Meet Maria Bedoya

We recently connected with Maria Bedoya and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I get my resilience from my personal journey as a Dreamer and a Latina. I found out I was undocumented at the age of 16, and my dreams felt like they were shattering before my eyes. But I drew strength from an incredible teacher who believed in me and inspired me to fight for social justice. That experience taught me that resilience is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about using those challenges as fuel to create change, support others, and pave a path for a better future. My resilience comes from a deep commitment to empowering others, fighting for what’s right, and knowing that even in the toughest moments, change is possible.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Maria Bedoya, a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of Empowered Woman LLC. My work is dedicated to empowering individuals, especially teens and young adults, to overcome challenges like anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. What excites me most about this work is seeing clients discover their inner strength and resilience, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. My personal journey as a Dreamer, navigating life as an undocumented Latina at 16, fuels my passion for social justice and mental health advocacy. Empowered Woman LLC is committed to offering not only individual, group, and family counseling but also workshops, webinars, and community events that uplift and inspire. We’re constantly working to create inclusive spaces where healing and empowerment are accessible to everyone. Stay connected for upcoming community workshops and initiatives—we’re committed to empowering our community from the inside out!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that were most impactful in my journey:

1. Resilience: Growing up as a Dreamer and learning that I was undocumented at 16, I had to quickly adapt to challenges and setbacks. Resilience became the foundation of my growth.

Advice: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn. When things don’t go as planned, reflect on what you can take away from the experience and how it can strengthen your resolve. Resilience is built through perseverance and the willingness to stand up after every fall.

2. Self-Advocacy: My journey taught me that speaking up for myself and my dreams was essential, even in difficult circumstances. I learned to ask questions, seek support, and not be afraid to fight for what I deserved.

Advice: Don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Whether it’s asking for help, seeking resources, or standing up for your goals, know that your voice matters, and advocating for your needs is a sign of strength, not weakness.

3. Empathy and Social Justice Awareness: Being inspired by my teacher to fight for social justice showed me the importance of lifting others up and creating change beyond myself. I’ve learned that empowering one person uplifts an entire community.

Advice: Always approach others with empathy and an open heart. Fight for not only your goals but for the well-being of your community. The more you invest in others’ success, the stronger your own journey becomes.

My advice to those just starting out is simple: stay resilient, speak your truth, and lift others as you climb. Growth, success, and happiness come not only from personal development but from contributing to a larger purpose and community.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, absolutely! I’m always open to collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations that share a commitment to mental health, social justice, and empowering communities.

Who I’m Looking to Collaborate With:

Mental Health Professionals: Therapists, counselors, and social workers who are committed to community growth and client empowerment.

Educators & Schools: Teachers, school administrators, and student support staff dedicated to fostering resilience and mental well-being among teens and young adults.

Community Organizations: Local nonprofits, social justice groups, and community leaders who focus on uplifting marginalized communities.

Healthcare & Social Service Providers: Organizations working in substance abuse recovery, domestic violence support, and overall community health initiatives.

Event Organizers & Public Speakers: Those passionate about hosting workshops, webinars, or community events to educate and empower.

If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at www.empoweredwoman.blog or connect through our social channels on Instagram @Empowered_Woman_LLC. Let’s explore how we can work together to create stronger, healthier communities where everyone thrives.

Contact Info:

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