Maryann Rivera-Dannert, MSL
Maryann Rivera-Dannert, MSL, is certified life coach, author, and speaker, dedicated to empowering women and transforming organizational cultures. As the Founder and CEO of The Liberated Woman’s Movement, formerly MRD Empowerment Solutions, Maryann has over a decade of experience in leadership, human resources, and operations. Her work focuses on helping women heal, rediscover confidence, and intentionally design lives they love through high-impact coaching, clarity-focused strategy sessions, and transformative frameworks.
Throughout her career, Maryann has held key leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer at Healthy Baby Network, Human Resources Manager at United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, and Director of the Family Resource Center at Austin Voices for Education and Youth. She combines deep HR expertise with interpersonal skills and strategic leadership to enhance organizational culture, facilitate professional growth, and foster fearless leadership. Maryann’s corporate and nonprofit experience provides a unique perspective on guiding both individuals and teams to thrive while achieving lasting impact.
Maryann’s personal journey exemplifies resilience and determination. From earning her GED in juvenile detention to completing her Master’s in Strategic Leadership and launching a successful coaching and consulting practice, she has turned adversity into empowerment. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Maryann is a bestselling author, podcaster, and speaker, recognized with numerous honors including an Honorary Doctorate, Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Phenomenal Woman Award. Through her work, she continues to inspire transformation, champion fearless leadership, and create environments where individuals and organizations can flourish.
• Certified Life Coach
• Author, Speaker, Podcaster
• Palm Beach Atlantic University – Master’s degree, Strategic Leadership
• Roberts Wesleyan University – Bachelor’s degree, Organizational Management
• The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
• The Passion, Purpose & Peace Award
• The Corey Lamar Tanskley Authorpreneur Award
• Top 25 Entrepreneurs Making a Global Impact
• Honorary Doctorate
• Phenomenal Woman Award
• Community engagement and fundraising for local organizations
• Coaching and mentoring women through empowerment initiatives
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, continuous learning, and a commitment to transforming personal challenges into opportunities for growth. Overcoming adversity early in life taught me perseverance, and pursuing education and professional development has enabled me to lead and inspire others effectively.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received is to align my work with my purpose. When your career resonates with your values and passion, your impact is amplified, and fulfillment naturally follows.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to embrace their personal journey, invest in continuous self-development, and recognize the power of their voice. Lean into leadership opportunities, cultivate resilience, and prioritize both personal healing and professional growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in coaching is the growing need for empowerment-focused leadership and organizational culture transformation. The challenge lies in guiding individuals and organizations through meaningful, sustainable change in a fast-paced and evolving professional landscape.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Freedom, happiness, integrity, empathy, and empowerment are central to both my professional and personal life. I prioritize ethical practices, nurturing relationships, and creating environments where others can grow confidently and authentically.