Meet Marissa Ortiz | Motivational Speaker & Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marissa Ortiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born in New York and ended up moving to NC with my family around age 6. It was then when life really changed for me in a negative manner. I experienced much physical, mental, and later on sexual abuse. I felt so alone mentally during this period of my life, where I ended up becoming promiscuous, looking for the feeling to be loved. Soon after, I was placed into a Level III group home facility, With very limited behavioral issues, I was then placed into my 2nd Group home (Level II) and later on aging out at 18 years old from my final destination, Foster Care.

Thankfully, I truly had people I had met along the way be there for me in the most critical points of my life. Moving into a new town, raised in a completely different cultural background, and not knowing what God had for me at this major turning period in my life… I am so blessed to be where I am today.

I graduated at 19 years old, even received my drivers license at 19! I had been to a total of 5 High schools, 3 different homes, and I refused to let ANYTHING stop me. I NEEDED to “Make the paperwork a lie concerning my destiny!”

I graduated in 2016 with my Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice (Forensic Concentration). During this period, I had a major unexpected operation in my Freshman year of college (thankfully, my professors worked with me!), I ended up pregnant in my Sophomore year of college, was extremely stressed in my relationship, and still managed to graduate on time.

I graduated in 2019 with my Master’s Degree! During those past couple of years, I went through the most intense challenges I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy! Furthermore, I ended up divorcing and had to pick up the leftover pieces of my heart, mental, past hurts. I had to find ME!

After INTENSE self-healing, forgiveness, and remembering the Queen I was, W.I.N.E was birthed soon after! I created a non biased platform for women to come on from all across the world and share their stories to inspire the lives of others. I have connected with some AMAZING leaders and influencers and the success stories shared has created a HUGE impact in the lives of others!

I am now a Successful Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, Resiliency Life Coach, and Upcoming Author. My story has become a SUCCESS story and allowing others to see its possible for them, makes all the difference!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
W.I.N.E (Women who Inspire, Network, and Execute!) is a platform focused on empowering women and individuals throughout the world.

We offer not only opportunities for our viewers to learn from other successful leaders (via our online IG LIVE QUEENS WHO LEAD Platform), but we also offer one-on-one Life Coaching with a focus on Resilience, (Being able to overcome any life obstacle and bounce back from it.)

We also have our MO’ TIVE Channel (Featured on our YouTube Channel) where we have traveled around the nation and interviewed in person, some AMAZING influential leaders! Furthermore, we operate our BeU Nonprofit, where we have mentored and supported youth in group homes, juvenile detention centers, and foster care.

Every Holiday, we bring the Fayetteville community (and out-of-state supporters) together to gift and feed all our youth within the system. 1st year (32 teens gifted) and 2nd Year (65 Teens!) Some of our corporate sponsors included Walmart, Kangaroo Gas Station, Cheddars Scratch Kitchen, and many many more!

Overall, Has my journey been easy? HECK NO! Was it all worth it? ABSOLUTELY! I wouldn’t change a thing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I am all about learning and exploring! Whether its food, adventures, out of the ordinary, I’m usually open!

I would have to say the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site would be one of the spots! That site is a precious and sacred landmark that I would visit over and over!

Also, I am all about art, especially bright colors. I would definitely have to stop at the Krog Street Tunnel for some graffiti views. It definitely reminds me of home (NYC)!

And finally, I LOVE FOOD! I would have to stop at the Ponce City Market and eat at their famous city view restaurant! Definitely check them out!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to first give praise to God! As a child, that was the ONLY person I had to talk to who understood me.

Secondly, I have to thank my grandmother! Her prayers and wisdom keep me throughout these years and there is nothing like the bond we share. I am so grateful for her!

Next, I would like to really show attention to the strangers that became family to me starting from the age of 13! Shanicha McNeil, Selina Harris, Valerie Reynolds, Susan Simmons, and the list goes on! These people molded me into the woman I am today and I am so Grateful! They believed in me more than I had even believed in myself. And I haven’t let them down!

Finally, my partner in crime, Pierre, has been there in the darkest healing stages within my life. He helped me to grow and recognize the beauty I have had in myself all along. And that’s the realist thing anyone could ever do!

To my family, friends, and fans, I sincerely love you and am so honored to have you on my journey in this thing we call LIFE!

Website: www.winewithmo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winewithmo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/W.I.N.ETWMO/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIxA-7dyZNndIIaILAfwAmg

Image Credits
Shots By Pierre