Workplace (ATD Press 2022). She hosts the popular podcast Culture Stew. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan in Organizational Studies and Spanish and a Master's Degree from American University in International Communication, where she currently teaches graduate courses on intercultural communication and global leadership.