I met my future mother-in-law back in 1988. At first glance, she was a mom like any other mom - married, 4 kids and she worked a corporate job. Although I don't remember many moms doing that back in my day, I thought she probably went to a great college and landed the job. Over the years I would learn about her amazing and courageous journey. Maria didn't speak English when she arrived in the US, she would later divorce and have to survive as a working single mother of 3 small children. She worked a full time job sewing seat covers for an automotive company, many times having to charge groceries on credit cards because she didn't have the cash on hand. Recently, my husband learned that she even bartered for dental services at one point by offering to clean the offices so her kids could be seen by a dentist. Maria never let her children know how bad it was. Over the years she would build on her career, get a degree and get into the Corporate offices of that same auto company to eventually become and executive. She married again, had a 4th child and continued her career and education to earn a PhD. When she retired, she achieved even more success, even though her previous company did not. This is the short version of Maria's amazing life. I look up to her and hope that I can achieve as much success in my life and career as she has. Maria is a truly inspiring person and I cannot thank her enough for what she has given me.