Raquel’s career with The Villages began in 2016, when she helped residents and business professionals plan their special events while working at The Waterfront Inn. In 2019 she got the opportunity to work at the Brownwood Hotel and Spa, where a year later she received the Manager of The Quarter award. Raquel’s path to working in hospitality began with her studies at the Catholic University of the State of Goias, Brazil, with a degree in Hospitality and Administration.

As a believer and supporter of our local community, Raquel has been involved as a member of The Sumter County Board of Tourism, is an active member at the Rotary Club, and has volunteered for Cornerstone Hospice Foundation and the Buffalo Scholarship Foundation. Along with her husband Andre, Raquel has also supported The Sumter Chamber of Commerce and UF The Villages Regional Hospital Auxiliary Foundation.

Raquel was born and raised in a small town called Porangatu located in the heart of Brazil. Her dreams of traveling the world allowed her, so far, to visit several cities in nine different countries from four separate continents. In 2015 Raquel and her family decided to settle down and call The Villages their home.

Raquel comes from very humble beginnings. Her parents worked hard to provide for all their five children. The principles of Hospitality and Hard Work were the core of her family. Her parents’ home was always the gathering place. Her father, Rafael a former State Trooper, would always welcome anyone in need to their home. Antonia, her mother, would work tireless to provide the best accommodations they could offer.

Raquel has been married for thirteen years to Andre. Together they are raising two children: Aaron, a wicked smart and caring boy, and Ariel the most creative, happy girl anyone can imagine. Both Aaron and Ariel enjoy attending The Villages Charter School. When Raquel is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family around nature and animals, hiking mountains, and going to the beach. As a family, they also love playing with their white, furry puppy dog named Brownie. Growing up loving animals and riding horses, it was very important to Raquel to instill a love for nature and animals with her kids. To keep herself active, Raquel loves all kind sports, but Yoga has a special meaning in her life. Hosting friends to wine & dine is another passion she developed when working as a Banquet Manager. As a certified wine connoisseur, Raquel found this knowledge to be a fun way to learn while enjoying time with her friends and loved ones. 

“Several colleagues, family, and friends have told me that my natural creativity, family taught hospitality and hard work values, dedication, and stewardship, naturally match The Villages Core Values. I was blessed and welcomed at every place I visited and lived. The universe has brought me and my family to The Villages and it is my mission to welcome you and your family to our amazing community. I look forward to helping you find your dream home in The Villages where dreams do come true.”