Maria Hughes is a strategic leadership advisor who partners with experienced and emerging leaders to think clearly, strengthen influence, and navigate complex leadership challenges. Her work includes executive advisory, leadership coaching, strategy facilitation, and leadership development experiences that help leaders clarify priorities, communicate effectively, and move forward with intention.
 
Maria brings more than 30 years of leadership experience from organizations including Humana Inc. and Ford Motor Credit Company. At Humana, she served as Enterprise Vice President of Shared Business Services and later as Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer. Drawing on her experience as a senior executive across multiple functional areas, Maria works with leaders and teams to strengthen leadership capability, navigate complex decisions, and build alignment around strategic priorities. 
 
In 2019, she was recognized by Savoy Magazine as one of the Most Influential Women in Corporate America and honored by Black Enterprise as one of the Most Powerful Women in Corporate Diversity. In 2016, she was inducted into the Southern Illinois University College of Business and Analytics Alumni Hall of Fame and continues to serve on its External Advisory Board. Maria also serves as a Global Advisor for the Women Leaders of the World program at How Women Lead, advancing the development of women leaders worldwide, and previously served on the board of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. 
 
She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated.