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As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, GlobalMindED encourages our readers to explore the inspiring stories of Hispanic men and women. Join us in honoring their achievements and contributions by sharing their stories and supporting initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity.
Raising Immigrant and Refugee Voices through Support and Storytelling: Meet Suzy Barbosa
Suzy Barbosa, the Community & Business Development Coordinator at the International Institute of St. Louis, is dedicated to empowering immigrant small business owners and entrepreneurs. By providing essential financial and technical resources, she helps these individuals build stable businesses and contribute to the local economy.
What is your personal/professional story?
I am a proud Latina from Brazil, a country rich in cultural diversity, with deep roots in its Indigenous, African, and European ancestry. My journey as a Latina immigrant has been shaped by challenges demanding courage, authenticity, and resilience. I’ve experienced life in Europe, mostly Italy, but I never imagined the United States would eventually become my permanent home.
Since arriving in the Midwest 15 years ago, I’ve received support from my husband’s family and discovered a vibrant community of leaders. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to community involvement and volunteer service.
In my current role in Business Development at the International Institute of St. Louis, I help immigrant entrepreneurs thrive by providing them with vital financial resources and business tools. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis, where I focus on uplifting and strengthening the Latino community.
Family is central to my life. As a mother of a teenage son who shares my love for soccer and our heritage, we continue to celebrate our diverse backgrounds. He is growing up immersed in the languages and cultures of both his Brazilian mother and the Irish American roots of his father.
Education has always been a top priority for me, which is why I’m proud to have earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Webster University. I view education as key to personal and professional growth.
In everything I do, I am guided by my core values: “thinking immigrant,” “building trust,” and “inspiring others.” I am passionate about bridging cultures, fostering collaboration, and giving back through volunteering. I firmly believe in the saying, "It's better to walk slowly and arrive together than to walk fast and arrive alone." Helping my community is very important to me because it allows me to give back, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities for others.
Looking ahead, I aim to continue empowering women, immigrants, and underrepresented communities. My future goal is to establish a women’s business center, providing resources and opportunities for individuals to succeed and thrive. Above all, I am committed to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can grow and build a better future together.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion for serving stems from my family, especially my grandma, Estelita Barbosa, who was the first to show me the importance of community. As the granddaughter of small business owners, I saw firsthand the challenges my family faced to keep their businesses running. My grandfather, Felisberto Barbosa, was a baker; my grandmother, Estelita, was a seamstress, and on my dad's side, my grandparents, Raimunda and Joao Moreno were small farmers. Their perseverance and dedication left a lasting impact on me.
My extended family in St. Louis continually reminds me of the power of dedication and caring for others. My journey is a reflection of those who, in the face of challenges and hardships, demonstrated resilience and faith. This legacy fuels my commitment to serve the diverse community and uplift others as they navigate their own paths to success.
So, I am committed to fostering a sense of unity and support through my work and volunteer efforts, collaborating with the St. Louis ecosystem.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
I am proud to have become an author. Writing and storytelling have always been passions of mine. When I arrived in the United States with no English, I completed my ESL class at St. Louis Community College - Meramec. Becoming an author and sharing my story is a testament to the power of learning another language and believing in one's ability to grow. I know the importance of language access as much as the shared resources offered to women.
Being part of the GRIT anthology was a transformative step in my journey of self-discovery. I am deeply grateful to Gabriela Ramirez Arellano for nominating me to be part of the Intention “The Deconstruction GRIT collection”, organized by Jennifer Bardot, where I had the chance to share my Amazonian culture and the experiences that have shaped who I am today. Contributing to Intention Book allowed me to reflect on my struggles, triumphs, and how being a Brazilian immigrant shaped my path. Writing my story made me feel both vulnerable and empowered, helping me understand my purpose more deeply.
I’m also thrilled about my next anthology, Calladitas Rising: Reclaiming Your Power, Strength, and Voice, led by my incredible amigas Esmeralda Aharon and Gabriela Ramirez Arellano. The process of storytelling continued with the launch of Calladitas Rising this September 26th. This project wasn't just about me. It was about amplifying the voices of Latina women who, like me, have faced challenges but rose above them. Sharing my chapter in this anthology allowed me to align my core values of solidarity, leadership, and support with other women.
Both experiences have been pivotal in helping me find my authentic self. They highlight my dedication to creating spaces where women can speak their truths, share their stories, and inspire others. This commitment to the community reflects my passion for supporting women in finding their voices and the opportunities they deserve. I am not alone! I have my village and I am very proud of my Latino authors. I believe that when we share our stories, we not only heal ourselves but also empower others to do the same.
How can GlobalMindED help you realize your goals?
GlobalMindED is an important platform that supports immigrant women like me in continuing their education and building meaningful connections. Their dedication to uplifting women leaders is truly remarkable. The team personally reached out to me and took the time to explain the value of being connected and becoming part of their network. I appreciate their approach, which amplifies diverse voices across the nation and emphasizes the importance of servant leadership. This aligns with my personal and professional goals of serving my community and being a leader in increasing diversity in the Midwest. Thank you, GlobalMindED, for your dedication to strengthening Latino communities and their leaders. Let’s continue working together. #Unidos
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