Meet Maribelia Avalos

We were lucky to catch up with Maribelia Avalos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maribelia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I can say with conviction that my entire life is always in constant change, constantly validating my resilience. With each change came a challenge, and with each challenge came a lesson. One of my most recent challenges, which at the time seemed insurmountable, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. That experience catalyzed a journey of self-love and unshaken resilience. Today, I stand stronger than ever.  Many of the forces which drive me are love, passion, purpose and mission. The fuel which drives me is the underestimation of others. However, I have also realized that true resilience comes from within.

My journey of self-discovery, searching within, and embracing moments of solitude have profoundly transformed me. I have become the best version of myself, a version I never imagined possible. These moments alone have been a profound teacher, instilling a deep appreciation, love, and craving for the quiet. These reflective times have been crucial in my personal development.

One of the most valuable life skills is learning to be content with oneself. Many struggle because they have not embraced the beauty in solitude. True emotional mastery is achieved when you find both solace and rejuvenation in your own company. Transform solitude from a state of loneliness to one of empowerment.

Both love and pain have been necessary, indispensable teachers in my life. Each played a crucial role in shaping who I am today. Reflecting on the past, I recognize that the experiences of love taught me compassion and the power of connection. Love has been a driving force, inspiring me to pursue my passions and to empower others.

Conversely, pain, while challenging, has been equally transformative. It’s through my struggles and moments of pain that I have gained strength, wisdom, and an understanding of the depth of human emotions. Pain has a unique way of refining us, of stripping away the non-essential and bringing into focus what truly matters. 

This journey of embracing both love and pain has taught me that every experience, no matter how challenging, holds value. It’s a reminder that our trials and triumphs are integral parts of our story, possibly shaping us into individuals we did not know we could become.

Together, these experiences have sculpted my character, my values, and my approach to both life and business. They have instilled in me a sense of empathy, a capacity for deep reflection, and a drive to overcome challenges. Without these experiences, I wouldn’t be the person I am proud to be today – someone who embodies resilience, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of growth.

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

I was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and brought to the United States at the age of fifteen, the daughter of two remarkable individuals. The most impactful gift my parents ever bestowed upon me was a solid foundation in discipline, hard work, love, and core family values. They were the living embodiment of these principles, providing a guiding example for my own life’s journey. In our home, discipline and hard work were more than just concepts; they were a way of life. My parents’ actions vividly illustrated that with unwavering discipline and dedication, no goal is unattainable, and no dream too lofty. They instilled in me a belief that perseverance and consistent effort are vital for success in any endeavor. They also taught me the value of taking risks for growth, exemplified by their brave decision to leave their beloved country in search of a better life for us.

In 2008, I graduated from Adams State University with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts. I was incredibly fortunate to have my education fully funded through sports and academic scholarships. This profound gratitude and understanding of the power of sports inspired me to establish CASA FC right after college. My aim was and still is to leverage soccer as a means to motivate young people to strive for their best selves. Our primary objective, irrespective of skill level, is to keep them engaged in sports, focused on their education, and ambitious about their future. This includes finding pathways to higher education, ideally debt-free. Sports transformed my life, instilling confidence, opening doors, teaching teamwork, and so much more. I firmly believe it can do the same for countless others and therefore, with the intention of also including adults, I created MASFIT. Self-confidence and self-development is prevalent in anyone’s life. My intention with MASFIT was to create an environment where anyone, despite where they are in their journey, could benefit from exercise, movement, and self-development. Our motto: THINK strong, BE strong, LIVE strong.

At the heart of my journey is a commitment to dedicating myself only to what I can fully nurture and appreciate. This philosophy guides my focus on personal growth, self-love, and the well-being of my family and friends. Professionally, I am deeply involved in managing CASA FC and MASFIT. I have also embarked on a couple of new exciting ventures such as public speaking and public service to make a positive impact.

I have always believed that my calling, regardless of the path my career takes me, is to positively impact the lives of not just our youth, but all of those that surround me.

CASA FC – Growth and Leadership:

Community Athletic Soccer Academy (CASA FC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Denver, Colorado. An organization offering authentic, inclusive, and values-driven athletic experiences for youth ages 4 to 18. Our goal is to reinforce our players’ academic pursuits and to equip them with the life skills needed to improve their opportunities of entering college. It is your home (CASA) where you are more than just a number.

This past year has been transformative for CASA FC. We have expanded in many ways, one of which is by bringing new talent onto our leadership team. We brought on exceptional leaders like National Director Carles Gil, Boys Director of Coaching Judd Demartini, Girls Director of Coaching Christian Solis, and Operations Director Karol Bird-Gomez, all who have different, experiential knowledge of the game. They are now part of CASA FC alongside our amazing Girls Technical Director, Ramiro Avalos, and myself as the President and Founding Executive Director. Our team has also grown with many new coaches, broadening our program and building on the foundation laid by our dedicated volunteer coaches. Our mission remains steadfast: to nurture our youth into their best selves, cultivate great humans and leaders, provide affordable access to those in need, and develop each player to their highest potential. Most of all with the understanding that they are all unique in their personality and talent. They are all important.

MASFIT – A Balance of Personalization and Professionalism:

MASFIT continues to flourish, offering a unique blend of a personal gym experience coupled with the facilities of a larger establishment. It’s a perfect combination that provides comfort and privacy for personal training, while also having all kinds of heavy weights, machines, and classes for those who seek a more intensive workout. You can’t go wrong with MASFIT, it has all you need. Perfect location – in the heart of The Highlands neighborhood in Northwest Denver. Open seven days a week from 5am to 10pm, 365 days of the year. Every member has a key card to access the facility at their own time and convenience. It is a very friendly and welcoming environment. It is your own personal home gym… away from home!

Public Speaking – A Platform for Empowerment and Inspiration:

I have taken a step further into public speaking because I am passionate about encouraging others to pursue their dreams and passions. I believe that when you follow what you love, your journey transcends hard work; it becomes a relentless pursuit towards your life’s purpose. Part of my mission is to uplift other hungry individuals and empower our youth to shine brightly and use their intellect to become unstoppable forces.

Public Servant Role – Soccer For Life Foundation

Being named a board member of the Soccer For Life Foundation is not just a role; it’s a continuation of my life’s mission and an affirmation of my purpose. My lifelong mission aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Foundation, making my decision to join an effortless and enthusiastic ‘yes.’
At the core of our shared vision is the goal of ‘Ensuring Soccer Access for All Young Players in Colorado.’ This objective resonates deeply with my belief in the transformative power of soccer and my commitment to making this beautiful game accessible to every young enthusiast, regardless of their background. I am thrilled to be part of a team that is as dedicated as I am to this cause, and I look forward to contributing to our collective efforts to make a lasting impact in the community.

This appointment is more than an honor; it’s a call to action that I wholeheartedly embrace. Together with Soccer For Life Foundation, I am excited to pave new pathways for young soccer enthusiasts and to contribute to the development of a sport that can truly change lives.

If you had to pick top qualities that are most important to develop, which would you say matter most?

Being bold is a continuous journey of growth and learning. It’s about pushing boundaries and shaping your destiny, regardless of where you start. Remember to take those first steps towards your goals and never stop believing in your power to shape your own destiny. Do you know your purpose or your why? If you don’t, do the work. Dig deep and find it today. Don’t know how? Reflect upon these pointers:

Embrace Reinvention: Remember, transformation often begins at the edge of your comfort zone.

The Importance of Family and Loved Ones: In the midst of striving for boldness, never forget the significance of family and loved ones. They are the core of my life, my everything.

Embrace Your Unique Story: Every successful journey begins with acknowledging and embracing where you come from. I started from a place of humble beginnings, which fueled my determination. Remember, your background does not define your future – your actions and beliefs do.

Cultivate Self-Belief: The cornerstone of boldness is believing in yourself and your vision, even when others don’t. I’ve learned that self-belief is a powerful tool against any odds. Trust in your abilities and your potential to grow.

Take Calculated Risks: Boldness doesn’t mean recklessness. It’s about making well-thought-out choices that push you out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks – they often lead to the greatest rewards.

Learn from Failures: Failures are not the opposite of success; they are part of the journey towards success. Each setback taught me valuable lessons and made me more resilient. Embrace failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

Seek Mentors and Be a Mentor: Surround yourself with people who elevate you, individuals who challenge and inspire your growth. Also, be a mentor to others. Sharing your knowledge can empower others to be bold. If you want your passion and love to continue, you have to let others see it.

Speak Up and Stand Firm: Never shy away from expressing your ideas and opinions. Your voice is powerful. Stand firm in your convictions and make your presence known.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The world is constantly evolving, and so should you. Stay curious and open to learning. Adaptability is a key trait of a bold person. I’m constantly doing this and I always will till my last breath.

Celebrate Every Achievement: No matter how small, every achievement is a step forward. Celebrate your successes and use them as motivation to aim higher.

Don’t settle for what others think of you: Do what your heart and soul guide you towards. Keep pushing, especially when things get scary or hard. That is the place where most don’t go.

Empower Others Along Your Journey: As you climb the ladder of success, extend your hand to lift others. Empowerment is a two-way street; others will empower you, you will empower others, all around you grow stronger. Never stop doing this.

Keep Your Vision in Sight: Always remember your ‘why’ – it will keep you driven. Your goals, your passion, your mission, and dreams should be the guiding light in your journey of boldness.

Remember, being bold is a journey, not a destination. It’s about continuously pushing boundaries, learning, and growing. Your story is a testament to the fact that where you start doesn’t dictate where you will end up. Remember, take those first steps, however small they are, as long as you are moving towards your goals. Never stop believing in you and your power to shape your own destiny.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I have a profound love for books. Each enriches my understanding in various ways. Each has taught me something. I believe books are incredible sources of learning, and I continue to read and listen to them almost every day. However, my most significant growth occurred when I turned my focus inward – exploring who I was, who I am, and who I aspire to become.

Selecting a favorite book is a challenge, as their impact often depends on where you are in life. Different books resonate differently depending on your life stage. I have a particular affinity for self-development books, as they consistently offer growth and learning opportunities.

During a couple of years of immense personal development, I delved into a wide range of books that supported my growth spiritually, mentally, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. While it’s challenging to single out just one book from the hundreds that have impacted me, one recent read stands out: David Goggins’ “Can’t Hurt Me.” The title alone resonates deeply with me. It underscores a powerful truth: no one can hurt me unless I allow it. This realization came sharply into focus through a personal experience of profound hurt, ironically catalyzing my greatest growth.

The key lesson for me here is to confront pain, not to conceal or flee from it. Let it pass through you, feel it, and learn from it. Inspired by this, I chose to rise above the pain. Rather than succumbing to sadness or misery, I committed to becoming the best version of myself – not for anyone else, but for me. This journey taught me self-love and the importance of surrounding myself with what and who I truly cherish.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Flor Blake, Tony Contreras and David Bocardo

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
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