Today we’d like to introduce you to Constanza Sweeney.
Hi Constanza, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I first arrived in the United States, I didn’t know how to drive, I didn’t speak English, and I didn’t have a single family member here. I came from Colombia with a heart full of dreams, faith, and the desire to serve. This country — so generous and full of opportunities — opened its arms to me, and I promised myself I would give back with all my heart.
I started from zero. I volunteered for a year at All Stars Hospital in Austell, Georgia, working eight hours a day wherever I was needed. I didn’t have the language, but I had the will. Later, I enrolled at Georgia Tech, where I met people from all over the world and realized how diversity could unite, not divide.
Over time, I learned to drive, to speak English, and to build my own path. I began working in a tortilla company during the day while starting a small business as an independent Mary Kay beauty consultant. Within two months, I became a director. In less than a year, I won my first car. Over the next 22 years, I earned six cars — including the prestigious Pink Cadillac — and became the #1 Latina National Director among 19,000 consultants worldwide.
But even with all that success, my greatest passion was never business — it was service. I kept volunteering with churches, United Way, St. Jude, and many community programs. I helped families translate, connected them to resources, and supported immigrants finding their new beginning. That’s how I became a bridge between cultures — and that bridge became my mission.
Then one story changed my life forever.
A friend from a small nonprofit told me about a little girl from Guatemala named María Celestina. She had a life-threatening brain tumor and needed an urgent operation that cost $50,000 — an impossible amount for her family.
With my limited English and unlimited faith, I organized fundraisers in Tucker, Georgia, rallying volunteers, local families, and anyone willing to help. We hosted galas, bazaars, raffles — anything to raise funds. In less than a month, we reached the goal. María underwent surgery, and she survived. When she sent me a video saying, “Gracias, Constanza,” I knew my purpose was clear.
That miracle became the seed of Intercultural Fest.
Soon after, I helped bring another little girl from Colombia to receive prosthetic limbs, organized events with the Peruvian American Medical Association, and worked with the Global Adaptive Aquatics Foundation to create inclusive activities for children with Down syndrome. Every experience showed me the same truth: when people come together, miracles happen.
By 2016, that purpose became something greater — the birth of Intercultural Fest, in Rome, Georgia. Amid division and uncertainty, I believed that culture could unite where fear divides. That year, I brought together seven Latin American consuls and representatives from over 20 countries under one roof. Despite the rain, we raised the Flag of Peace, symbolizing harmony and inclusion — and Intercultural Fest was born.
Since then, this vision has evolved into two arms, one mission:
• Intercultural Fest LLC, a cultural and community organization producing events, workshops, and educational programs that strengthen diversity and local economic growth.
• Intercultural Fest Foundation 501(c)(3), a nonprofit providing scholarships, volunteer programs, and community services for youth and families.
As Founder, President, and Chief Operating Officer, I’ve seen this mission transform lives. We’ve hosted film screenings at the Rome International Film Festival, where I became the first Latina board member, proudly helping introduce “Yo No Me Llamo Rubén Blades” to a mostly Anglo-American audience. When the film ended, the entire theater stood up to applaud — and I stood there, in tears, watching the power of art erase barriers. Later that night, we held a salsa gala with over 400 attendees, including internationally recognized artists — a true celebration of cultural unity.
We’ve also made history at Barron Stadium in Rome, painting the field with Latin soccer lines for the first time. With only two days of promotion, the match between the Atlanta Silverbacks and Xelajú MC from Guatemala brought over 1,400 people under pouring rain — not for politics or profit, but to celebrate identity, joy, and passion for our roots.
And in 2025, Intercultural Fest reached another milestone:
We hosted our first official Mini Health Fair in partnership with Atrium Health, offering free medical services to families, students, and community members. For me, this marked the continuation of what I had always done — serving with love. But this time, it wasn’t just me; it was our entire team, a group of leaders and volunteers who share the same vision: to serve others with compassion and purpose.
These are the moments that make every challenge worthwhile. Every festival, every partnership, every volunteer hour — all of it builds toward a legacy of unity, opportunity, and respect.
Now, as we celebrate 10 years of Intercultural Fest, I look around and see that the seed we planted has become a tree of hope. My motivation remains the same: to educate myself, to strengthen our programs, and to ensure that the next generation of leaders — our students, artists, and volunteers — can continue to grow this mission for decades to come.
Because I’ve learned that success isn’t about how high you climb, but how many hands you lift along the way. My journey is not one of wealth, but of purpose — a story about faith, community, and gratitude.
And as I continue to walk this path, I invite everyone to join me — to build bridges, to honor our roots, and to stand together under one flag.
Because when we choose love and peace, All of Us Are Under One Flag. 🤍
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road — but it has been a purposeful one.
Everything I’ve built has come from experience, intuition, and faith. I didn’t study formal nonprofit management; everything I know has been learned through empiricism and vision — 25 years of listening, observing, and serving people. What began as a dream many years ago has now become a reality that continues to grow stronger every day.
Still, growth comes with challenges. The area in which we work has expanded tremendously, and it’s time to take it to the next level. However, we are still in the process of securing the resources that other organizations — with more established structures and knowledge of how to obtain grants — already have. Many times, instead of collaboration, we face competition, when in truth, unity should always be the goal.
Running two organizations — a nonprofit and a cultural platform — requires constant effort. It’s a mission that operates 24/7, fueled by passion, family, and faith. My husband, my children, and I have all been part of this journey, learning to balance service with personal life. Having small children while managing major events and community programs demands meditation, patience, and discipline. But above all, it requires prioritizing family, because the family is the heart that sustains everything we do.
The most difficult moments often came when our resources were limited, and the needs of the community were overwhelming. Yet, every challenge became a lesson in resilience. We learned to innovate, to collaborate, and to multiply what we had — because our purpose has never been about money, but about impact.
Every festival, every scholarship, and every health fair represents long nights, endless calls, and immense effort — but also a deep sense of gratitude. This journey has taught me that leadership is not about perfection, but about consistency and heart.
So, no, the road has not been smooth — but it has been worth every step. Because through every obstacle, we’ve built bridges, created hope, and proven that when you lead with love and perseverance, you can turn a dream into a legacy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a public relations professional and business consultant with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations, entrepreneurs, and communities connect, grow, and thrive. Throughout my career, I’ve specialized in community relations, event strategy, and cultural marketing, building meaningful partnerships that unite people under a shared purpose.
My professional journey began in the corporate world, where I worked as a commercial advisor and sales leader, consistently exceeding goals and earning recognition for my ability to build strong relationships and deliver results. Every company I’ve worked with has seen tangible growth — not just in numbers, but in trust and impact.
What sets me apart is that I’m an honest, direct, and action-driven person. I believe in speaking truthfully, acting quickly, and leading by example. When something needs to be done, I don’t wait — I take initiative. My mindset has always been that if you want change, you must be part of the solution. That approach has shaped everything I do, from organizing large cultural events to helping a single family in need.
Beyond business, I’m deeply connected to art, music, and culture. I’ve performed in Colombian folk dance groups, participated in theater productions of William Shakespeare, and served as an event host and presenter for hundreds of community and television events. These experiences helped me develop a natural ability to communicate and inspire across cultures.
Today, as the Founder and President of Intercultural Fest LLC and Executive Director of Intercultural Fest Foundation 501(c)(3), I combine my business expertise with my passion for community service. My organizations create inclusive platforms where culture, education, and collaboration intersect — empowering young leaders, uplifting local talent, and revitalizing the economy through cultural celebration.
What I’m most proud of is turning a personal dream into a collective movement. Every festival, health fair, and scholarship represents a story of faith, teamwork, and resilience. I’ve built everything empirically — through real experience, intuition, and a vision that has stayed constant for 25 years.
What truly distinguishes me is authenticity and purpose: I don’t lead from behind a desk — I lead from the heart, with honesty, clarity, and immediate action. For me, leadership means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and never losing sight of why we serve: to create bridges that bring people together “All of Us Under One Flag.” 🤍
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories takes me back to my uncle’s house. He had an incredible collection of vinyl records — hundreds of them — and I used to sit for hours listening to all kinds of music. It didn’t matter if it was the music of my generation or not; I just loved the rhythm, the emotion, and the stories each song carried.
One day, I asked him if I could host a party at his house. He smiled and said yes, thinking it was going to be a small gathering of kids my age. He even told me he’d leave the house so we could have fun. But when the guests started to arrive, he quickly realized none of them were children — they were all adults!
I remember laughing, dancing all night, and feeling so happy that he decided to stay and join the fun. We danced for hours — salsa, cumbia, boleros, everything — until I was the first one to fall asleep, exhausted and smiling.
That moment captured who I’ve always been: someone who loves music, people, and the joy of bringing everyone together, no matter their age or background. Even as a little girl, I found happiness in creating moments of connection — and, in a way, that’s exactly what I still do today through Intercultural Fest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.interculturalfestUSA.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constanzasweeney?igsh=MTZzdTByYjl6ZmNldg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterculturalFest?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Intercultural Fest, photo with purpose event 2025
