Influential Woman · Human Rights Consulting, Business Consulting
Maria Monsegue
Consultant, Monsegue Consulting | Maria Monsegue llc
Princeton, NJ
Her Story
About Maria
Maria Monsegue is a Trinidad and Tobago–born immigrant, single mother, domestic violence survivor, two-time published author, and consultant based in Princeton, New Jersey. She specializes in Human Rights Consulting, Government Contracting, and Notary services.
While rebuilding her life, Monsegue founded her business to create opportunities for herself and others. She helps businesses grow through collaboration, relationships, and referral-based strategies. As a certified USIDHR consultant, she also educates individuals on human rights principles to support informed decision-making, while emphasizing that she is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice.
Her work is rooted in faith, prayer, and a simple philosophy: “People are portals, relationships are currency—use me wisely.” She also co-founded the Charles Foundation, which supported children and families through book drives, backpack distributions, and food assistance for 150 families during COVID-19.
In 2023, Monsegue was recognized in America’s Who’s Who as an honored listee
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God and prayer. I believe conversations are portals to opportunities, and many of my best relationships have happened unexpectedly. I started my business because I realized my influence could create opportunities for both myself and others. I believe in collaboration, teamwork, and partnering with God in everything I do. As a Christian, I believe vertical alignment with God should always connect to horizontal purpose with people and life so I try to live in my propose and so I’m always in Heaven I talk to God about everything and I mean EVERYTHING!!
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received is that it's not about you sometimes. Sometimes this is all this person could afford at that time or all they can understand. People don't treat you badly because they're bad people; at that time they couldn't do better. Sometimes it’s not a reflection of who they are, not what you did, it’s just what they could or couldn’t give in that moment. This helped me not take things personally and be graceful
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Listen to Nike and just do it! Sometimes you have to try something to discover whether it’s really for you and if it’s not, that’s okay.
My first business failed, not because the idea didn’t work, but because a larger company came in and did it more efficiently. Still, that experience showed me that I could build something.
I’ve also worked in finance as a financial agent, broker, lender, branch banker, and later as a closet designer. I didn’t love every role, but I learned from all of them. Every experience shaped who I am today, and I love who I’ve become.
So do it. Try it. Learn from it. Because why not?
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Economics: The current economy has made it difficult for many people to feel like they’re living in abundance.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency! I value transparency a whole lot because I believe the vulnerable things are valuable. And if I don’t know; I can’t help you.
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