Maria Sesay
Maria Sesay is a communications specialist and media professional with over a decade of experience spanning corporate communications, public relations, and broadcast media. Based in the Nashville metropolitan area, she has built a dynamic career rooted in storytelling, public engagement, and cultural representation. From an early passion for performing and speaking to audiences, Maria carved her own path in media—expanding beyond local platforms to pursue opportunities in international and entertainment spaces. Her work reflects both creativity and strategy, as she continues to leverage media as a tool for connection and impact.
Since 2018, Maria has deepened her professional focus in international affairs, particularly in supporting refugee and immigrant communities. Her current work centers on refugee health, with a strong emphasis on emotional wellness. She facilitates support groups for refugee and immigrant women, helping them navigate cultural transitions, build resilience, and establish a sense of belonging in their new communities. Through outreach initiatives, public speaking, and thoughtfully developed lesson plans, she equips individuals with practical coping mechanisms to manage stress and adjust to unfamiliar environments.
As a first-generation American born to immigrant parents from Sierra Leone, Maria brings both personal insight and professional dedication to her work. Her lived experience informs her approach, allowing her to connect authentically with the communities she serves. Motivated by a clear sense of purpose, she pursued advanced studies in international affairs to further bridge her media background with global impact work. Maria’s career is defined by her commitment to service, her ability to create meaningful spaces for dialogue, and her drive to amplify voices across cultures.
• Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Mass Communication/Media Studies
• Arizona State University
Master of Arts - MA, International Affairs and Leadership
• Unsung Hero Award
• Women Who Rock Nashville
• March 2025
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
• United Sierra Leone Yin Chapter
• AWOL (All Walks of Life)
• UNICEF
What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost, I attribute my success to God. He's blessed me with the talents that I have. And then I'd say my parents as well. They instilled in me and always supported me in both my gifts as well as education. They've been there for me every step of the way, encouraging me to pursue my passions and never give up on my dreams.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received came from my mother, and she told me that education gives you wings. She explained that with education, you can go anywhere in the world and be successful. That advice has stayed with me throughout my entire journey and really motivated me to pursue both my bachelor's and master's degrees. It's a reminder that education opens doors and creates opportunities that nothing else can.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say never give up. If you know that you have that calling, remember that where there's a will, there's a way, and it can happen. So never give up, be consistent, and believe in yourself. Most importantly, believe in yourself. You have to have that faith in your own abilities and trust that you can make it happen, even when the path isn't clear or when you're facing obstacles.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in my field right now is to use media to your advantage, especially social media. I know that it gets a lot of negative rep, but you can use that to connect with people everywhere, all over the world. That really helped me a lot as far as stepping outside of Nashville and expanding my reach. My advice is to treat your social media as a business. It's a powerful tool that can open doors and create connections that wouldn't have been possible before.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect is definitely my biggest value and the most important thing to me in both my work and personal life. I treat everyone with respect, and I believe that can take you far because people judge you by your character and how you present yourself. So I make sure that I'm always respectful to others, no matter who they are or what their background is. That's just fundamental to how I operate in every aspect of my life.
Locations
Maria Sesay Media
Washington, DC 20003