Her Story
About Maribel
Maribel Mercado is a community leader, healthcare outreach professional, and entrepreneur whose career is rooted in service, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. As an Outreach Manager with Intention Health Care, she helps connect homebound and underserved patients with essential healthcare services, including physician home visits, home care, laboratory services, and community support resources. Her background in health insurance and patient advocacy has equipped her to bridge gaps in care while improving access to critical health services for vulnerable populations throughout New York City. She earned an Associate of Science in Health Services Administration from Colorado Technical University, strengthening her expertise in healthcare operations and patient-centered care.
Beyond healthcare, Maribel has dedicated more than two decades to preserving and celebrating Puerto Rican heritage in the Bronx. Since becoming President of the Bronx Puerto Rican Cultural Parade in 2019, she has led the organization's continued growth while helping revive its signature events following the pandemic. Under her leadership, the parade has celebrated its 40th anniversary, honoring community leaders, promoting cultural pride, and educating younger generations through initiatives such as the organization's beauty pageant, cultural programs, gala, and community events. Her passion for event management is further reflected in her role as CEO and Founder of Amapola Events Planning, where she has organized weddings, festivals, corporate functions, and community celebrations for more than a decade.
In addition to her leadership roles, Maribel has spent six years as a Mary Kay beauty consultant, using beauty and wellness as another avenue to serve others through senior outreach, domestic violence awareness events, and community engagement. Guided by the philosophy of "Do what you love," she attributes her success to her genuine passion for helping people and making a positive difference in her community. Grounded by her faith and devotion to family, Maribel continues to inspire others through compassionate leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives while preserving the rich cultural traditions of the Bronx's Puerto Rican community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Maribel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine passion for what I do and my commitment to serving and supporting my community. Helping people and making a positive impact in their lives inspires me to continually grow, work hard, and give my best every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't give up, Life is what you make it to be
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do what you love rather than simply taking any job that comes your way. Pursue work that truly inspires you and aligns with your passions. When you choose a career that touches your heart, you'll find greater purpose, fulfillment, and motivation to succeed.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
- The biggest challenges with Intention Healthcare Underserved populations often distrust the medical system or face massive social barriers (like lack of transportation or food insecurity) that keep them from seeking care before a crisis happens.
- With The Bronx Puerto Rican Cultural Parade The Bronx is evolving, and traditional cultural institutions must adapt to stay relevant to younger generations and a rapidly diversifying borough.
- Ensuring a single-day parade translates into year-round community impact and stable, long-term funding.
- At the end of the day, my work in healthcare and my work with the parade are the exact same mission: building trust and serving the Bronx. Whether I am coordinating care to keep an elderly patient safe at home, or organizing a cultural event that brings thousands of neighbors together on the Grand Concourse, it’s all about meeting people exactly where they are, listening to their needs, and advocating for our community."
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My faith and my family are the foundation of everything I do—they are my highest priorities and guide my decisions both personally and professionally. I also believe in serving others with compassion and kindness. Helping people and making a positive difference in their lives gives my work purpose and brings me the greatest fulfillment.
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