On December 7, 2024, Project FEv3 – Breathing Hope held its fourth event, which featured the powerful and inspiring story of Marelines Diaz Marcano. A Venezuelan refugee who has overcome immense challenges, Marelines shared her journey of resilience and the hope she has found as she rebuilt her life in Brazil.

Marelines’ story begins in Venezuela, where she earned her degree in civil engineering. Despite her academic success, the oppressive political climate in Venezuela forced her to flee the country in search of a safer, more stable future. As the Venezuelan government became increasingly dictatorial, Marelines found herself among the many who were forced to leave their homeland.

Her journey led her to Brazil, where she began the difficult process of rebuilding her life from scratch. Like many refugees, she faced the uncertainty of starting anew in a foreign country, navigating language barriers, cultural differences, and financial instability. But despite the overwhelming obstacles, Marelines was determined to make a new life for herself, driven by hope and the desire for a brighter future.

During the Breathing Hope event, Marelines spoke candidly about the emotional and psychological challenges she faced as a refugee. She shared how difficult it was to leave her home, her family, and her country, but how she learned to stay focused on the opportunities ahead. She explained that the ups and downs of being a refugee are part of a larger journey of growth, resilience, and reinvention.

Through hard work and a positive mindset, Marelines found a way to overcome these challenges. She was able to adapt to her new life, first by learning Portuguese, and then by embracing new professional opportunities in a field far removed from her original career path. This adaptability and determination have been key to her success.

Today, Marelines is proud to work at tech industry, involved working with Google Cloud Platform and Google Workspace alongside Salesforce, demonstrating her ability to excel in technology-driven roles.

Despite having graduated as a civil engineer in Venezuela, Marelines found herself in a new career path that was not tied to her previous education. Yet, this was a decision she is grateful for. She shared her experience with the refugees at the event, advising them that they need not limit themselves to the career paths they had once envisioned. In Brazil, she discovered new opportunities in the tech sector, where she continues to thrive.

One of Marelines’ key messages to the audience of refugees, many of whom had recently arrived in Brazil, was the importance of being open to new possibilities. She encouraged them not to get stuck in thinking only about the jobs they had trained for in their home countries. Brazil, she said, offers a world of opportunities that are not bound by one’s previous education or experience.

She also spoke about the role of new technologies, especially artificial intelligence, in shaping the future of work. Marelines emphasized that staying adaptable and learning new skills is essential for creating opportunities in an ever-evolving job market. She told the refugees that embracing emerging technologies can open new doors and provide pathways to careers that they might never have considered before.

“Sometimes, we don’t have to stick to one area. Be multidisciplinary,” Marelines advised. “Brazil is different, and there are endless opportunities here. I’m not doing what I studied for, but I’m happy and creating a new life with hope and positivity.”

Marelines’ story is a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the human spirit. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for transformation. Her message to refugees in Brazil is clear: don’t limit yourselves. The world is full of opportunities, and by adapting to new circumstances, embracing change, and staying open to the possibilities, anyone can create a new path for themselves.

As Marelines continues to build her career at Accenture Brasil. Her story inspires us all to never give up, to remain hopeful, and to embrace change, no matter where life takes us.

In her own words: “Hope is breathing life into your dreams. And no matter where you come from, or where you are, you can always create a future filled with possibilities.”

After the event, our supporters from Western Union Brasil, Florencia Graeff Barth and Denise Ferreira de Carvalho, brought Brazilian snacks and shared them with the new refugees in attendance. This thoughtful gesture allowed the refugees to experience a small taste of Brazilian culture and feel welcomed in their new home. The simple act of sharing food provided a sense of connection and belonging, reminding everyone that, no matter where they come from, they are part of a community that cares.