Shirley Maia-Cusick
Founder & President, Mama Bear Foundation
Shirley Maia-Cusick is the visionary founder and president of the Mama Bear Foundation, a movement rooted in strength, faith, and the unshakable belief that every woman deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered. An immigrant from Brazil who rebuilt her life in the United States after the economic crisis, Shirley has spent over two decades advocating for others through her work in immigration, law, and community leadership.
As the CEO of Worldwide Legal Services, Shirley has dedicated her life to helping families navigate complex legal systems with compassion and integrity. Her journey from international attorney to U.S. citizen, grandmother, and grassroots political candidate; embodies the resilience and courage that defines a Mama Bear.
Shirley founded the Mama Bear Foundation to uplift women who have been overlooked, silenced, or underestimated. Through storytelling, policy engagement, and advocacy, the foundation champions second chances, protective leadership, and maternal strength as forces for lasting change.
Her work has been recognized both locally and internationally, from organizing women across New Jersey to directing an award-winning short film showcased at Cannes. A proud Christian, wife, and grandmother of a U.S. Marine, Shirley leads with love, conviction, and a fierce commitment to building a better future for the next generation.
Renata Araújo Machado
Director of AI & Digital Innovation
Renata Machado is a professor, consultant, and Specialist in Artificial Intelligence applied to business, automation with personalized AI agents, and digital marketing. With a strong academic background and extensive practical experience, she has stood out in integrating AI into strategic processes to optimize workflows, automate tasks, and drive results —especially in the field of education.
Passionate about technology and innovation, Renata has been working on the development and training of personalized AI agents for businesses, customized teaching routines, and adaptive learning. She also creates high-impact digital content using AI tools and leads process automation management and data analysis for companies and entrepreneurs. Her mission is to transform challenges into smart, accessible solutions for those looking to apply AI in a strategic and efficient way.
Lucinda Borque
Chief of Staff
Lucinda Borque serves as the Chief Strategist, Operations & Founder Support for the Mama Bear Foundation, where she plays a pivotal role in turning vision into action. With over a decade of experience in government, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership including tenures at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the White House, and the House of Representatives, Lucinda brings both a sharp strategic mind and an unwavering commitment to justice.
At Mama Bear, she operates as both the strategic backbone and trusted advisor to the founder. She oversees day-to-day operations, leads communications, and ensures that every initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to uplift and empower women, families, and communities facing systemic challenges.
Lucinda’s background in criminal justice and philosophy, fluency in Spanish, and personal journey of resilience have uniquely equipped her to lead with both empathy and precision. From managing national policy agendas to helping build Mama Bear from the ground up, Lucinda is a bridge between big-picture vision and hands-on execution. She believes in second chances, living with purpose, and leading movements that leave a legacy.