Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Ortiz.
Hi Marissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in New York and moved to N.C. with my family around age 6. It was then that life negatively changed for me. I experienced much physical, mental, and later sexual abuse. I felt so alone mentally during this period of my life, where I became promiscuous, looking for the feeling of being loved. Soon after, I was placed into a Level III group home facility. With very limited behavioral issues, I was then placed into my 2nd Group home (Level II) and later aging out at 18 years old from my destination, Foster Care.
Thankfully, I truly had people I had met along the way be there for me in the most critical points of my life. Moving into a new town, being raised in a completely different cultural background, and not knowing what God had for me at this major turning period in my life. I am so blessed to be where I am today.
I graduated at 19 and even received my driver’s license at 19! I had been to a total of 5 High schools, 3 different homes, and I refused to let ANYTHING stop me. I NEEDED to “Make the paperwork a lie concerning my destiny!”
I graduated in 2016 with my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice (Forensic Concentration). During this period, I had a major unexpected operation in my first year of college (thankfully, my professors worked with me!), I ended up pregnant in my sophomore year of college, was extremely stressed in my relationship, and still managed to graduate on time.
I graduated in 2019 with my master’s degree! During those last couple of years, I went through the most intense challenges I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy! Furthermore, I ended up divorcing and had to pick up the leftover pieces of my heart, mental and past hurts. I had to find M.E.!
After INTENSE self-healing, forgiveness, and remembering the Queen I was, W.I.N.E. was birthed soon after! I have connected with some AMAZING leaders and influencers, and the shared success stories have created a HUGE impact in the lives of others! I created a non-biased platform for women to come on from across the world and share their stories to inspire the lives of others.
I am now a Successful Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Resiliency Life Coach, and Upcoming Author. My story has become a SUCCESS story, and allowing others to see it’s possible for them makes all the difference!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey. There have been times I cried to sleep and wanted to give up; I’ve been there. That is how I can relate to so many people and help them to understand that we all are humans, and it’s normal to feel this way at times. You’re not misunderstood! I can say that any obstacles I have faced have made me stronger. I wouldn’t take anything from my journey back. I am beyond blessed!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
W.I.N.E. (Women who Inspire, Network, and Execute!) is a platform that empowers women and individuals worldwide. We offer not only opportunities for our viewers. To learn from other successful leaders (via our online IG LIVE QUEENS WHO LEAD Platform), we also provide one-on-one Life Coaching with a focus on Resilience (Being able to overcome any life obstacle and bounce back from it.) We also have our MO’ T.I.V.E. Channel (Featured on our YouTube Channel), where we have traveled around the nation and interviewed some amazing, influential leaders in person! Furthermore, we operate our BeU Nonprofit, where we have mentored and supported youth in group homes, juvenile detention centers, and foster care. Every Holiday, we bring the Fayetteville community (and out-of-state supporters) together to gift and feed all our youth within the system. Some of our corporate sponsors included Walmart, Kangaroo Gas Station, Cheddars Scratch Kitchen, and many, many more! 1st year (32 teens gifted) and 2nd Year (65 Teens!)
What does Success mean to you?
Success, to me, is based on the individual’s personal goals they want for their own life. Some people’s standards are higher than others. Some are lower. I feel that once someone has reached or even started to reach toward their goals, that is their true definition of Success.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.winewithmo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithmo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W.I.N.ETWMO/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIxA-7dyZNndIIaILAfwAmg
Image Credits
Shots By Pierre Photography
