We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Suzy Barbosa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Suzy , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a lesson you learned in school that’s stuck with you and has meaningfully impacted your journey?

I grew up in a family that placed deep value on education and community. From a young age, I was taught that both were essential and deserved to be taken seriously. So, I showed up, fully. I was a responsible kid, a good student, and deeply involved in all aspects of school life, from sports and student government to the library book club. I knew nearly every student in my school and made an effort to befriend those who often felt unseen. One of the most important lessons I learned came during my high school years, and it wasn’t taught in a classroom. It was the lesson of compassion, friendship, and what it truly means to build community. I attended a large public school in a working-class neighborhood, where many of us came from families that worked hard with limited resources. Despite that, or maybe because of it, school became a place where connection really mattered.

I remember a time when our school community was shaken by the sudden loss of a student who died by suicide. I still remember seeing him sit with other students at the school plaza during break time the day before. He was only 16. The grief was immense, and it brought a sharp realization: sometimes, the person next to you is silently struggling. That moment changed many of us. It taught me that beyond academics, what we often need most is each other.

With the help of our teachers, we organized a celebration of life, wrote cards to his family, and created safe spaces for our peers to share their feelings. We realized that kindness, presence, and friendship aren’t just soft skills. They’re survival skills. From that point forward, I carried a quiet commitment to look out for others, to create spaces where people feel they belong.
Even today, I’m still in touch with many of the friends and mentors I met during those years. We often reflect on how meaningful that time was—not just because of what we learned in textbooks, but because of how we learned to support one another. That experience shaped the way I lead, build relationships, and stay grounded in my purpose: to build strong communities rooted in care and connection.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an immigrant from the heart of the Amazon region in Brazil, originally from Manacapuru. I later moved to Manaus to pursue my college degree. I came to the United States in 2009 in search of a better life, driven by hope, resilience, and the values passed down through generations of small business owners in my family. On my mother’s side, my grandfather was a baker and my grandmother a seamstress. On my father’s side, my grandparents were small farmers who sold their goods daily at the local market. Their determination to serve the community and provide for their families laid the foundation for the entrepreneurial spirit that runs through my veins. That legacy is alive and well—my cousin Elisangela Solimões owns an incredible restaurant Brisa do Solimões, and my cousin Áurea Regina Barbosa leads Aurinha Ateliê, a thriving handmade crafts and crochet business. These strong women, like many in my family, inspired me to pursue a life of purpose through business, community-building, and service.

Before moving to the U.S., I worked in Brazil as an elementary school teacher and in the nonprofit sector. My background is in accounting, business and education, and I worked for five years in the financial department of a telecommunications company before moving to the United States in 2009. Upon arriving in St. Louis, I enrolled at St. Louis Community College- Meramec, where I earned my associate degree in Business Administration. Balancing motherhood, community volunteer work, and my own journey as an immigrant, I later continued my education at Webster University, earning my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Now, I am pursuing my MBA, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far I’ve come.

Today, my work centers around empowering individuals and organizations—especially immigrants, women, and small business owners—to navigate systems, access resources, and grow with purpose. Whether I’m helping to build financial literacy, supporting leadership development, or contributing to multicultural initiatives, my goal is always the same: to foster belonging, opportunity, and economic mobility for all.
What sets me apart is my lived experience and holistic approach. I don’t just consult, I collaborate. I don’t just offer services, I build relationships. My work is deeply rooted in cultural empathy, connections, and a belief that community-led solutions are the key to lasting impact.
I’m incredibly proud to serve as a board member of the Hispanic Leaders Group of St. Louis, an organization committed to uplifting and advocating for the diverse Hispanic and Latine communities in our region. I invite you to visit our website to learn more about our mission and support the impactful work we’re doing together: https://www.stlhlg.org/

I’m also honored to be a co-author in two international best-selling books, milestones that reflect my dedication to storytelling, community, and leadership. I continue to grow by learning from and collaborating with women leaders who inspire me daily. My work is rooted in purpose, connection, and service, and I strive to create spaces where people feel seen, empowered, and equipped to thrive.
In conclusion, I’m most proud of the bridges I’ve helped build between people, institutions, and opportunities. And I want clients, partners, and followers to know that when you work with me, you’re not just hiring a business professional, you’re joining a movement of change led by someone who’s walked the path, understands the obstacles, navigated challenges and is committed to opening doors for others. Here is my LinkedIn for further connections: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzybarbosa/

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The life of an immigrant is filled with constant pivots. Each one shaped by challenge, growth, and resilience. One of the biggest pivots in my life was the decision to leave my home in Brazil and move to another country in search of a better future. That decision meant starting from scratch: learning a new language, pursuing an education, finding a job, and, most importantly, building a new community. I wanted to find my village where I could belong to. A choice that completely transformed my personal and professional journey. The journey hasn’t been easy. It took years of adjustment and taught me the uncomfortable truth that growth often happens outside of your comfort zone. I had to let go of the idea that I needed to have it all figured out and instead embrace the process of learning—over and over again. As immigrants, we are often like children learning to walk in a new world—one step at a time. We live in between joy and homesickness, hope and uncertainty. But within that tension, I found treasures: new strength, a deeper sense of purpose, love and support.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through all of this is to ask for help. I leaned on others who had come before me, who shared their wisdom, their stories, and their support. I also realized that moving to a new country isn’t about losing your identity. It’s about rebuilding it, strengthening it, and expanding it.
Another key lesson was the importance of staying connected to my roots and getting involved in the Brazilian community. When I arrived in St. Louis, I was invited by the Hispanic Latino Ministry of the Archdiocese to help connect Brazilian families and lead formation projects focused on welcoming, outreach, and building bridges in a new city. This meaningful work led me to become a board member and treasurer for the Viva Brasil Organization, where I continue to support and celebrate our culture and community.
Here in St. Louis, in the heart of the Midwest, I became a mother. I grew closer to my husband, the love of my life. I found a community of immigrant leaders and women who embraced me, encouraged me, and helped me rediscover my voice and purpose. My story feels like a river—ever flowing, sometimes shifting its course, but always moving forward.
Only two weeks after arriving in the U.S., with the help of a family member, I walked into St. Louis Community College and enrolled in a course. That moment captured who I am: education is essential to me, and learning is the way I continue to pivot, adapt, and thrive in life.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

As a business advisor I am passionate about financial inclusion and economic development. One of the most effective strategies I’ve used to grow my clientele is staying deeply connected with the diverse people I serve. During my time with the Economic Development Team at the International Institute, I provided financial coaching, credit counseling, and microloans for minority and immigrant business owners. What made the biggest difference was building relationships based on empathy, active listening, and understanding my clients’ dreams and challenges. I believe that connection is everything. When clients come to me, they’re not just bringing a business plan or their ideas. They’re bringing their families, their hopes, and their resilience. They see themselves in me: a woman, an immigrant, and someone who is genuinely invested in helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting and sustaining a business in a new environment. That mutual trust becomes the foundation for growth.

I often say: my clients are not just files or paperwork on a desk. They are people with powerful stories, and my role as a business facilitator is to walk alongside them. As a business connector, I am there in offering guidance, making strategic referrals, and connecting them with tools and resources that meet their unique needs. I’m intentional about collaborating across the St. Louis small business ecosystem, because I believe that when we lift up entrepreneurs, we’re investing in the future of our entire community.
St. Louis truly is a hub for small businesses, and I’m proud to be part of the business ecosystem that helps them thrive.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzysbr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzybarbosa/
• Other: Hispanic Leaders Group where I serve as a Board Member: https://www.stlhlg.org/ International Institute – Economic development where I served as a Business Development Specialist: https://www.iistl.org/ Brisa do Solimoes restaurant: IG page: @brisadosolimoes Aurinha Atelie: IG page: @aurinha_atelie

Image Credits
Erika Matos Photography