Discover 10 transformative ways to prioritize yourself and embrace self-love as you enter the new year. Learn practical strategies to slow down, reconnect with your goals, and nurture the most important relationship—the one with yourself.
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Influential Woman · Certified Life & Leadership Coach, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster
Maryann Rivera-Dannert, MSL
Author, Coach, Speaker, Podcaster, The Liberated Woman’s Movement
Rochester, NY 14617
1Article published
6Awards received
In Conversation
Maryann Rivera-Dannert for Bold. Brilliant. Unstoppable.
Read the transcript
Maryann Rivera-Dannert, MSL: Speaker: Maryann Rivera-Dannert, Author, Coach, Speaker, PodcasterWhat does being an Influential Woman mean to you?Maryann Rivera-Dannert: Being an influential woman means living in alignment with your values, your voice, and your truth and letting that ripple onward. It's not about titles, it's not about followers or being the loudest in the room. It's the way you show up. It's the way you choose integrity over approval. The way you're healing gives other women permission to also heal. An influential woman leads herself first. She speaks with clarity, not fear. She sets boundaries without apology, and she uses her story as a bridge, not fear. She builds others while standing firmly in her own power. Influence to me is quiet, it's bold at the same time. It's about consistency, it's about courage, and it's about choosing to rise.What's one piece of advice you would give to younger women chasing their dreams?Maryann Rivera-Dannert: One piece of advice that I will give to a younger woman chasing her dreams is to just be very clear on that dream and the reason behind that dream. Does that dream belong to you, or are you trying to appease someone else? Whether it's a significant other, your best friend, your parents? Make sure that your dream belongs to you. My other piece of advice is to ensure that you have a mentor, somebody that has been or is where you are headed so they can help you overcome some of the obstacles that you will most likely face and also surround yourself with individuals that are going to challenge you with love, that are going to push you to never give up on your dream because everything that you desire. is already, already within you. You don't need permission from anybody else. You have the power within you to become the best version of yourself and to achieve every single dream that is inside of you.
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Her Story
About Maryann
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. 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.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maryann
01What 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.
02What’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.
03What 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.
04What 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.
05What 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.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Maryann
10 Ways to Love Yourself a Little More Today
10 Simple Ways to Prioritize Yourself and Embrace Self-Love in the New Year
As 2025 comes to a close, how are you feeling about the new year? Excited? Overwhelmed? Or wondering, “Is this all life has to offer?”
Life moves fast, and too often, women let themselves slip to the bottom of the priority list. Between work, family, and community obligations, our own dreams and desires fade into the background. Whether you call them goals, resolutions, or aspirations, they deserve attention—and so do you.
Here are 10 ways to slow down and show yourself some love:
1. Spend time alone – Embrace silence and stillness. Listen to your breath, the birds, the wind. Reconnect with your mind, body, and soul.
2. Go for a walk outside – Sunshine boosts your mood, and walking engages your senses. Movement sparks creativity and clarity.
3. Journal – Clear your mind. Write your feelings, gratitude, or a brain dump. Revisit your thoughts with fresh perspective.
4. Smell essential oils – Chamomile calms, citrus uplifts, rosemary sharpens focus. Engage your senses in small, soothing rituals.
5. Tackle one goal – Start small, pick a goal you can accomplish, and celebrate the win. Confidence grows from action.
6. Treat yourself to solo outings – Watch a movie or dine alone. Enjoy your own company and nurture your most important relationship: the one with yourself.
7. Donate – Giving boosts self-esteem, lowers stress, and fosters purpose. Time, clothes, or small contributions all count.
8. Review legal documents – Prepare for the unexpected. A will, health proxy, or other documents provide peace of mind.
9. Write a letter to your future self – Include a photo and your goals. Seal it and revisit it in a year—or more—to reflect on your growth.
10. Plan a mini “me vacation” – Explore a new place, unplug from social media, journal your experiences, and reflect on what you discover about the world—and yourself.
Your relationship with yourself is the most important one you will ever have. Strip away the roles you play—mother, spouse, employee, friend—and focus on the bond with you. Nourish it. Love it. Cherish it.
If this article resonated, connect via Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or my website. Ready to silence insecurities, set boundaries, and live your best life? Book a complimentary discovery call today.
Here’s to an amazing 2026!
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