Maria Conceicao: A Woman of Courage and Compassion

In a landscape often dominated by men, Maria’s story stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women. Born into a modest family, to a single mother who gave her up at the age of 2 years old. Her adoptee mother looked after her till 12 years and she passed away. Maria quit school at 12 years old and then worked menial jobs to earn a living. Maria understood the value of hard work from an early age. She witnessed her mother juggling multiple responsibilities, from managing the household to contributing to the family income.

Maria’s opportunity came in the UK, when a recruiting firm suggested that she apply as a crew to Emirates, she persevered, eventually landing a coveted position as part of the Emirates crew. It was a dream come true for Maria, who saw this as her ticket to explore the world and chart her own path to success.

As a flight attendant, Maria’s journey took her to different corners of the globe. Life changed for her when she landed in Dhaka, Bangladesh and witnessed firsthand the plight of underprivileged communities, particularly children, Maria felt a deep sense of empathy and compassion stirring within her.

To raise funds for the kids to provide them with the basics of life, she knew she had to do something that would gain world attention. A feat that is most challenging, she decided to swim the English Channel to raise awareness and funds. This was when she did not know how to swim, and yet bravely trained for the challenge. Battling fierce currents and frigid waters, Maria displayed incredible resilience and determination as she conquered one of the world’s most difficult open-water swims. Her journey across the Channel became a symbol of triumph over adversity and a testament to the power of the human spirit.

Maria’s remarkable accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades and awards for her humanitarian efforts and athletic achievements. Among her many honors are the Humanitarian Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, the Woman of the Year Award from Emirates Woman magazine, and the Global Humanitarian Award from the United Nations. These accolades serve as a testament to Maria’s extraordinary impact on the world and her unwavering dedication to making a difference.

Through her tireless work and indomitable spirit, Maria Conceicao continues to inspire countless individuals to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and make a positive impact on the world. Her story serves as a shining example of the transformative power of compassion, courage, and perseverance.

Written by: Dr. (hon) Farhana Vohra