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Walk by faith and not by sight. Write your own story. Follow your dreams.

Lia Ocampo shared with me these words to live by as we continued to talk about the many other inspiring lines written as watermarks on her “vision board” in her tiny Florida apartment.

Twenty-five years ago, I had the opportunity to shake hands with Lia when I processed my human resources documents as a new employee of the American Embassy Manila. I was waiting in the HR waiting area when Lia passed by and asked me if I was being helped by someone. She was then working as one of the two locally employed staff assigned to handle HR management of American employees. Her cheerful demeanor and kind spirit sent positive vibes in the room. I knew then that Lia would be that kind of friend you would have for life. Fast forward, Lia left HR and moved to the sister agency of the trade department where I was assigned. In those times, we had many deep conversations about life, family, friendships, and the daily commute around Metro Manila.

When her former agency decided to close the program in Manila, Lia quickly transitioned from one U.S. Government agency to another, serving a full cycle of human resource management experience. We’ve kept in touch, despite her new assignments, until she capped her HR career at the embassy in 2012. Then she moved to America under the special immigrant visa program.

In 2015, I had the opportunity to see Lia again in Denver when I visited for a work training. It was our very first reunion after her immigration. She gave me that real precious day in between her flight assignments and I’m personally grateful for her generosity of time. In 2019, Lia made a stop in New Orleans en route to her next flight schedule to again meet with me while I was visiting for another work conference. I couldn’t fathom that she again took time to see me and I would always be grateful for her kindness.

We found ourselves in a very engaging conversation about how she can champion the idea of coming up with a book project beyond her travel snippets and blogs. While she has written hundreds of stories about her personal experience, world travels, and the journey she blazed while living in America, it wasn’t easy to see that project through to fruition. Lia had to contend with managing personal resources to pull together the book project while also juggling work schedules and shuttling between Florida and New York to attend to her youngest son.

For more than 25 years now, Lia and I shared many life stories. We had the common ground of serving the United States Embassy Filipino Employees Association, our personal advocacy to promote literacy and leadership development among the youth, and same passion for books and travel. We are taking the same pathway with a stronger resolve to enjoy womanhood in our golden years and live a more meaningful life in general.

Lia’s passion to go beyond one’s comfort zone and taking the risks is truly inspiring and worthy of emulation. When we share personal stories and breakthroughs, they can help create a bridge for another person to cross. Lia created that bridge in her vision book project when she encouraged her peers and former work colleagues to share their personal breakthroughs as immigrants in America. Lia’s indefatigable character built a strong personal foundation in order to live a meaningful life and become an inspiration for others.

With this book, Lia found what she calls her “life’s purpose,” which is to be a positive influence and a life coach, someone who helps other people find their own personal success.

Lia chooses to see the glass half full rather than half empty. And she chose to make the next generation of aspiring individuals to benefit from her great work. Her desire to help and take the extra mile to guide future immigrants is not only a deep manifestation of her commitment to serve but also the true epitome of a selfless and fearless leader ready to transcend boundaries and fulfill infinite possibilities.



Thess Sula

February 3, 2020

Manila, Philippines