Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Ortiz-Turley.
Hi Helen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I became pregnant with my first child while still a girl in my small town in Guatemala. Fear and worry consumed me. I could barely survive on my own—how could I care for a baby? It felt like my life had ended before it truly began. Opportunities were scarce, and hope even scarcer. But in that darkness, I had an epiphany: I needed to migrate to the United States to give my child, my family and myself a better chance.
At just 17 years old, I made the hardest decision of my life—leaving my baby with my family to head north. With only $80 and a broken heart, I boarded La Bestia, the train that carries Central Americans toward the U.S. border. The journey was brutal, dangerous, and full of uncertainty. But two months later, I arrived with nothing but the clothes on my back and a dream to fulfill—a dream to defy the odds, to give my family the life I never had, and to become more than what I was told I could be.
I worked countless labor jobs, eventually receiving a work permit for agricultural workers. But my path wasn’t free of hardship—I was a victim of labor exploitation, and that painful experience became the catalyst for starting my legal process. I committed myself to learning English, adapting to a new culture, and surviving. Over time, I found stability and stepped into sales roles that taught me valuable lessons and opened doors for career growth. I began to discover who I truly was and what I was capable of.
Then in 2009, another tragedy struck: I was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer. Once again, I faced a moment where courage and resilience were my only options. I stared death in the face, and it felt closer than ever. But my faith in God, my will to live, and my love for my family gave me the strength to fight. I had already discovered my passion for weightlifting before the diagnosis, but cancer forced me to step away for about three years. After intense chemotherapy and radiation, my cancer went into remission.
That’s when I began rebuilding—not just my body, but my spirit. I developed a positive mindset and poured myself into the art of weightlifting. Through relentless discipline and sacrifice, I entered the competitive fitness world. For the first time, I felt like I had found my place. Tragedy after tragedy, heartbreak after heartbreak—I discovered a world where I felt strong, supported, and empowered to succeed on my own terms.
After years of pushing past limits, I forged myself into a professional bodybuilder. Today, I have the honor of representing my beloved Guatemala on the international stage. It wasn’t easy. I faced countless obstacles—external challenges and internal demons. But I chose to persevere. I chose to rise.
Then came COVID—and with it, another test. At age 56, I lost my sales job and was forced to reinvent myself once again. I pivoted into real estate, and within three years, I became a partner at Carthage Commercial Real Estate. Reinvention became my rhythm. I didn’t just rebuild—I expanded.
I now serve my community through organizations like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the WIN KC Board, and the Hope House Board. I’ve participated in fundraisers like KC’s Most Wanted for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Dancing with the Stars for Cristo Rey High School, and I’m currently building my own nonprofit initiative: Healing with Helen—a platform focused on mental and physical wellness. It’s a space where my story becomes a source of strength for others, where healing is not just personal, but communal.
Every tragedy I’ve faced prepared me for the moments when I had to choose: give up or keep going. I chose to keep going. And in doing so, I became resilient, wise, strong, creative—and ultimately, limitless. I learned to turn pain into power. I learned to ignite my inner fire and become the light I needed for myself.
No one escapes tragedy in this life. The question isn’t if adversity will come—it’s when. And when it does, you have a choice: How will you respond?
I challenge you to find growth in your pain. Let it forge you into a stronger, wiser version of yourself. On the other side of adversity is the person you were designed to be. Be proud of your journey—no matter how hard it’s been—because it might just be the launchpad for your wildest dreams
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road—but every bump, every detour, and every storm has shaped the strength I carry today.
I’ve faced loss, reinvention, illness, and sacrifice. But through it all, I’ve learned that struggle isn’t a setback—it’s a forge. It’s where resilience is born, where purpose is refined, and where the fire inside becomes impossible to ignore. The road has been hard, but it’s made me unstoppable.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I specialize in commercial real estate, with a strong focus on gas stations and grocery stores—but I also handle residential properties and work across the full spectrum. After years as a partner with Carthers Commercial Real Estate, I’ve recently launched my own team under Cordura Real Estate, stepping into a new chapter of leadership and vision.
What truly sets me apart is my approach. I don’t just see a transaction—I see a long-term relationship. I apply a blue ocean strategy, meaning I go above and beyond the traditional role of an agent. I often become deeply involved in my clients’ businesses, offering insights, support, and strategy that extend far beyond the closing table. The lines sometimes blur, because I care that much—and that’s exactly what gives me my edge and keeps me competitive.
I have deep roots in my community, built through years of service and authentic connection. That involvement has created a powerful network—one that allows me to materialize deals others might not even see coming. My business is built on trust, strategy, and heart.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my dearest childhood memories is spending time with Papa Chulo, a man who impacted me deeply—not just emotionally, but spiritually.
He was more than family; he was a soul connection, a savior in my life. One memory that always brings me joy is when we’d go collect food for the animals we kept at home. It wasn’t just about the task—it was about the bond, the laughter, the quiet understanding between us. Feeding those animals together felt sacred, like a ritual of care and connection. That memory lives in me, reminding me of love, purpose, and the kind of presence that shapes a life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cordurare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifbbprohelen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.turley.31
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenortiz
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IFBBProHelenOrtiz
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ifbbprohelen
