For years, Maria's voice was silenced by the weight of her past — by abuse and trauma that painted her experiences in shades of fear and doubt.

As a PADI certified mermaid and dedicated powerlifter, Maria truly embodies resilience and ambition. In our recent conversation, she opened up about her journey of overcoming personal trauma and how she channels that strength into her lifting goals.

With her next powerlifting competition just weeks away in October, Maria is focused on achieving significant milestones, like bench pressing her body weight and deadlifting double her weight. “I feel like this is going to be exciting to see where I go,” she shared, highlighting that her motivation goes beyond personal achievements. It’s about pushing boundaries and bravely breaking through her limits.

Maria’s passion doesn't stop at the gym; she’s committed to inspiring others along the way.

“Just never lose your will, find your voice, and feel your passions,” she encourages, reminding us all to embrace our unique journeys wholeheartedly.

She beautifully blends her love for lifting with her mermaid aspirations, illustrating that the strength we discover within ourselves can reflect our diverse interests and identities.

Reflecting on her progress, Maria noted, “What used to be my second-best lift in competition is now my warm-up weight.” Her palpable enthusiasm for continual growth serves as a gentle reminder that every small victory is a stepping stone toward greater achievements.

Follow Maria for inspiration

For anyone eager to follow Maria on her uplifting journey, you can connect with her on Instagram at @inspiredbyMAC and on Facebook as True Champion of Science. She welcomes connections from fellow lifters and mermaid enthusiasts alike, demonstrating that community and support are vital elements of our journeys.

Maria’s story resonates deeply with many, especially single mothers and those facing their own struggles. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication and resilience, we can shape our destinies, one lift at a time. As Maria beautifully puts it, "You were made to make waves." Keep lifting and thriving; we’re cheering for you!