Shirley Maia-Cusick
Founder & Chairwoman, Mama Bear Foundation
Shirley Maia-Cusick is the visionary founder and chairwoman 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.
Fernanda Bessa
Founder Assistant & Coordinator
A confident, ambitious, and results-driven professional who believes that leadership is defined by vision, integrity, and the ability to inspire others. As an Executive Assistant, I excel in high-performance environments where precision, discretion, and strategic execution are essential. I am passionate about transforming ideas into action, managing complex operations, and creating meaningful impact through exceptional organization, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Alongside my executive career, I work as a Coordinator at the Mama Bear Foundation, where I play an active role in advancing a global mission to empower, educate, and elevate women. Every initiative I support is driven by the belief that confident women build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger future. I am deeply committed to creating opportunities that inspire leadership, foster resilience, and encourage women to embrace their full potential without limitations.
I lead with confidence, serve with purpose, and believe that true success is measured not only by professional achievements, but by the lives we influence, the barriers we break, and the legacy we leave behind.
Bruna Da Silva
Trustee of Mama Bear Foundation
Bruna Da Silva has been a Paralegal since 2016 and grew to be Office Director at Worldwide Legal Services.
She has a Bachelor in Business administration and Speaks Fluent Portuguese, English, and Spanish. She works closely with lawyers in preparing high-demand documentation for our clients.
She is a perfectionist and will find the necessary details in the benefits of our office.
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.
Robert Cusick
Trustee of Mama Bear Foundation
Robert Cusick has served in law enforcement for over 27 years, working primarily as a court record information officer in New Jersey.
An expert in the ins and outs of courts, Robert aims to help clients navigate difficult circumstances by clarifying law enforcement procedures and how they affect individuals.
Outside of his professional life, Robert enjoys hunting, fishing, spending time with his grandchildren and family, and cooking for his wife.
Camila Bill
Media & Creative Director
Camila Bill is the Media and Creative Director at Mama Bear Foundation and the founder of Bill & Righetto Communications. A communications professional, photographer, and videomaker specializing in digital content, she combines strategy, creativity, and visual sensitivity to develop narratives that strengthen brands, projects, and causes.
She holds postgraduate degrees in Neuromarketing and in Political Marketing, Electoral and Political Party Law, with specialization in crisis management, reputation, and image management. Her work brings together strategic communication, creative direction, photography, and audiovisual production, transforming ideas and purpose into relevant, authentic content that builds meaningful connections.
