ORLANDO, Fla. — June is National Immigrant Heritage Month.

It’s a declaration meant to highlight the achievements of immigrant communities across the county.

In a state where one in five Florida residents are immigrants, Ana Carolina Salazar, 33, wants to help other immigrants like her.

Salazar moved to the U.S. from Venezuela 18 years ago.

“I came to Orlando, Florida, with my sister because my mom passed away in Venezuela,” she said.

She was only 15 when she moved to live with her dad, and the first few years were challenging. Salazar was still grieving the loss of her mother, while learning a new language and country.

“It was hard missing our family and friends everyday, and trying to assimilate a new culture,” she said.

The experience she went through, adapting to her new home, motivated her to help other immigrants through nonprofits, like Prospera, Venezuelans in Orlando and the Hi Kid Foundation.

In 2016, Salazar was recognized by then-Gov. Rick Scott for her contributions to the “Keep Florida Working” project. It’s an initiative that works to promote job creation and provide workforce training.

She now plans to launch a podcast called Hablamos Spanglish, where she’ll share success stories from other immigrants like herself.

Salazar launched her digital marketing business, BOLD Digital Marketing Studio, in 2019. 

“I want to inspire all the immigrants that come to the U.S,” Salazar said.

She hopes all her work would’ve made her mom happy.

“I know my mom would be proud of everything I accomplish but I still think there’s more to be done,” Salazar said.