I am an active 75 year old great grandmother. I’m a world traveler, cultural dancer and activist of wrongful convictions n my community.
We would like to thank you for supporting Maria Velazquez in this year's competition. Your support helps us contribute to the National Breast Cancer Foundation who provides early detection, education, and support services to those affected by breast cancer.
My retirement at 62 gave me the freedom to be more present in family life and active in a very personal cause being that of the Wrongful Conviction of my son, Jon-Adrian Velazquez, who after a 24 year incarceration was granted Clemency made possible by a letter writing campaign to Governor Cuomo. After a 27 year struggle he was also exonerated on 9/30/2024. At 75 I am a great grandmother of beautiful identical 2 year old twin girls and a handsome 1 year old boy.
How do you stay fabulous?My 60’s found me very active dancing in the Puertorican, Dominican and Caribbean parades of NYC. Walking has also been a great part of my journey. I participated in a 150 mile 9 day walk from Harlem to Albany to bring awareness to wrongful incarceration. Although this past year arthritis has curtailed my dancing I’ve remained active in the Puertorican Bomba Dance Community.
What would you do with the $40,000?If I were to win $40,000 I would like to start an organization to fund a few trips per year to prisons for children of incarcerated parents. I would also like to continue my travels worldwide discovering the world of dance. Along the way I would also get to meet many supporters I’ve befriended worldwide, in England, Mexico, Canada, etc., during the last 27 year struggle of my wrongful conviction advocacy.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Fab Over 40, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
