Keiser University occupational therapy graduate Maria Hernandez was recently featured by Mujer Emprende where she shared her experiences being a mother, Latina, and a college student at Keiser University.

A native of Venezuela, Hernandez came to the United States at the age of 18. In 2003, her youngest daughter, Gabby, was born with down syndrome. Hernandez stayed at home with her daughter for the next two years while she received weekly occupational, physical and speech therapy. During this time, Hernandez witnessed the power of occupational therapy and decided to pursue a career in the field.

Hernandez enrolled at Keiser University and after graduation opened her own occupational therapy business where she could assist her daughter. Dream, Hope & Believe Therapy, Hernandez’s business, specializes in occupational therapy for children with special needs.

Hernandez’s older children, Alexander and Alejandra, followed in their mother’s footsteps, earning their Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy degrees from Keiser University in 2015.

As a nontraditional student and Latina, Hernandez encourages everyone to pursue their dreams even if they feel it is too late for them.

Hernandez and her family were previously featured by Keiser University as Hometown Heroes.

Visit this link for to view Hernandez’s Mujer Emprende interview: https://www.latinovations.com/2022/04/27/mujer-emprende-interview-with-keiser-university-alumna-maria-hernandez/

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser. Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associates to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a  designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 5 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News And World Report in 2022.