Meet Maria Osterroth Sussman

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Osterroth Sussman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.

Maria , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

Here’s the English translation:

Over 20 years ago, I began practicing yoga and meditation, and both disciplines have been essential for taking care of my physical and mental health. Additionally, they have helped me focus on my goals, desires, and aspirations.

In yoga, there is a term derived from Sanskrit that we use often: **Drishti**, which means “point of focus” or “gaze.” This concept refers to the practice of concentrating the gaze on a specific point while performing a posture. By fixing our visual attention on a single object, we achieve total concentration, allowing us to enter a meditative state and let go of distractions that might scatter our focus.

What we practice on the mat can be applied to daily life. In a world full of distractions, if we direct our attention toward a specific goal or objective, we gain clarity and focus. In other words, where we place our attention and gaze, we also direct our energy and concentration.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am originally from Mexico City, one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world. My education in Communications allowed me to work for a decade as a business reporter for two of the city’s most influential newspapers: *El Financiero* and *REFORMA*.

In 2005, I decided to move to Portland, Oregon, my husband’s hometown, with the intention of improving my English. I enrolled in a community college and, at the same time, sought work as a reporter for various Hispanic publications. This gave me the opportunity to connect with the local Hispanic community. However, the working conditions were not as favorable as those I had experienced in Mexico.

In 2006, I decided to embark on a new adventure and founded a nonprofit organization with the mission of sharing the best of Latin American cinema with Portland audiences. This led to the creation of the Portland Latin American Film Festival, which celebrated its 18th anniversary in September 2024. Since then, we have screened nearly 200 films in different theaters across the city, primarily at the Hollywood Theatre. Additionally, we’ve had the honor of hosting directors, producers, actresses, musicians, and scholars to engage with the local audience.

In 2011, my son was born, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my personal and professional life. His arrival inspired me to continue my professional growth. I became certified as a clinical hypnotherapist and life coach and earned a master’s degree in Neuro-Linguistic Programming. I also discovered pranic healing, a discipline that continues to fascinate me deeply.

Pranic healing is a technique that uses vital energy, or *prana*, to help the body heal itself. It is based on the idea that the body has the ability to regenerate, and the amount of *prana* a person possesses influences the speed of their recovery. (*Prana* is a Sanskrit term meaning “inspired air” or “breath.”)

With these tools, I started a private holistic coaching practice and launched my website: [mariaosterroth.com](http://mariaosterroth.com). This work has been deeply fulfilling and has allowed me to help men and women reconnect with their inner power and higher selves.

I am grateful for every stage of this journey, which has allowed me to grow, learn, and contribute to the communities that have touched my life.

And while my work is both challenging and demanding, I have been fortunate to stay close to my son, which has been invaluable. For me, motherhood is one of life’s most beautiful gifts. It has filled my world with learning, unconditional love, and a new perspective that enriches everything I do, both personally and professionally.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I believe that one of the most valuable skills that has helped me achieve my goals, even in the face of obstacles, is determination and focus—what I learned in yoga as *drishti*. This concept refers to directing our gaze and attention toward a specific point, both in practice and in life itself.

Being an immigrant in a country with a different language, culture, and customs has not been easy. However, this experience has allowed me to reassess my roots and the teachings of my parents. Growing up in Mexico, facing uncertain economic situations from a young age, taught me to live with uncertainty while also learning to trust that everything has a solution. I am convinced that Mexicans have a unique ability to find ingenious solutions to any challenge, turning the impossible into possible. The arts are full of inspiring examples, like the works of Alfonso Cuarón, Alejandro González Iñárritu, and Guillermo del Toro—great Mexican filmmakers whose creativity and talent have led them to worldwide recognition.

Another essential skill I value is curiosity and the ability to keep learning, whether through reading or the simple but powerful act of listening. In my training as a life coach, I discovered the immense value of truly listening. Although it might seem like a simple act, I’ve noticed that very few people actually do it. In many conversations, people tend to interrupt to share their opinion without letting you finish your thoughts. Practicing active listening has taught me to connect more deeply with others and to learn from every interaction.

In summary, my determination, trust, ingenuity, curiosity, and ability to listen have been fundamental pillars in my life, helping me not only overcome challenges but also to grow and move forward with enthusiasm and purpose.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

I consider that the most valuable things I’ve received from my parents are love and education. I remember my father working long hours to support our family and provide private education for his four daughters. Family Sundays were special: we would have lunch or dinner together and engage in deep conversations on a wide range of topics, from politics to art and religion. My father encouraged us to have ambitions, to enjoy life’s pleasures, and to work in order to live comfortably. He always said that his only inheritance to us would be education, and that’s exactly what he gave us. All of my sisters are professional and self-sufficient women. He did all of this with so much love. My father is no longer with us, but my mother remains a constant source of love for me—solid and unconditional love. Even today, when I feel overwhelmed, confused, or sad, talking to her brings optimism back into my life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Manlio Castillo photographer

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