From Immigration Advocate to Cannes: Shirley Maia-Cusick’s Journey of Boundless Vision and Unshakable Faith

When Shirley Maia-Cusick arrived in the United States from Brazil over three decades ago, she faced the daunting challenges familiar to many immigrants: language barriers, rebuilding a professional career, and navigating a complex immigration system. Today, as the founder of Worldwide Legal Services and Founding President of the Burlington County Republican Federated Women (BCFRW), she has transformed those very challenges into the foundation of a life dedicated to advocacy, empowerment, and service.

“It was a humbling journey—but also deeply empowering,” Shirley reflects. “It reaffirmed that the American Dream is real, but it must be earned through perseverance, faith, and vision. These challenges didn’t just shape me—they became the foundation for my life’s mission: helping others rise, just as I did.”

Family Foundations and Leadership Philosophy

Shirley’s approach to leadership and service is deeply rooted in her family influences. “My father taught me to think boldly and beyond limitations, while my mother instilled in me faith, humility, and devotion to service,” she explains. This dual heritage shaped a leadership style that balances vision with empathy, ambition with integrity.

In every facet of her multifaceted career—from international law to creative expression and civic engagement—Shirley leads with purpose and a profound awareness of her roots. This grounding has proven essential as she navigates multiple demanding roles whilst maintaining her personal wellbeing.

“Balance begins with clarity of purpose and the courage to honour your priorities,” she advises women juggling multiple responsibilities. “I’ve learned to stay centred by delegating wisely, staying organised, and making space for faith, family, and restoration. Whether it’s journaling, dancing, or simply breathing, I’ve embraced the truth that women can lead powerfully—without losing themselves in the process.”

Advocacy Through Experience

With more than two decades of experience in immigration and advisory services, Shirley has witnessed significant shifts in the immigration landscape. “The immigration landscape has become more complex and politicised over the years, with shifting policies, longer processing times, and greater uncertainty for families,” she observes.

Rather than becoming discouraged, she has adapted her approach to provide not just legal support but emotional guidance as well. “I’ve adapted by staying informed, advocating fiercely, and offering not just legal support—but emotional and strategic guidance. My goal is to be a steady, trusted voice through an often-overwhelming process.”

This holistic approach has led to profound impact in the lives of her clients. Shirley shares one particularly meaningful success story: “One of the most meaningful cases was helping a mother and her two children escape domestic violence and navigate a complex asylum process. We fought for years, through delays, fear, and uncertainty but in the end, they were granted legal status and started a new life safely in the U.S. It reminded me why I do this work: to protect the vulnerable and restore hope where it’s nearly lost.”

Her multilingual abilities—fluency in English, Spanish, and Portuguese—have proven invaluable in this work. “Speaking multiple languages allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level: emotionally and culturally. It builds trust, breaks down fear, and helps me truly understand each client’s story, not just their paperwork. In immigration law, that human connection makes all the difference.”

Creative Storytelling on the Global Stage

Beyond her legal and advocacy work, Shirley has emerged as a creative force on the international scene, with her work recently showcased during the Cannes Film Festival at the International Cellphone Cinema Showcase. This remarkable achievement represents a powerful fusion of her multicultural identity and commitment to authentic storytelling.

“Having my creative voice recognised on global platforms like Cannes is deeply meaningful,” she says. “As a Brazilian-American woman, it affirms that our stories are not only valid—they are vital. Art has the power to cross borders, heal, and ignite transformation. Personally, it’s a celebration of resilience; professionally, it’s a calling to keep creating—and to uplift others with every story I tell.”

These creative endeavours represent both personal fulfillment and an expansion of her advocacy through artistic expression. “These platforms have shown me that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for connection across cultures,” Shirley reflects. “At Cannes and the Cellphone Cinema Showcase, I’ve seen how film can open hearts, challenge assumptions, and build bridges between people of different backgrounds. It’s cultural diplomacy in its purest form, rooted in empathy, truth, and shared humanity.”

She intends to continue merging her advocacy work with creative expression: “Yes, storytelling will remain a vital part of my journey. Film is a powerful tool to humanise complex issues and inspire change. I plan to continue creating stories that reflect the resilience of immigrants, the strength of women, and the importance of faith and freedom. Through visual storytelling, I can amplify my advocacy, giving voice to those often unheard.”

Empowering Women in Leadership

As Founding President of BCFRW, Shirley has created space for women to engage meaningfully in political processes and civic life. “I was inspired to lead because I saw a need for more women, especially diverse voices, in local politics and civic engagement,” she explains. “Founding BCFRW was about creating space for education, empowerment, and action.”

Her proudest achievement in this role has been witnessing the transformation of the women she serves: “My proudest achievement has been watching women who once felt unheard become confident leaders, organisers, and candidates in their own right.”

For women struggling to establish themselves in challenging environments, Shirley offers forthright advice: “Know your worth, speak with intention, and never shrink to make others comfortable. Respect isn’t demanded, it’s earned through consistency, confidence, and clarity. Surround yourself with mentors and allies, but most importantly, trust your voice. It’s your most powerful tool in any room you enter.”

Dedication Without Burnout

Maintaining Shirley’s level of commitment across multiple domains requires intentional self-care. “Dedication doesn’t mean self-neglect,” she emphasises. “I’ve learned that to truly serve others, I have to protect my own peace, through faith, boundaries, and intentional rest. I stay rooted in purpose, but I also make time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with what inspires me.”

This philosophy extends to her definition of luxury—a concept that transcends material possessions. “To me, true luxury is living with purpose, peace, and authenticity,” Shirley reflects. It’s the freedom to serve others without compromising who I am, to create with intention, and to lead with grace. In my daily life, luxury is found in quiet confidence, meaningful connections, and the ability to make a difference on my own terms.”

Vision for America’s Future

Shirley’s passion for “restoring the America she once dreamed of” stems from her immigrant experience and the values that drew her to this country initially. “I believe America thrives when faith, family, freedom, and opportunity are at its core,” she states. “Today, we need to restore respect for the Constitution, civil discourse, and the value of hard work.”

Through her various platforms, she is actively contributing to this vision: “Through advocacy, legal services, and civic leadership, I’m helping rebuild trust in our institutions and empowering individuals to take ownership of their role in a stronger, more united nation.

Transformation Through Challenge

Looking back on her remarkable journey, Shirley identifies her most significant personal transformation: “My most significant transformation was learning to lead from a place of resilience rather than perfection. Life’s challenges, personally and professionally, taught me that strength isn’t about having all the answers, but about staying grounded in faith, adapting with grace, and rising after every fall.”

The Bible has been a foundational guide throughout her life, alongside mentors who demonstrated that “leadership is about service, not status.” But perhaps the most profound influence has been her immigration experience itself, which “taught me resilience, the value of opportunity, and the importance of using my voice to uplift others.”

Legacy and Future Vision

As she looks to the future, Shirley’s aspirations continue to expand. “I aspire to expand my impact globally, bridging legal expertise, creative expression, and civic engagement to uplift underserved communities,” she shares. “Professionally, I aim to grow platforms that empower women, immigrants, and future leaders.”

The legacy she hopes to leave is one of empowerment and inspiration: “I want to be remembered as a woman who led with courage, conviction, and compassion, someone who stood firm in her values, lifted others as she climbed, and never wavered in the face of adversity.”

It’s a vision that continues to unfold across multiple dimensions—legal, creative, and civic—all united by a commitment to purpose, faith, and service that began with a young woman’s journey from Brazil to America decades ago, carrying little more than determination and a dream.

For more information on Shirley Maia-Cusick’s documentary and tour, follow @maiacusicknj on Instagram.