Carol Ma

Carol Ma was born and raised in Costa Rica, the daughter of a Chinese immigrant father and a Costa Rican mother. Her childhood was marked by hardship — parental abandonment, social risk, and early motherhood at age 16.

 

Yet through those difficult beginnings, God shaped in her a deep compassion for others on the margins.

Carol holds a degree in International Relations and a master’s in Human Rights and Education for Peace. Despite a successful career in the professional world, she made a bold decision eight years ago: to leave it behind and dedicate herself fully to serving the vulnerable.

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She now serves as:

• Director of Casa Mint, a nonprofit providing transitional housing, mental and spiritual health care, and job reintegration for homeless women, sex workers, and those recovering from substance abuse.

• Director of the School of Arts and Crafts at PROMUNDO Foundation, which provides educational opportunities for people experiencing homelessness.

• A board member of the Costa Rican Federation for Harm Reduction, advocating for dignity-based care models throughout the country.

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Carol’s life is a testimony to restoration. Once a young mother with limited options, she now walks alongside others facing the same obstacles she overcame. Her work is not just professional — it’s deeply personal.

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She is married to her best friend, Saeed, and is the proud mother of Melanie and Ximena.