How Elizabeth Balanced Motherhood & Business During COVID-19

Juggling parenthood and entrepreneurship is a challenge at the best of times — but doing so during a global pandemic adds an entirely new layer of complexity. For Elizabeth Maruyama, founder of America Visa Advisory, navigating this dual role wasn’t just a test of endurance but a lesson in resilience and purpose. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

When COVID-19 hit, Maruyama was in the process of building her immigration consulting business, all while caring for her children at home nearly 24/7. The lines between work and family life blurred, with her home transforming into both an office and a daycare. Despite the chaos, Maruyama pressed forward, driven by her passion for assisting talented immigrants in navigating the complex U.S. visa process.

Maruyama’s path to founding America Visa Advisory was shaped by her own experiences as an immigrant. After relocating to the U.S. on an L1B visa, she faced firsthand the complexities and setbacks of the immigration system — even enduring a failed green card application before ultimately succeeding. This experience ignited her desire to create a service that would help immigrants understand their visa options, prepare their cases, and connect with the right legal resources.

During the pandemic, her work became even more crucial. With travel restrictions, changing immigration policies, and increased uncertainty, immigrants needed expert guidance more than ever. Maruyama often found herself helping clients late into the night, answering questions, compiling case documents, and providing reassurance to those feeling lost in the system.

“COVID-19 taught me that you earn your reputation with what you do,” she reflects. “Even when times are tough, showing up for people makes all the difference.” Her determination to support others, even during personal struggles, became the foundation of her business’s success.

America Visa Advisory didn’t just survive the pandemic — it thrived. Maruyama introduced innovative tools like an AI-powered platform to streamline case evaluations and assist attorneys in understanding client profiles more efficiently. This commitment to innovation and client care earned her recognition within the immigration community. 

The balancing act of motherhood and business wasn’t without its challenges, but it helped shape Maruyama’s philosophy as a leader. She believes that empathy, patience, and adaptability are just as essential to business success as strategy and expertise. These values are deeply embedded in her company’s approach, where every client is treated as an individual with unique dreams and struggles.

Today, America Visa Advisory continues to help skilled immigrants find pathways to build their futures in the United States. And through it all, Maruyama remains grounded by her dual roles as both a mother and a founder.

This article is published in close collaboration with Pressiqa, highlighting the inspiring story of an entrepreneur who turned personal challenges into a mission-driven business. You can learn more about Elizabeth Maruyama’s work and America Visa Advisory by visiting her LinkedIn profile or exploring the company’s official website.

Maruyama’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships — it’s about using them as fuel to build something meaningful, both for yourself and for the people you serve.