COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Serafin Macias was forced to retire 15 years ago at the age of 52, after a grueling battle with diabetes. However, that hasn’t stopped him from remaining active in his community. He has dedicated his time to helping and advising the youth of Queens, encouraging kids to spend less time in the streets and more time in the classrooms. Macias has also devoted much of his time to aspiring business owners. “When they want to open a business, I help them so that they progress,” he said. “I help them find localities; purchase supplies – all free of charge – whatever they need.”
JOB: For almost 30 years, Macias spent his life in the restaurant business. He developed many skills over the years, from bartending to cooking. His many employers ranged from schools to hospitals. He was also able to turn a few profits in the real estate market, buying and selling properties.
PERSONAL: Macias has no children and has been happily married for 30 years to his wife, Yolanda. He emigrated from Colombia when he was 25 years old. “I came [to the U.S.] for a better life,” he said. “I am very proud of myself, because I can walk down the street and hold my head up high – because I don’t owe anyone anything.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge for most immigrants is assimilating to the culture. For Macias it was no different. “When you first arrive, everything is hard, and the first thing was the language,” he said. “But I stood up and realized I had to better myself. You can’t be negative; you have to be positive because you get results with hard work.”
PROUDEST MOMENT: His success is one thing he is very proud of. “I am proud to be here, to be an honest and hard working man, and to have helped many people,” he said. “You have to be proud to have what very few people have – I have my wife, a house, no debts, and I have served humanity.”
INSPIRATION: Macias learned early on that life wasn’t easy. It was his childhood that made him the person he is today. “I enjoy helping children because I was poor growing up. But I pushed myself, and helped myself,” he said. “I spent a lot of time with adults, and I learned from them. I have a lot of affection for the people who helped me when I asked for it. If you help children, they will eventually return the favor.” – William Gallego
