Merlene Smith-Sotillo of Jamaica Queens was born and raised in the beautiful Island of Trinidad and Tobago West Indies. She always had a special interest in the medical field at a young age. Merlene attended Success Village R C School and later went to Mills High School, where she graduated at the top of her class. Continuing her studies, she attended Geans Secretarial School, graduating with a degree in clerical studies and six months later, she began working at Trinidad Hilton Hotel in the housekeeping department. Merlene worked there for a couple of years than in early 1989, her family migrated to the United States and she began working at McDonald's, advancing to management. Shortly after Merlene decided to further her education; she took several night classes at York College, studying for her G.E.D. and she also took several courses in the medical field because two of her four children have Sickle Cell Disease and she wanted to know as much about this illness as possible.

She questioned about cures and types of treatment for the disease and dealing with situations and the frustration of not being able to get proper treatment and information in her country of Trinidad & Tobago. Merlene Smith-Sotillo's passion for knowledge and information allowed her the opportunity to get involved with various Sickle Cell Organizations in America. In her quest for treatment options and information, she volunteers at Queens Hospital Center which allowed her the opportunity to attend various seminars on the topic of Sickle Cell Disease. While developing her knowledge, she saw the drastic need for education and information on the illness and in August of 2007, Merlene Smith-Sotillo made a decision to bring awareness by starting her own foundation, Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Corp Int, a not-for-profit organization; by doing so she began blood drive, walk and bike-a-thon, Health Fairs, and a community referral center In 2009, Merlene Smith-Sotillo learned much from the Sickle Cell Act of 2003 and with this, she has obtained much-needed support from a Senator who introduced the sickle cell treatment act S5450 along with help from her community, family, friends, and church members, the Foundation has been a great success.

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Merlene Smith-Sotillo has also supported a variety of civic and charitable organizations, including the Cancer Action Council, NAACP, and 1199. Merlene has well over 25 + years of experience in this field. She has assisted many individuals and families in coping with this illness. Her organization seeks to Increase Public Awareness of the Sickle- Cell Disease or trait, through educational ventures, Health Fairs, walk-a-thon, Bike-a-Thon, and Blood Drives. We at the Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation Corp Intl. have been able to accomplish a lot through participating in Public Fund Raisers, and charitable events. We also offer Counseling and Sociological support, which is being provided to those living with this disease. Because of her hard work in the community, Merlene was awarded One Proclamation from Congress and Six from Senators in her District.