Mary Roque
Business Owner and a Master Social Worker (MSW)

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Manila, Philippines, Mary grew up in a family that
transformed their lives from poverty to stability through sheer determination and hard work. Her
childhood was filled with the joyful simplicity of traditional Filipino street games with her two
older sisters, while her parents, despite their limited means, provided a nurturing yet
unstructured environment. In 2014, a pivotal moment in her life arose when her mother was
diagnosed with cancer. To offer support, she and her husband relocated to the United States.
With her husband securing a position in El Segundo, CA, they established their new life in
America. Mary’s mother is now proudly cancer-free.

In the early years of their American journey, Mary balanced roles as a home care aide and
babysitter while contributing to the growth of their family-owned homecare business. Despite the
financial challenges and the need to juggle multiple jobs, her commitment never wavered. As
the business expanded, she was able to shift her focus to refining its processes and embarked
on a new academic journey, pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at CalState University Long
Beach (CSULB). Graduating in 2023 with a stellar 3.94 GPA, she gained valuable experience in
school social work and elder advocacy, and is now diligently working towards her license as
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with a specialization in gerontology.

Mary’s career has been shaped by significant milestones and challenges. Armed with a
Psychology degree from Miriam College, she navigated the complexities of supporting her
family and revitalizing the business, which included the tough decision to close s previous
business and then rebuild a new from the ground up. This challenge, though daunting, provided
a fresh start for her and her family, imbued with newfound insight and humility. Another major
test came with an unexpected pregnancy while taking her Master’s program. Balancing the
demands of her studies, the family’s growing business, and impending motherhood definitely
required strategic delegation, seeking support, and meticulous time management to prevent
burnout.

She is deeply proud of her achievements, including her role in establishing a business that
prioritizes exceptional care, her academic excellence, and her ability to maintain a healthy
lifestyle and personal interests while raising a child. Her Filipino heritage has profoundly
influenced her path, instilling a deep respect for the elderly, a robust spiritual foundation, and an
enduring appreciation for hard work and humility. Community also plays a crucial role in her life;
while she cherishes her close-knit circle, she also values the diverse and supportive networks
offered by her academic and spiritual communities in the U.S.

For young Filipino American professionals aspiring to make their mark, she offers heartfelt
advice: set specific, achievable goals, create a vision board to keep your ambitions visible,
embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, support fellow Filipinos, and keep faith at the
center of your journey.

Currently, she champions Southern California Caregiving Services (SCC)
(southerncaliforniacaregiving.com), with locations in Los Angeles and Orange County, and
provides expert guidance in senior services, including home health, hospice, and related
support. Also as a social worker, Ms. Roque can also be contacted as a resource for homecare
services, IHSS applications, and similar services regarding geriatric social services.