Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisandra Ortega.
Hi Lisandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a proud Cuban-American entrepreneur who has been part of the Charleston area community since 2017. I am also a wife and a mother, and my love for my family inspires me every day to strive for excellence and to contribute to building a stronger, more informed, and more responsible society.
Like many immigrants, my journey began with uncertainty but also with determination. One of the greatest challenges I faced was understanding the U.S. financial system. Credit structures, insurance policies, lending requirements, taxes, compliance regulations — everything operates within a very defined framework of laws and processes. Learning how the system works was not simple, but it was essential.
That experience shaped the foundation of my work.
Through O&A Bilingual Services & Insurance, providing solutions that help immigrants understand and properly integrate into the U.S. financial and legal systems has always been a priority in our office. Education is central to what we do. We believe that access to accurate information and a clear understanding of laws and regulations empowers families to make responsible decisions.
A key part of our mission is educating the community about the importance of following legal processes and regulatory requirements when seeking immigration benefits. Navigating immigration matters requires diligence, respect for the law, and proper guidance. We focus on ensuring that individuals understand their options, their responsibilities, and the structured steps necessary to pursue lawful benefits.
I see my role as a bridge — not only helping immigrant families address immediate needs, but equipping them with knowledge so they can confidently participate in the financial system, comply with regulations, build credit, purchase homes, open businesses, and contribute meaningfully to society.
As a Latina businesswoman, I proudly represent resilience, integrity, and professionalism. I work constantly to elevate the name of immigrant entrepreneurs and to demonstrate the positive impact our community brings — as families, workers, business owners, and responsible members of the broader community.
When immigrants understand the system — financial and legal — they thrive. And when they thrive, our entire community grows stronger.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road — and I believe that is true for most immigrants.
Coming from a country that has lived under a dictatorship for more than six decades, I arrived in the United States with freedom, but also with a great deal of unfamiliarity with how the “real world” operates in terms of economic systems, institutional structures, and opportunity. In addition, language barriers were part of my early challenges. Understanding terminology, contracts, financial language, and regulatory systems required dedication and humility.
The immigrant journey is always complex. In my case, as a Cuban woman rebuilding her life, there were emotional, cultural, and professional adjustments to make. Yet arriving in freedom remains one of the greatest achievements of my life — something I will always be proud of and deeply grateful for. My love and respect for this country are rooted in the opportunities it provides to those willing to work hard and follow the rules.
Before moving to South Carolina, I lived in Miami, Florida, where Cuban culture is present on every corner. Relocating to Charleston was undoubtedly a challenge. It meant stepping outside of familiarity and building connections from the ground up. However, in Charleston I found purpose, meaningful work, and constant motivation. This city has welcomed me with opportunity, and it is truly a beautiful place to live and serve.
Every obstacle strengthened my resilience. Every challenge deepened my commitment to helping others navigate their path with more clarity than I initially had. The road was not easy — but it was transformative.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
O&A Bilingual Services & Insurance is a bilingual office based in the Charleston area dedicated to helping immigrant families and small businesses navigate essential systems in the United States in a structured and responsible way.
Our office provides coordinated support in immigration case preparation and documentation guidance, health and life insurance enrollment, Medicare and ACA plans, mortgage guidance, financial orientation, translation services, and notary services. We work closely with licensed professionals when required and ensure that clients understand each step of their process.
What we are known for is clarity. Many of our clients arrive confused or overwhelmed by regulations, paperwork, and financial terminology. In our office, we take the time to explain how processes work — whether it is how to properly pursue an immigration benefit, how insurance coverage functions, how credit impacts loan eligibility, or how to structure documentation correctly.
A major focus of our work is compliance and education. We emphasize the importance of following laws and regulations when applying for immigration benefits or entering into financial agreements. Our role is not only to assist with forms, but to ensure families understand their responsibilities and the legal framework surrounding their decisions.
What sets us apart is that we do not treat cases as isolated transactions. Immigration status, financial stability, insurance protection, and homeownership are often interconnected. Our office approaches each client holistically, helping them move from short-term uncertainty toward long-term stability.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the professionalism and integrity our office represents. We are a structured, licensed, and insured business that operates with transparency, clear communication, and defined boundaries. As a woman-owned, Cuban-American-led company, we are intentional about elevating the standard of service associated with immigrant-owned businesses.
What I want readers to know is that our office exists to bridge gaps — not only language gaps, but knowledge gaps. We are committed to helping families integrate confidently into the financial and legal systems of this country, so they can build stability, protect their families, and contribute positively to the community.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Havana, Cuba, and I am a native of the municipality of Boyeros. I was raised by my mother, and my maternal grandparents were always very present in my life. Together, they created a home filled with love, guidance, and strong values.
Our house had many fruit trees, and I remember a childhood surrounded by simple but meaningful moments. While the broader reality of life in Cuba was very different from what exists outside the island, my upbringing was full of affection, instruction, and stability. My family emphasized respect, education, discipline, and personal responsibility.
Personality-wise, I was always very curious. I wanted to understand more than what was taught in school. I asked many questions and often tried to explore ideas beyond the limits of the classroom. I loved writing short stories and creating imaginative narratives — storytelling allowed me to think beyond my surroundings.
I also explored different interests. I practiced taekwondo for some time, which, even briefly, taught me discipline and focus. I enjoyed arts and crafts, and I developed a strong interest in computers and technology at a young age — something that later became part of my academic formation.
Looking back, I would describe myself as curious, creative, and determined. Even as a young girl, I felt a desire to grow, to understand the world more deeply, and to push beyond limitations. Those qualities continue to shape who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oabilingualservices.com/
- Instagram: @bilingual_services_insurance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556713780115
