Guelmie Santiago was born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico. She traveled to New Bedford, Massachusetts as a young adult, struggling with the language barrier while also trying to become accustomed to a new culture. Guelmie took various ESOL classes and attended Bristol Community College to further her education in the English language. Enrolling in Bristol Community College sparked her interest in several different career paths and opportunities.
In 2017, Guelmie obtained her Associates Degree in Business at Bristol Community College then completed her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources at Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts. Ms. Santiago says receiving her college degree led her down the path of working with people, as a Human Resource Manager at two different manufacturing corporations, first Wollaston Alloys Inc. and then Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation. “These opportunities drove me to my passion for helping people, specifically those in my community.”
In 2018, while also juggling her position as an HR Manager, she pursued her real estate license and is now practicing in the State of Massachusetts.
Currently, Ms. Santiago owns and operates Santiago Professional Services in New Bedford. Based on her personal struggles with language barriers, Santiago tailored her business to provide service, education, and guidance primarily within the Hispanic community in the areas of finances, taxes, real estate, and small business needs. Ms. Santiago says, “I have always had a passion for working and assisting those that are limited to the language.”