March is Women's History Month, and News 12 is using the occasion to spotlight the important contributions women are making across the region.
Marisol Lugo Cartagena, 48, is a lifelong Bridgeport resident and a well-respected health care worker in St. Vincent's Medical Center's radiology department.
"The big things that are important to me in life are hard work, dedication, respect, loyalty," she told News 12's Frank Recchia.
Lugo Cartagena says she's proud to bring those same qualities to her job as mother to 7-year-old Victoria and 8-year-old King.
King has special needs, and while Lugo Cartagena says it hasn't been easy raising him, she has always welcomed the challenge.
"You have to be on top of your child when they have autism," she said.
Lugo Cartagena is known to help calm patients who might be feeling vulnerable and scared.
Lead MRI Tech Brian Rafferty called her "dependable" and a standout for her "professionalism and humanity."
"She is always positive. She's great with our patients. Our patients love her, and when she interacts with them, she's very caring," said Rafferty.
Lugo Cartagena is a graduate of Central High School and was the first person in her family to earn a college degree, all while working and raising her kids.