b'FROM THE ARCHIVES regained a sense of stability, I could once again begin focusing on my dream. I returned to work a I understood that few years later and once again began saving money to own my center. However, yet another naturalif I can dream it, I can achieve it. disaster, the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupted my plans. Nevertheless, I refused to be distracted and spent the down time of the pandemic learningIn honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Operation HOPE is highlighting a few of our clients who and refining my business plan with the goal of have made significant strides in their journey towards financial empowerment and success. Thisopening in August 2021. weeks story features an ambitious speech pathologist from Puerto Rico named Virmarys, atalented young woman who has a passion for her community, creating impact for children withWith the help of her small business coach,disabilities, and providing opportunity for others looking to better their lives. Despite the setbacksAna Doris, Virmarys received the tools and skillsbrought about by Hurricane Maria in 2017, she continued to reach for her dreams. Along the way,necessary to transform her dream into a reality. she met her financial wellbeing coach Ana Doris Mercado from HOPE Inside Puerto Rico, who The organization and focus she lacked she gained would prove to be an ally and friend who would help take the necessary steps to achieve her goalthrough the development of her business plan. She and help restore HOPE in her dreams.was able to hone in on the essentials of launching her business and putting herself in position toHeres her story in her own words:scale and grow. Ana Doris believed in Virmarys and spent her time making sure that she was constantlyI am a 32-year old Speech and Language Pathologist with 11 years of experience. I came to making progress toward her goal, despite theOperation HOPE in February 2021 through a referral from the Quebrada Coop located in Camuy,uncertainty around her.Puerto Rico. I contacted Ana Doris Mercado of HOPE Inside Puerto Rico to enroll in the smallbusiness workshop. She graduated the Small Business Development program in April 2021, but thats not the end of her Day after day, I have dreamed of having my own Therapy Center for children with special needs. story. The excitement had just begun.I dreamed of providing high quality service with a genuine interest in helping children and young adults. However, my greatest difficulty was organizing my ideas, overcoming my fears, and developBy the end of the sessions, I already had themy dream center. company registered, opened a business accountand chosen a location. During the class, we had a I had the idea for few years and finally began taking steps towards actualizing my dream by unit on obtaining access to capital. In that session, saving. However, when Hurricane Maria struck in 2017 my priorities immediately changed. A few members of my family lost their homes and belongings and the days were filled with difficultyand uncertainty. After this situation, I postponed my dream because I decided to take the moneyI saved for the center to help my family get on their feet. Once my family had recovered and Ana Doris Mercado, Small Business Coach (front) and Virmarys Quiones Irizarry (back),12 founder and owner of Centro T.I.E.S, and HOPE Small Business Graduate 13'