
As “the midwife to your legacy,” social entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author of Take the Limits Off Your Legacy, executive producer, and women’s leadership advocate– Maria I. Melendez has embraced her mission of empowering others to live a life that embraces a limitless legacy. After leaving her high-profile career in the music business to pursue her purpose of empowering others to live life in purpose, give birth to their dreams and define their legacy, Maria has proven that she is the essence of living a purpose and legacy driven life in order to inspire others to follow suit. Featured in the ESSENCE magazine, Latina,com, Heartandsoul.com, and recipient of several notable accolades, she is an influential leader whose faith, zealous drive, experience, framework, story and impact are key to the leadership development in women and girls around the world.
The world knows me as: Maria I. Melendez
I’ve also been known to respond to the names: Irene, it’s my middle name. Sugah, it’s my fav as that’s what my love calls me.
I am wicked good at: Getting what I want! Taking a vision from conception to reality, inspiring and motivating others, all things girl power, I can think on my feet and I’m super organized and resourceful!
Least favorite house chore: I don’t mind chores because I like things orderly but if I had to choose one, it would probably be mopping.
My go-to guilty pleasure food is: Wine and lots of cheese 🙂
Favorite App: Phonto
Favorite quote: “If you work hard at your job, you’ll make a living but if you work hard on yourself, you can make a fortune”
Job Title: Founder & CEO, Embrace Her Legacy
Professional Superpower: Getting the job done with limited resources. I’m like superwoman at making things happen!
My primary role in the events industry is: Planning events and conferences for my women-empowerment company, Embrace Her Legacy.
Years in the events industry: 8
To me, being an event hustler means: You always FIND a way to make it happen, think on your feet! I’m all about making sure guests have a great experience but also walk away with inspiration and motivation.
The top 2 most surprising things I’ve learned about the events industry since starting are: Finding a space at decent price is NYC is like looking for Waldo and everything ends up working together in the end.
How did you get your start in the events industry? I started when I was working in the music business at a major record label where I would create and coordinate events for our artist’s marketing campaigns. After leaving the industry, to pursue my purpose of empowering women and girls, I took all my knowledge, wisdom and contacts with me!
My biggest event industry pet peeve is: Dealing with overly priced venues in NYC.
One thing that would really surprise people to learn about me is: I love a good cry!
You can only keep 2 albums in your entire music collection -those albums would be: Toughest question here! Jay-Z – Reasonable Doubt, Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On
10yr old me thought I’d grow up to be: The next Whitney Houston
Text or phone call?: Depends on the need
Android or iphone?: iPhone
Toilet paper roll – Over or under?: LOL!!! Over
Connect with Maria:
Telephone: 347-678-0636