Over the years, Maritza dealt with disappointment, success, and everything in between. Though her journey was plagued with hardships, she persevered and became the 1st African American woman to make a US Olympic Swim Team in 2004. While proud to be the first, she didn't want to be the last. 

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Did you know? Nearly 64% of African American children don't know how to swim and if a parent doesn't know how to swim, there is only a 19% chance the child will learn. Swimming is the only sport that is also a life saving skill!

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As a trailblazer in her sport, she knew something needed to be done. Maritza travels the country educating black communities about the importance of learning to swim, offering an introduction to water safety, and sharing her unique, awe inspiring story.