Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Diaz.
Hi Monica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey is one of transformation and passion for creating inclusive environments where everyone thrives. It started in Puerto Rico, and then moved beyond the coral reef into new oceans of opportunity and accomplishment.
I’ve always believed that leadership is about making connections, driving change, and fostering belonging—whether in a corporate setting or as an entrepreneur. My career started with a strong foundation in Human Resources, spanning over 30 years. I’ve had the privilege of holding executive roles in talent management, learning, organizational development and culture transformation at Fortune 100 global companies like Merck, Microsoft, ESPN, Royal Caribbean Group, and more. Each experience shaped my understanding of organizational culture and the impact of inclusive leadership.
I transitioned from the corporate world into entrepreneurship with a clear mission: to help companies create workplaces that embrace diversity and cultivate belonging. That’s why I founded D&I-MD, a consulting firm where we partner with organizations to develop inclusive leadership strategies and provide leadership coaching. My team and I focus on driving transformation solutions that not only create positive cultures but also lead to business innovation.
As a speaker and published author of From INTENT to IMPACT: The 5 Dualities of Diversity and Inclusion, I’ve had the honor of sharing my insights at conferences like the USHLI Conference, the HACR Symposium, and the Women Food Service Forum, as well as leadership development events for Fortune 500 companies that I support. I’ve been recognized as a thought leader in the industry with awards like the Outstanding Creator Award and the Literary Titan Award. Most importantly, I’ve worked hard to ensure that my work empowers others to lead with authenticity, courage, and inclusion.
From those early days in HR to running my own company, the path I’ve traveled has been full of growth, challenges, and most importantly, purpose. Today, I’m proud to continue empowering leaders to make lasting impact in their organizations and communities.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not really… The road has been full of twists, turns, and unexpected detours, as it happens to most people, but each struggle has shaped who I am today, and fueled my passion for driving change in organizations.
One of my most significant challenges was what I call My Latina Awakening. Growing up professionally in corporate environments, I didn’t always feel that my identity was fully accepted in places where I chose to work. Earlier in my career, when I went through my first corporate relocation, I struggled with a sense of not being sure “who” needed to show up at work – how much I needed to adapt to succeed, vs how much I could disrupt to transform the workplace for me and for others. It wasn’t until I had a moment of self-reflection that I fully embraced my Latina heritage and recognized the power in owning it. This awakening became the foundation for the confident affirmations that are part of my aligned personal and professional identity today, inspiring my work in inclusion and belonging, helping me realize that positive impact leadership truly starts with authenticity.
Then, there was my road trip to motherhood. I became a mother in “less than traditional” ways – being a step mother and an adoptive mother. Balancing the demands of a career in global HR with the way I wanted to show up as a mother wasn’t always easy. There were moments when I questioned whether I could “do it my way” or had to accept the “never feeling I am enough” narrative I heard all around me. Motherhood taught me ultimate resilience, boundless empathy, and how to lead with more grace than I ever thought I had in me. It made me realize that being a mother didn’t diminish my professional strength or potential—it amplified it.
Lastly, Finding a way to belong has been a lifelong journey. For years, I longed for places where I could feel truly seen and valued – not just “accepted”. Creating that sense of belonging, both for myself and others, became a personal mission. It’s something I now channel into my work as a consultant and coach – ensuring others have the opportunity to thrive in environments that truly value who they are.
None of these experiences were easy, but each one taught me invaluable lessons. They’ve fueled my journey, shaped my leadership philosophy, and continue to guide me in my mission to create inclusive workplaces where everyone belongs.
We’ve been impressed with D&I-MD, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is rooted on a deep commitment to effectively integrate leadership, multiculturalism, and inclusion into organizational cultures. I lead a purposeful mission of accelerating the career and success of leaders who create the most positive impact in every person they have the opportunity to influence. That mission takes the shape of four main areas of service:
– Executive / Leadership / Career Coach: Individual, group and team coaching for executives, senior leaders, HR, Employee Resource Group leaders, emerging and key talent navigating career progression and transitions.
– Consultant – Inclusion and belonging strategy development and execution, to drive leadership impact and accountability, culture change, diverse talent attraction, engagement, advancement and retention.
– Speaker – Energetic, motivational and highly engaging speaker, focused on practical and productive solutions that can be applied by all members of an organization.
– Facilitator – Mentoring circles. Intergroup dialogue. On-line learning and resources to drive talent development, cross-cultural fluency and building a culture of inclusion and belonging in the workplace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monicadiaz.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicadiazdimd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diversityinclusionmd
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicadiaz1/
