We had the good fortune of connecting with Josefina Acosta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josefina, what do you want your legacy to be?
Compassion and gratitude. Live and serve with love and joy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 1999 due to the political and economic situation in my native country Dominican Republic, I decided to come to live in the USA (New York city) leaving behind my profession as a Family, Civil and Comercial attorney. Starting from the ground up, being a single mother, learning the language and getting to know the culture were great challenges, however I always had my family supporting me, which made the road less rough.

My first job was as a cashier in a supermarket working on my feet 12 hours a day earning $5.75 an hour, I knew I had to do it while adjusting to my new circumstances. My determination, discipline and commitment were my best tools during the process. For many years I worked in several educational organizations for children with special needs in NY where I obtained some credentials in child development among others.
In 2010 I moved to NC looking for peace of mind and started working at the Forsyth County Health Department.
Since then, I have been working with the community which is my passion. My children are my biggest pride, one is an internal medicine physician, and the other is an electronic game and digital effects and animation designer.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy the mountains and outdoor activities. I would arrange a trip to Grandfather’s mountain, visit some local wineries and breweries.

I love to eat different foods, like Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian and of course southern food, so i would include a day for each cuisine.

Here in Winston Salem, I would take them to downtown, Old Salem, Tanglewood and Kersey Valley Zipline.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.