Maria Morales Ferrebus.
I help students overcome adversity and navigate life transitions so that they can develop resiliency and clarity to crush their goals.
Maria helps the audience find clarity within unexpected life transitions by encouraging the practice of purpose driven goal setting that withstands the ups and downs of life.
Maria Morales is a Venezuelan immigrant that shares her experience and life lessons in resiliency, grit, and achieving goals in a difficult environment.
Amidst life’s unique challenges, Maria is a passionate and energetic speaker that encourages others to do the best that they can within their life circumstances and be driven by purpose oriented goals. As a Venezuelan immigrant that fled with her family in her teenage years and a decade of hard-earned lessons living in the United States, Maria shares life lessons of resiliency, purpose, and overcoming obstacles to encourage first generation students to make the best out of their time in college and position themselves for success post-graduation. Maria graduated Cum Laude, debt-free, and without federal financial aid with a Bachelors of Science from the University of South Florida and is currently working in the Solar Energy industry. With humility, hard work, and determination, Maria has learned to take advantage of the opportunities presented in her life and wishes to inspire others to live their most fulfilling lives.
Maria helps the audience find clarity within unexpected life transitions by encouraging the practice of purpose driven goal setting that withstands the ups and downs of life.
About Maria.
Maria is a Solar Development Associate at Davis Hill Development, where she supports the development of solar projects.
A graduate of the University of South Florida, she earned a B.S. in Business Analytics and Information Systems, with a minor in Environmental Policy, graduating Cum Laude in 2020. In addition to her career in clean energy, Maria is a creative spirit, having once been a member of the Tampa Bay Flamenco Dance Company. She is passionate about inspiring others to live meaningful lives and pursue their own unique paths. As an immigrant from Venezuela—a country in crisis—Maria has faced numerous challenges, including navigating life without access to a passport, living in a migratory bubble for over a decade, and struggling with a sense of not belonging to either her birth country or the country that provided her with new opportunities. Despite these challenges, Maria’s resilience and drive have helped her make the most of every opportunity. She arrived in the U.S. at age 15 without speaking English. By 17, she graduated high school with honors and college credits. At 18, she began college, earning scholarships and working part-time jobs. By 21, she graduated debt-free with her Bachelor’s degree and helped her parents start a business. At 22, she entered her first full-time job in the clean energy sector, and at 23, she bought her first home as an independent woman.
Maria’s journey has been marked by fear, self-doubt, and circumstantial roadblocks. Yet, through goal-setting, resilience, and determination, she has overcome these obstacles to achieve success. Her personal experiences, combined with her professional expertise, drive her to empower young adults to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their goals with confidence and purpose.
Maria is dedicated to reaching and inspiring as many people as possible, especially young adults, to not just overcome challenges but to turn them into stepping stones for greater achievements.
Maria's Talks.
I help students overcome adversity and navigate life transitions so that they can develop resiliency and clarity to crush their goals.
Building Resilience: Overcoming Hardships with Grace and Determination
Life is full of unexpected challenges, but our ability to rise above them defines our success. In this inspiring keynote, we will explore how to cultivate resilience, adapt to difficulties, and push through obstacles with grace and determination.
Through a blend of personal stories and research-backed strategies, we will first identify the goals we strive for and the obstacles standing in our way. We'll then dive into practical approaches for building confidence, navigating hardships, and finding creative solutions when faced with adversity. Attendees will learn how to embrace adaptability, tap into their resourcefulness, and develop a strong support system to sustain them through difficult times.
This talk is designed to empower high school and college students to take control of their journey, shift their mindset, and develop the drive necessary to achieve their dreams. Because in the face of adversity, resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.
Navigating College: Discover Your Passion, Map Your Future
In this inspiring talk, students will be challenged to think creatively and strategically about their career goals while taking full advantage of their college years. Students will learn strategies to analyze the different career outcomes related to their major, understand their options, and start designing what their future looks like.
Maria encourages the students to connect with multiple life passions and values while maintaining practicality to create their unique paths with confidence.
"Maria is empathetic and kind when she speaks in an auditorium. She is very knowledgeable on the topic and communicates in an easy going way that makes you want to know more and more! Thank you, Maria, for sharing the wisdom of a teacher while speaking to us like a friend."
Paola Salazar
Let's Connect.
I help students overcome adversity and navigate life transitions so that they can develop resiliency and clarity to crush their goals.
386-344-4679