What happens when we grab an opportunity that turns out to be a life-changing experience?
Sometimes, we don’t notice it in the moment — we just live it. But when we look back, we realize how deeply it shaped who we’ve become. That’s exactly how Talia Ribeiro, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, feels about her journey at Cumorah Academy.
She first came as a student for the Spring 2024 semester, and a year later, she returned as an intern for the Sales Bootcamp in Winter 2025. Her story beautifully represents the full circle of growth at Cumorah: first you learn, then you teach.
The Foundation of a Life-Changing Experience
Like Nephi of old, Talia was “born of goodly parents.” She smiles as she recalls her upbringing:
“I was blessed to have been raised by amazing parents who taught me great principles. They were very supportive and always encouraged me to pursue my dreams.”
“My parents trusted my abilities to achieve anything I wanted to. Cumorah expanded my understanding of that.”
Her parents believed in her potential, and Cumorah helped her see what that truly meant.
At Cumorah Academy, students don’t just learn professional skills — they discover their inner strength, faith, and purpose. Talia explains,
“I learned to define what success means to me, to open my mind to the possibilities ahead, and especially to understand why I want what I want and what it truly is that I want.”
That reflection is what makes Cumorah such a life-changing experience for so many. It’s not just a school — it’s a place where faith meets action, where knowledge turns into purpose, and where dreams begin to take shape.
From Curiosity to Courage
Talia first heard about Cumorah in 2022 from Nina Scurtu, who was part of the enrollment team. Like many students, she didn’t apply right away. She wanted to be sure.
“It took me a few months to consider applying, but after speaking with people who had gone, I finally said ‘yes.’”
That single “yes” changed everything.
Before arriving at Cumorah, Talia was already pursuing personal and professional growth. She was finishing her job at the Brazil MTC (Missionary Training Center), where she worked as a supervisor, while studying Applied Communication at Ensign College online.
Her dream? To combine leadership, communication, and business in a way that would uplift others.
“I studied Business and Entrepreneurship because I want to be a business owner who can have an impact on others’ lives — and have the flexibility to take care of my family.”
At Cumorah, she found the bridge between her dreams and her mission.
Turning Dreams Into Leadership
After her internship, Talia joined the Cumorah team full-time as a Community Relationship Coordinator — a role that allowed her to give back to the same community that shaped her.
“I help build a stronger community among our alumni and lead fundraising efforts. Cumorah has helped me connect with the right people. I am finally working in my field of study and doing what I love — working with people. They value me both as a person and as a professional, and they’ve given me the opportunity to work on something I truly believe in.”
That’s what makes Cumorah a life-changing experience — students don’t just learn; they return to lead, mentor, and inspire others.
While thriving professionally, Talia continues her studies and works on her passion project: Una Academy, a business she co-founded with her friend and fellow Cumorah alumna Rebecca Dias.
A New Chapter: Empowering Women Through Una Academy
Talia’s next chapter is all about empowering others — especially women — to discover their potential.
Una Academy is a women-centered empowerment platform that helps women recognize their strengths, build confidence, and step into their full potential.
Through coaching, education, and community, Una helps women:
- Identify their unique “superpowers”
- Overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome
- Develop the mindset and skills needed to thrive personally and professionally
Its mission is to help women lead with authenticity, challenge bias, and create meaningful growth in their lives and careers — fostering a world where every woman feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
“The business course at Cumorah gave me the tools to know how and when to do things,” Talia shares. “I’m also starting a new Church assignment with the National Committee of Young Single Adults in Brazil, to promote and organize events. It’s another opportunity to serve and grow.”
From student to intern, and now to community leader and entrepreneur — Talia’s path reflects what happens when someone embraces a life-changing experience and uses it to inspire others.
Lessons from Talia’s Journey
Talia’s story holds three timeless lessons for any young adult ready to take a leap of faith:
- Say “yes” to growth opportunities.
Even when you’re unsure, saying yes to the unknown often opens doors you didn’t know existed. - Define success for yourself.
True growth starts when you stop comparing your path to others and begin understanding your purpose. - Lift as you climb.
The greatest measure of leadership is how much you help others grow along the way.
These principles are at the heart of Cumorah Academy. It’s not just about studying or networking — it’s about becoming the kind of person who leads with faith, gratitude, and service.
That’s why, for hundreds of students from around the world, Cumorah isn’t just a school — it’s a life-changing experience that continues to shape their lives long after they leave campus.
Your Turn to Live a Life-Changing Experience
If you’ve ever wondered what your next step could be — this might be it.
Like Talia, you can find your purpose, build lifelong friendships, and learn from mentors who care about your personal and spiritual growth. You’ll gain the tools to lead, serve, and make a difference wherever life takes you.
Cumorah Academy is where young adults from around the world come together to grow in leadership, faith, and purpose.
Apply for a Cumorah Academy Semester and start your own life-changing experience today.
Written by Fernando L. Ferreira Jr.
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
