Venezuelan native 'living her second life' in helping others

As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, we're highlighting a woman who is making a difference through immigration and legal services.

From a young age, Jenny Bustamante Ferrell learned how to overcome adversity.

Her congenital heart disease presented many ups and downs. That's why she made herself a promise.

"When I get out of this situation and I feel like 'OK, I did it, we did it, I have to do something else,'" Ferrell said. "It's like you have a second life."

Today, the Venezuelan native is living out that second life for others, offering immigration and legal services to the Hispanic community.

Ferrell is the director for Mil Mujeres, a non-profit organization. ​

"It's a very important job because the Hispanic and Latin community makes a strong impact. So, the better we feel, the better we will share with the whole country."

For the last seven years, Mil Mujeres has supported hundreds of community members, many of whom she said are often overlooked and forgotten.

"I think God guided me and the universe put me in the right spot," she said. "I know the right people. I am very communicative. So, I always ask 'how can I be there? How can I do this?'"

She's authored a book and is penning a column for the local newspaper to reach more people in need.

"I truly believe that everyone, everyone in any moment, needs support in this world, needs to know that everything is going to be OK," she said.

Because of that dedication to supporting her community, we celebrate Jenny Bustamante Ferrell for WRAL's Hispanic Heritage Month.