QUANTICO, Va. - The National Association of Professional Women is an exclusive network for professional women to interact, exchange ideas, educate, and empower. NAPW members enjoy a wealth of resources, benefits and services dedicated to enhancing their lives and promoting their businesses and careers.
Their mission is to provide the most advanced forum for members to connect with like-minded professional women to develop innovative business and social relationships. Through their wide-reaching network, members discover new opportunities to connect, grow, learn, and inspire.
NAPW selects their women of the year nominees by monitoring female trend setters from 150,000 companies run by women. Then they choose 250 businesses that are high performers then narrow it down from there.
A former gunnery sergeant, Figueroa was ammunition technician at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan. She was in the Corps for about 17 years before she got out for medical reasons.
“I went through my own experience of needing help as a Marine,” Figueroa said. “That is one of the events in my life that encouraged me to do what I do now.”
Being in the Marine Corps, Figueroa Marines got a chance to meet people that hold the ability to change their outlook on life.
“One of the things that really impacted me was the leaders that I had in the Corps,” said Figueroa. They understood leadership is not just about Leading Marines that are doing well, but also leading Marines that are struggling in their own lives.”
Not a lot of people love what they do for a living but Figueroa doesn’t have to worry about that. Being a survivor of domestic violence and experiencing her own recovery, Figueroa could connect and really understand what people she counseled were going through.
“I love this job, being able to see people heal and go through that process which builds resilience is a great feeling.” Figueroa said.
As she earned a degree in psychology taking non-resident courses from Park University located in Parkville, MO and using what she learned as a Marine and a councilor Figueroa opened up her business ‘Extended Hands’.
“What I found out as years went on I later discovered that art and counseling are connected,” Figueroa said. “Using art with people with life problems and trauma is a great recovery tool. It opens up a lot of doors for healing. With my company, ‘Extended Hands’ we provide powerful theatrical presentations that incorporate art through poetry, art, dance, theatre, and motivational speaking. Our mission is to present creative expression combined with storytelling. My goal is to impact and heal the world through art.”
Throughout her life she has done her best to help and give back to those in need of a helping hand. Figueroa has worked with Landmindz, a non-profit organization that helps individuals to transition their lives after being homeless, survivors of abuse, incarcerated or in recovery from substance abuse.
She has volunteered and performed for the HIV and AIDS benefit for ‘Honduras against AIDS’.
Figueroa has also worked with the Women's Awareness, Knowledge and Empowerment program on Quantico.
In recent years Figueroa has published a collection of poetry entitled "Evolution Of A Queen". She has recorded her first visionary artistry CD entitled "Rebirth." She is also launching Walking Billboard Clothing line, which incorporates inspirational and positive messages and images.
“Before I could get this far I had to learn about purpose and why I am here. God really helped me out with that. Along the way people who really helped as well were Leaders in the Marine Corps, my staff here at CSACC and of course my lovely Children Alex and Gabriella.”
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