Today we’d like to introduce you to Myriam Martinez.
Hi Myriam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved to the United States about 18 years ago with my two daughters. I am a professional Auditor and Systems Analyst with an emphasis in Software Development. Three years ago, together with a group of friends who shared the same passion and love for our planet, wildlife, and animals, we founded Mujeres Latinas de Carolina del Sur. As the president of the organization, I dedicate my time and energy to raising awareness and promoting positive change in our community. We believe that the best way for people to truly understand the importance of protecting the environment and the planet is through education and community campaigns. By informing and inspiring others, we hope to build a more compassionate and sustainable future for everyone.
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 road. Like many immigrant women, I faced the challenge of starting over in a new country, raising two daughters on my own, and adapting to a new culture while holding on to my values. Founding an organization as a Latina woman dedicated to environmental and animal protection came with additional challenges—especially in communities where these issues are not always prioritized or well understood.
One of the biggest struggles has been the language barrier. Not speaking fluent English at first made it difficult to communicate our mission, apply for support, and connect with other organizations or officials. Many times, I felt unheard or overlooked simply because I couldn’t express myself the way I wanted to. But with time, effort, and the support of those who believe in our cause, we’ve learned to turn that obstacle into strength. It’s made us more determined to create resources and spaces where others—especially those who also struggle with English—feel included and empowered.
Building trust in the community, finding resources, and educating people about the importance of wildlife, animals, and the environment has not been easy. But every small step forward—rescuing an animal, cleaning a park, or helping someone see nature differently—is a reminder that change is possible, even when the road is hard.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I lead Mujeres Latinas de Carolina del Sur, an organization that educates and empowers the Latino community to care for the environment, wildlife, and community animals. We create workshops, cleanups, and outreach programs in Spanish to make environmental education accessible. I’m proud of how we’re changing perceptions—helping people see animals as beings to protect, not fear. What sets us apart is our cultural connection and the passion we bring to every effort. We don’t just share information—we build trust, inspire action, and lead with heart.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played a beautiful role in bringing the right people into my life. I’ve been fortunate to meet friends and volunteers who share my passion for animals and the environment. Their support, love, and belief in our mission have been key to everything we’ve done.
While I don’t call it bad luck, we have faced real challenges—especially financial ones. As a grassroots organization, we often rely on our own volunteers and personal resources to carry out our projects. It’s been hard to gain recognition and support, even though our leadership and dedication are strong. But we continue moving forward, believing that our work will speak for itself and open more doors in the future.
Pricing:
- $10.00 Membership Fees:
- $ Donations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mujeres-latinas-sc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mujereslatinassc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MujeresLatinasdeCarolinadelSur
