Carol is a Brazilian entrepreneur whose journey began at the young age of 16, working at McDonald’s. Over the years, she built her career from a restaurant attendant to an Operational and Financial Processes Auditor. Seeking a quieter and safer life, she moved to the countryside of Rio de Janeiro, settling in Macaé, a city known as the Oil Capital of Brazil. There, she met people from around the world, which inspired her to pursue a degree in Oil and Automation Technology.

However, the idea of working on oil rigs for extended periods, far away from her family, didn’t align with her values. Instead, she turned to her passion for entrepreneurship and opened a Brazilian steakhouse. Like her cleaning business today, it started small—a dream, a project—and grew steadily over time. After spending 10 years in Macaé, Carol decided to visit the United States, a trip that changed her life. She saw an opportunity to study English, which she believed would open doors to new possibilities. In the process, she fell in love with the culture, the quality of life, and the safety the U.S. offered her children.