MLS Spotlight - Marilyn Monestime

What inspired you to pursue a Master of Legal Studies with a concentration in Financial Services Compliance while managing a full-time career and motherhood?

My daughter, Paige, inspired me to pursue a Master of Legal Studies. I found myself going through an uneasy divorce and realized that I was going to be the sole provider for her. Thankfully, I had the support of my mother—so I have to give thanks to her for allowing me to manage a full-time career and motherhood.

My ultimate goal is to be a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), and I felt stagnant in my career and knew I needed to strategize. One day, I decided to be intentional and surf LinkedIn to explore the career paths of current CCOs. I realized that the majority had a master’s degree. I had the skill set and experience; however, I determined that it would be crucial to earn a master’s degree—specifically with a concentration in Financial Services Compliance—because it would increase my knowledge, add more value to my current position (which involves AML/KYC-related investigations), and make me more marketable.

I’ve always worked in Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB), and I saw great courses focused on securities regulation and compliance, investment funds, regulating broker-dealers, and regulating funds and investment advisors. I didn’t want to be limited to CIB, so I was excited to take those courses. Unfortunately, after one semester, the program shifted to corporate compliance, and I wasn’t able to take them; however, I’m happy with the university’s approach. I found other courses that added tremendous value and were still aligned with my goals.

How has your experience in AML/KYC compliance shaped your perspective on financial risk management, and how do you balance staying sharp in your field while juggling multiple responsibilities?

My experience has taught me that AML/KYC compliance and financial risk management go hand in hand. Without a robust risk management program, there can be deficiencies in a financial institution’s AML/KYC compliance framework, which can lead to gaps in internal controls and, ultimately, fines from regulators.

In this regulatory environment, there are always new laws or updates to existing ones. To stay informed, I subscribe to newsletters and mailing lists from various regulators, and I use Google Alerts to email me current news that contains keywords relevant to my field. These tools allow me to stay focused on my responsibilities while dedicating time to review updates I can eventually share with my team.

You’ve mentored and trained many professionals in your field—what advice would you give to students, especially working parents, who are interested in corporate compliance?

Take courses that truly align with the role you’re in or aspire to. If you’re focusing your concentration in corporate compliance, review course descriptions and determine how each one applies to advancing your knowledge. By doing this, you’ll feel less overwhelmed, and completing assignments won’t feel like a burden.

Compliance is about problem-solving, so sharpen your ability to assess risks and think critically under pressure. Time management is essential—build a support system to lean on when life happens and you’re faced with personal emergencies or shifting work deadlines.

Can you share a challenging compliance issue you faced and how you successfully navigated it, while also balancing your personal and academic commitments?

I’m a big advocate of using a calendar to track my daily tasks. I love working out, so I determined that early mornings would be the best time for that. Based on my work schedule, I planned to start my studies by 5:30 or 6 p.m. at the latest.

One day, I received a last-minute work request at 3:30 p.m. that needed immediate attention—otherwise, the client’s account would be restricted. I always start by taking a deep breath and strategizing, so I don’t become overwhelmed. While reviewing the file, I uncovered a lot of negative news during the screening process and flagged a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) who needed to be classified as a High Risk/Sensitive PEP. This meant I needed an assessment from both the relationship manager and a KYC Compliance Officer.

I immediately contacted both parties to explain the urgency so they could respond quickly once I submitted my requests. Because I took that extra step, I received the responses in time and completed the case by 6 p.m. Experiences like that taught me to stay ahead in my coursework and avoid last-minute submissions. I adjusted my personal calendar to submit assignments several days before the due date.

What role do mentorship and leadership play in your professional success, and how do you incorporate those values into your daily life as a working mother?

Mentorship and leadership are central to my professional success. I’ve always been inquisitive—if someone assigned me a task, I needed to understand the “why.” I was fortunate to have leaders who were willing to teach me how to think strategically and act with integrity. That guidance built my confidence and sharpened my skills, helping me take on bigger challenges.

Leadership, to me, means paying it forward. It’s not just about managing a team—it’s about inspiring others to grow, whether I’m training a new hire or coaching a colleague through a tough investigation. Leading with clarity and empathy builds trust, and trust is everything in compliance. Success isn’t a solo act; it’s about lifting up the whole team.

As a working mother, I teach my daughter to tackle her own challenges, to be resilient, and to show empathy toward others. Even with a full schedule, I make sure she feels seen and heard.

How do you stay up to date with evolving financial regulations and compliance standards while managing the demands of work, school, and parenting?

I stay up to date by subscribing to newsletters and mailing lists from various regulators and using Google Alerts for keywords tied to my field. These emails keep me informed while allowing me to stay focused on my other responsibilities. I carve out time to review updates and share relevant insights with my team.

What are some key skills that aspiring professionals—particularly those balancing multiple roles—should develop for a successful career in corporate compliance?

The most important skills are communication, time management, analytical thinking, and adaptability.

Clear, concise, and persuasive communication helps when explaining regulations to a diverse team. Time management means prioritizing what’s urgent and impactful while keeping lower-priority tasks on track. Analytical thinking allows you to break down problems logically and connect dots across departments. And adaptability—because regulations and corporate priorities evolve, and you need to pivot quickly and effectively when plans change.

How has your Master of Legal Studies program at Seton Hall University School of Law contributed to your career growth, and what has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from this journey?

The MLS program at Seton Hall has contributed tremendously to my career growth. It sharpened my ability to interpret complex laws and connect legal risks to business goals.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of clarity. Early on, I’d present ideas that seemed beneficial, but my vision wasn’t always clear. Legal memorandum assignments taught me to support ideas with applicable policies, procedures, and regulations. That skill has been invaluable—not just in my professional life, but personally. Now, I leave emotion out of decision-making and focus on what truly matters.

What are your future career goals, and how do you see your legal studies degree supporting those ambitions, both professionally and personally?

My future goal is to be a strategic leader in compliance. Ultimately, I want to become a Chief Compliance Officer. In the near future, I’m aiming for a Senior Compliance Manager role, where I can shape programs that protect organizations while enabling innovation.

Professionally, the MLS program gave me a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, which are critical for any institution’s operations. It taught me how to translate complex requirements into practical guidance and strengthened my ability to assess risk holistically. Personally, the program helped me manage competing demands and communicate expectations more clearly.

As a single mother, full-time professional, and student, what keeps you motivated, and what advice would you give to others who are trying to achieve similar goals?

What keeps me motivated is a mix of purpose and perspective. Every late night studying or stressful day juggling deadlines is building a better future for my daughter. I was always taught to lead by example, and I want her to know that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

For others, know your why—whether it’s your children, career goals, or both. That clarity will carry you when you’re running on empty. Master time management—there are 24 hours in a day, so assign your time wisely and prepare to adjust when life happens. And build your village. You’re only one person. You want to be the superhero, but even heroes have kryptonite. Strive to be the best version of yourself and care for your mental health as you work toward your goals.