Transitioning from military to civilian life can feel like stepping into a completely unfamiliar world. After leaving the Army, I found myself overwhelmed with uncertainty, unsure of what to do next. Job hunting was a frustrating experience—nothing seemed to align with my skills or aspirations. As I realized my GI Bill benefits had an expiration date, I decided to enroll in a bachelor’s program at Miami Dade College. I chose a degree that complemented my experience as a logistician, unaware that one class would alter the course of my life.
In a class taught by Dr. Richard Sarabia, DBA, I worked with my then-partner, Paula Pereira Da Silva, on a project to create a global supply chain plan for a product. I proposed a heart-shaped umbrella as a symbol of love and protection. This idea resonated with me on a deep level, mirroring the hope I sought during my transition from military life. What started as a class project evolved into a real business. Using my savings, I turned the heart-shaped umbrella into reality, founding AMOR Umbrella. It became more than just a product; it was a symbol of empowerment and hope for those navigating life’s uncertainties, much like myself.
Building a business from scratch was challenging, but each obstacle turned into an opportunity for growth. The resilience and discipline instilled by my military training proved invaluable as I balanced business, full-time studies, and raising a family. I shared my heart-shaped umbrellas at various events, where their unique design sparked conversations and connections. These umbrellas were more than just functional items—they became symbols of joy, fun, and shared experiences.
A pivotal moment occurred during a recreational therapy fishing trip with Fishing with America’s Finest, an organization dedicated to helping veterans reconnect with nature. I brought my heart-shaped umbrellas, and they quickly became a hit, lightening the mood and creating shared laughter among the veterans. Inspired by this camaraderie, I captured the moments in photos and later used them in an illustrated book about the healing power of nature. This experience reinforced our mission—not just offering physical protection, but also emotional hope and connection, especially for veterans.
Motivated by this, I expanded my vision. During the pandemic, I launched a podcast called Founders Time, where I interviewed entrepreneurs and veterans using just my iPhone. These conversations, recorded under a coconut tree, led to amazing connections and friendships. One podcast guest inspired me to launch the AMOR Umbrella Veteran Initiative, which aimed to honor the 2 million women veterans in the U.S.
We collected veteran signatures on our heart-shaped umbrella, which was then sent to newly elected Vice President Kamala Harris along with curated gifts from veteran entrepreneurs. This gesture symbolized the resilience and creativity of veteran entrepreneurs and highlighted the contributions of military families.
Encouraged by the success of this initiative, we created a second one—this time sending a get-well gift to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s spouse, who was battling breast cancer. This initiative focused not only on veterans but also on military spouses, who often go unrecognized for their sacrifices. Collaborating with my friend Nefertiti San Miguel, who wrapped the gifts using traditional Japanese furoshiki, we honored the diversity within the military community, symbolizing the strength that comes from blending backgrounds and experiences. Even amid the pandemic, collaboration with veteran-focused organizations kept our vision alive. We hosted retreats where female veterans shared their stories and signed heart-shaped umbrellas, turning them into living canvases filled with messages of hope. These events reminded me that even in the most difficult times, there are always opportunities to uplift others and foster a sense of community.
As AMOR Umbrella grew, so did our impact. Our mission—“Giving and Restoring Hope, One Story at a Time”—expanded to include a TV show, Umbrellas of Hope, dedicated to amplifying veterans’ voices. I traveled across the U.S. and even to Peru, interviewing veterans and documenting their stories. These interviews formed the basis of a powerful miniseries that highlighted the challenges veterans face and offered hope and encouragement to those still navigating their journeys.
A recurring theme in these interviews was veteran suicide—a devastating reality. According to the VA, 22 veterans die by suicide every day, a number that rises when including drug overdoses. The ripple effects of these losses are felt by countless individuals, and the impact can last for years. This heartbreaking statistic ignited my passion to create Keep on Living, a documentary focused on suicide awareness and prevention. The film explores healing alternatives for veterans, such as music therapy, fishing retreats, and the Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS), offering long-term hope beyond temporary relief.
Music therapy, in particular, has been a powerful tool in helping veterans heal. I participated in a music therapy retreat hosted by founder Marc Bailey in Tennessee, where I saw how music allowed veterans to process trauma in ways words often couldn’t. I even co-wrote a song titled “Healing Begins With Love” with musician Melody Guy and performed it in front of an audience and music legend Amy Grant. This form of therapy helps veterans reconnect with themselves and others, offering a safe space for emotional healing.
Through Keep on Living, my goal is to provide veterans with tangible ways to recover, showcasing the power of nature, music, and community in their healing journeys. I hope the film inspires those struggling to seek help, explore new methods, and realize they are not alone.
Reflecting on my journey—from a military veteran searching for direction to an entrepreneur creating a business built on hope—I’m reminded that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact. Each step has been a learning experience, not just for me but for those I’ve been fortunate enough to meet along the way. By sharing our stories and lifting each other up, we create a community where hope thrives, even in the face of adversity. Through AMOR Umbrella and each of our initiatives, I strive to inspire resilience, empower others, and remind us all that hope can flourish in even the most challenging circumstances.
