Ada Rios’s immigrant journey is a story of resilience, leadership, and service. After the loss of her mother at age 16, she began navigating life independently and, by 17, was already involved in immigrant rights activism in Denver, Colorado. Despite profound personal hardship and the challenges of adapting to a new country, she remained committed to her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and pursuing professional training in cosmetology, holistic wellness, and clinical hypnotherapy.

From her earliest years in the United States, Ada has supported immigrant families by helping them understand immigration processes, access resources, and learn English. She began her professional career as an ESL instructor and later advanced into leadership roles in the hospitality industry, gaining experience in operations, accounting, and supervision.

In 2005, inspired by her own health journey, Ada founded a natural body care company that grew from her kitchen into a multi-state retail business, with products sold in Whole Foods locations across New England. She later expanded her work by opening holistic wellness centers in West Hartford and Bristol, creating culturally responsive services for diverse communities.

Ada co-founded Skills: Build Your Future with her son in 2023, where she teaches English, mentors immigrant families, and supports workforce development and self-sufficiency. Her civic leadership includes serving four years as President of the Hartford Diversity Lions Club, where she led efforts that provided more than 500 food boxes during the 2020 crisis. In 2025, she became the first President of Central Americans United of Connecticut, helping to strengthen advocacy, cultural connection, and civic engagement.

For more than two decades, Ada has empowered immigrant families by helping them navigate complex systems, connect to essential services, and build stable futures. Through partnerships with community organizations, small businesses, and service providers, she has expanded access to education, wellness resources, and economic opportunities across Connecticut.

Ada Rios’s journey reflects the power of perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. Her work continues to uplift immigrant families and strengthen communities throughout the state.