By: Nancy Esteves
Photos: Enrique Tubio
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Location: Althea Row, MG Developer
Masiel Moreira has a beautiful story of success. The founder of Community Health and Wellness Center of Miami has dedicated her career to helping others. One day she dreamed of having a health center for people of low socioeconomic status. With hard work and perseverance, she did not only see her dream come true, but expanded her center and opened five more. She is currently finalizing a housing project for people with low income.
Like many beginnings, Moreira’s was somewhat difficult.
«I worked nonstop until I was able to open my first community health center. I had been working in a clinic for a long time, and then a medical office became available. I went to see it and I projected myself sitting there and receiving people. I dreamed of seeing my own medical center full of patients and doctors and just as I had visualized it, my dream was fulfilled.»
The centers today help nearly 10,000 people per year.
«My mission is to ensure that we all have the right to a better quality of life and help make healthcare available to everyone.»
Moreira is winner of the «Woman of the Year» award in the field of medicine. The award was given to her during the Tribute to Hispanic Woman, in Houston, March 10, 2021.
She has received multiple awards from organizations such as the «Women Inspiring Women Awards» and was designated «Businesswoman of the Year.» In addition to receiving several recognitions from local governments, mayors and commissioners from both Miami and Hialeah, she is recognized with her own day: «Masiel Moreira’s Day in Miami» which is celebrated on August 21.
«Since I was a child, I felt that I had the soul of a leader. The work I’ve done has generated followers and admirers, but my main intention is to help others.»
Masiel had difficult moments in her life as an immigrant. At an early age, she did everything to survive–from working at a bakery to taking care of elderly and children and cleaning houses. She had a medical condition and found it difficult to get treatment.
«I decided that when I had the opportunity, I would help others. Health is the most precious gift and I believe that God put me in this position to carry out a mission and I am ready to fulfill it! »
Masiel was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, in a home surrounded by love.
«My mother was a single mom. Out of three sisters, I am the most capricious and determined. I grew up surrounded by women and that is why I like to defend the rights of this community.»
In 1997, after the death of her grandmother, she came to the United States where she achieved the American dream by becoming a successful and respected businesswoman.
Today Moreira is one of the most respected leaders within our community.
«Succeeding was my only path. I was able to count on the support of people who believed in me.»
She has created numerous programs for people who do not have health insurance, one of the most prominent is «Free Care Friday» that every Friday provides first-quality health services at a very low cost. Another program is «Pink Day,» an event where mammograms are awarded to low-income women as prevention against breast cancer.
Moreira is very much a philanthropist. She has created a «back to school» program that assists with school supplies. On Thanksgiving, she donates turkey to those in need and at Christmas, toys for the children. Recently, she provided meals for rescuers during the collapse of the Surfside building.
Her message of empowerment to women:
«I want to tell women to put aside their fears and take risks, because those who don’t take risks, don’t triumph. If you have a dream, never give up, with persistence, credibility, responsibility and dedication, you can make your dreams come true.»
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