Orlando Hosts First Edition of Without Borders Connect

Orlando, FL – On December 3, the Brazilian immigrant community gathered at the Royal Business Center in Metrowest for the first edition of Without Borders Connect 2025. The free event offered a rare platform to discuss mental health, business development, and immigration pathways in the United States.

During his remarks, João Lucas Quental, Consulate General of Brazil in Orlando, stressed a pivotal point: Orlando is no longer a “stopover”; it is a destination, a hub of Brazilian culture, commerce, and integration. His office, though relatively new, is “committed to being a bridge,” he said, helping Brazilian families navigate immigration, legal, and consular needs while recognizing Orlando’s growing weight in the Brazilian diaspora.

Mental Health: Breaking the Silence

The opening panel focused on mental health, moderated by communicator and influencer Thaís Martins, who underscored the ripple effects of parental struggles. “When a parent suffers in silence, the children feel it too. Presence, or lack of it, marks their entire journey,” she said.

Renata Rodrigues, founder and CEO of Della’s Group, drew on her experience leading multiple support networks. “When a woman immigrates, she carries not only her own fears, but the hopes and emotional well-being of an entire family,” she explained. Her 25 message groups have become a “safe harbor” for many immigrants seeking emotional support. “They ask for help, they cry, they reassure, it’s not just community, it’s a lifeline,” she added.

Mônica Franchi Souza, CEO of Assureline Insurance, addressed a difficult reality. “Yes, healthcare in the United States is expensive, but there are plans that can fit, depending on a family’s visa status, and we must be proactive,” she said. “Some plans even include mental-health coverage. Taking care of your emotional well-being is essential because it can directly affect your immigration process, your job opportunities, and your ability to integrate.” She emphasized that choosing the right plan is critical, noting that every step of an immigrant’s journey leaves a trace, one that can help or hinder future applications. “Receiving guidance from licensed, competent professionals is crucial,” she said.

Sandra Veiga, founder of the Bridge to Life Foundation, an organization established in 2018 to support individuals in rebuilding their emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being, echoed that perspective. Her work promotes education, creativity through the arts, and environmental awareness, and her clinical practice follows a person-centered, holistic, multicultural approach. She spoke about the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and PTSD among immigrants, and how many rely solely on medication. “We don’t need a superwoman,” she said. “Admitting we can’t do it all, that is where strength lies. Setting boundaries is not a weakness; it is survival.”

Attendees described the panel as raw, healing, and necessary, especially in a community that often prizes stoicism and self-reliance above vulnerability.

From Dreams to Reality: Business, Planning, and Academic Growth

The second panel shifted to entrepreneurship, financial planning, and long-term empowerment. It was mediated by Marcila Forlin, Vice President of LIDE Mulher, who contributed insights on the role of women entrepreneurs in shaping resilient immigrant communities.

Carol Sousa, CEO of Finance & Accounting, warned of the dangers of neglecting paperwork. “Leaving financial or immigration documents unattended is like building a house on sand. Without a solid plan, everything can collapse,” she said.

Roberta Omeltech, Head of Commercial Partnerships at OMELTECH, emphasized intentionality in business. “Be selective, gather reliable information, and ask for referrals. Attend structured events, build relationships, and construct your brand with integrity. And above all, persist,” she advised.

Acilina Candeia, CEO of Veni Creator Christian University, appealed to the academic dimension of growth. “Growth isn’t only financial, it can be intellectual, scientific, or rooted in research. Align knowledge with competence so you don’t just survive, but contribute,” she said.

Finally, Cristiane Barreto, PhD in Social Psychology and career consultant, offered a comprehensive roadmap for immigrant professionals. Her keynote, “Trends and Competencies in Career and Leadership,” expanded on the transformations shaping the global workforce. She reminded the audience that “we are living in an era of artificial intelligence, so what is our role today?” Barreto noted that humans make more than 80 decisions a day, many of them unconscious and in a matter of seconds. “The question is: what would happen if we weren’t provoked to think?” she asked.

She highlighted the overwhelming volume of information people consume daily and challenged attendees to reflect: “How do we know what to absorb and what to filter out?” Recent studies, she explained, show that work is rapidly changing, and according to current research on competencies, 50% of the next generation will work in careers that do not yet exist. This reality places a new responsibility on parents to guide their children through academic and professional development.

As a career consultant, Barreto stressed how valuable it is for immigrant families to stay informed, adaptable, and intentional. Adaptability and emotional intelligence, she argued, remain essential pillars for the future.”

Closing Reflections and Institutional Mission

In the final round of debates, journalist Lorena Gomes, who conducted the event, introduced Adriana Backhaus, President of Without Borders, and Valeska Silva, Vice President. She highlighted their professional histories and the mission of the institute.

Backhaus, an Accredited Representative recognized by the DOJ, has decades of experience guiding immigrants through family, business, humanitarian, and consular processes. She observed early on the need for structured support for Brazilian immigrants. “Our mission is to guide families safely through legal processes and empower them to thrive,” she said.

Silva, also an Accredited Representative, reinforced the organization’s commitment to inclusion and legal orientation. Together, they have positioned Without Borders – Integrated Solutions as a trusted ally for immigrants navigating complex transitions.

A Night of Connection, Empowerment, and a Look Ahead

By the end of the night, many attendees expressed gratitude. For some, it was the first time they felt seen as immigrants, as parents, as professionals with dreams. For others, the event illuminated paths they hadn’t yet considered: therapy, legal documentation, strategic business planning, or further education.

The presence of Consul-General João Lucas reinforced that Orlando’s Brazilian community is a vibrant, contributing part of the region. “Orlando is a destination, a hub of Brazilian culture, commerce, and integration,” he said.

As one participant reflected: “Tonight I saw that the American Dream isn’t just about dollars or a green card. It’s also about dignity, health, solidarity, and building a future for our children.”

With its first edition concluded, Without Borders Connect 2025 laid the foundations and the hope for a series of future initiatives. For a community in transition, sometimes that is the most important step.