Photo By Cpl. Antwaun Jefferson | Angelique B. Figueroa, a substance abuse counselor, holds up her women of the year...... read more read more
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QUANTICO, Va. -- Awards aren’t uncommon in the Marine Corps. Yet an unique awarded was presented to a Marine who is now a civilian. The National Association of Professional Women presented Angelique B. Figueroa, a substance abuse counselor with the Consolidated Substance Abuse Counseling Center in Quantico, with their annual Women of the year award 2011/2012, Sept. 12.
Figueroa received this recognition for strides she has made in her respective profession, her outstanding leadership, professional achievements and commitment to community involvement.
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.
Figueroa holds advanced level substance abuse certifications for the state of Arizona, the United States Naval Certification Board, and the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology from non-resident courses from Park University located in Parkville, Mo.
Figueroa continued her personal and professional growth by obtaining specialized training on Women issues in the military as well as Trauma and Resiliency Therapy. She quickly perfected the cognitive restructuring techniques that were really useful in allowing her to lessen the effects of her client’s trauma and combat experience.
“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.” Alongside ‘Extended Hands’, a program that she has made over the years, they provide powerful theatrical presentations that incorporate art through poetry, art, dance, theater, 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.
According to the National Association of Professional Women’s website, they are an exclusive network for professional women to interact, exchange ideas, educate, and empower. 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.
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.
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.”
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 10.04.2011 12:39 |
| Story ID: | 77993 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 79 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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