Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcia Romero.
Hi Marcia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to Orlando, FL, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1996. I came as an English student for six months, and two and half decades have gone by. I worked as an Accountant II for five resorts in ten years. In 2007 I went through two brain surgeries, and I went into a coma for five days. My brain started shutting down during those days, and my kidney and lung. On January 7, 2008, I woke up from that coma, but I had lost my ability to speak and walk and could not recognize anybody, nor my husband.
For many days I had to be fed by someone. I had to relearn how to walk and when I started to pronounce words, I could not speak in my first language but fluently in English. I am a miracle from the Lord!
I lost my job position in the company while at the hospital. I claimed I was alive and able to work, then they gave me a clerk position. My duties were to file paperwork and replace people at their lunchtime. They also cut my salary down by $8,000 yearly. People walked by me, looking at me as I was a ghost. They have told my colleagues I had died! It was so annoying.
Then I started praying for directions, and I found great Words in my Bible which encouraged me to resign from that position, and I did. Afterward, I started working for my husband, and I helped him with his painting business part-time and improved my mission as a leader of the church’s Benevolence Department. Before, I was there once a week to support the community, but I was there most of my free time from that date on.
In 2011, three years later, I founded People Who Make A Difference, a nonprofit organization that cares about the uninsured population in Central Florida.
We celebrated our 10th-anniversary last month. The Orange County Mayor, Jerry L. Demings, proclaimed that November 12, 2021, is the People Who Make A Difference Foundation’s 10th anniversary day. He and City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer have recognized PWMD as an organization that empowers those in need by addressing their economic and health care needs. I am so grateful to the Lord for whatever I became as a nonprofit organization. Overcoming my own health hardship experience empowers me to understand and support uninsured people with health issues and those in need.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes, it has.
Starting the journey here in the USA as an immigrant. Second, health problems. And third, the commitment to fulfill a life purpose.
We’d love to learn more about your work.
I work for the community, and I do my best to bring people peace of mind making sure they will be helped and will come out from their health issues, even if they do not have insurance.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.
I have my degree in Business Administration. Also, in 2015, I got my degree in Hospital Chaplaincy from Advent Health Hospital. I work as the Founder and CEO of my nonprofit organization, and I specialize in loving people and being there for them.
What are you most proud of?
I am so proud of myself for never stopping having FAITH in the Creator. I am a volunteer at my organization. Even not being paid, I lack nothing! My Lord provides everything I need, and my strength comes from Him, and I can help others.
What sets you apart from others?
My faith and my tireless attempt to achieve the best for others.
What were you like growing up?
I was a lonely little person. Very introverted, but always smiling. Had many colleagues and a few close friends. I loved going out dancing and loved packing for short trips in my state and outside of the state.
I was not a dedicated student but always had good grades. I was a typical teenager and never gave a hard time to my parents. Kind of a boring person, but it’s worth it!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@peoplewhomakeadifference.org
- Website: www.peoplewhomakeadifference.org
- Instagram: @peoplewhomakeadifference
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoplewhomakeadifference
- Youtube: People Who Make A Difference
