Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlene Soto-Riera
Hi Marlene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been anything but easy, but it’s shaped me into who I am today. I became a teen mom and dropped out of high school, but even then, I knew my life would be what I made of it—what I put in, I would get out. I worked hard, starting in corrections and eventually becoming a police officer. I continued to strive for better, even when life threw challenges my way.
When my health declined, and I could no longer work, I refused to let that be the end of my story. I saw it as a setback for a comeback. Then, my second child was born medically fragile with an unknown genetic condition, and everything shifted. I couldn’t just stand still. I knew I needed to be strong for him and myself.
I returned to college, determined to educate myself to become the best advocate possible. When my child couldn’t access therapy due to his delayed diagnosis, I earned my RBT certification to give him the support he needed. Witnessing the dire need for clear communication in medical settings, I became a certified medical interpreter to help others navigate those challenges. These experiences shaped my path and deepened my commitment to creating a better future for families like mine.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been shaped by challenges and resilience. At 16, I became a single mom, choosing work over school to provide for my child. By 20, I left an unhealthy marriage and relocated to Miami, determined to create a better life. A career in criminal justice offered stability, but I later became legally disabled, battling a tumor, depression, and invisible disabilities.
A decade later, after surviving pregnancy loss, endometriosis, and multiple surgeries, I welcomed my miracle rainbow baby. His time in the NICU drove me to become an unstoppable advocate, learning to navigate the unknown while facing endless trials. Through it all, I’ve found strength in motherhood and a relentless determination to overcome for my children.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Helping Swans is here to help everyone. Whether it’s sitting with a family one-on-one at home, accompanying them to dentist appointments, collaborating with children’s hospitals, or speaking on global stages, our mission is to provide support wherever it’s needed. As a patient, caregiver, and mom of an autistic, medically fragile child, I use my voice and experiences to connect with others and make a difference.
I’m committed to continuous learning, advocating at both state and national levels to push for better resources and policies. Brand-wise, I am Helping Swans. I’m a one-woman powerhouse, from online support to road trips across states and even to other countries. People resonate with me because I understand their struggles—I’ve lived them. Helping Swans isn’t just an organization; it reflects real-life challenges, triumphs, and the belief that no one should face their journey alone.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is something so simple yet so special. It’s the image of my mom in the kitchen, cooking a holiday meal with so much love. My dad would sit in his chair, drink in hand, watching sports, and my siblings and I would hang out together. It wasn’t about anything extravagant, the warmth, the togetherness, and the sense of being homemade; those moments were unforgettable.
Pricing:
- Donations Are Needed
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helpingswans.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helpingswans/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/helpingswansco
