Mariannie Segarra is originally from Quebradillas, Puerto Rico, and is in charge of nona.media’s multicultural relations. Segarra also oversees Nonahood Latino, a Spanish version of Nonahood News.

Rapid Fire Questions:

Extrovert or Introvert? Extrovert

Indoors or Outdoors? Outdoors

Sun or Snow? Sun

Dogs or Cats? Dogs

Vans or Converse? Cowboy boots! LOL

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

Adventurous or Laid Back? Adventurous

Canon, Nikon or Sony? Nikon

Books or TV? Books

What brought you to the Nonahood?

“[I] wanted to be closer to my loved ones, and [I] love the community!”

What’s your favorite hobby?

“Any physical activity or wine tasting … it’s 50/50.”

What’s your biggest dream?

“Writing a book. I am a very optimistic person who moved from a very small town in Puerto Rico and has conquered every fear and built several businesses, even though I was raised to be a stay-at-home mom. In our culture, we battle with traditionalism and when one is different, they are marginalized. I have to battle daily the guilt of being a single mom and loving my job!”

What kind of book would it be?

“Lifestyle, dreams, fun and love!! I am a hopeless romantic!”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

“Having the same passion and drive I have today to live.”

What are you most excited about in Lake Nona?

“Infinite possibilities.”

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

“Diane von Furstenberg. She has been married, divorced, started companies, closed companies and still has an amazing attitude and style and has become the woman she wanted to be!! #goals”

What’s your favorite book?

“ ‘David vs. Goliath’ by my fav[orite] Malcolm Gladwell.”

What’s something you’ve done that scared you the most or brought you out of your comfort zone?

“Giving birth!! Becoming a mom brought me out of my comfort zone but was the best experience of my life. So grateful to be able to have my children!”

Describe one of your most memorable experiences.

“Doing my yoga teacher training in Asheville, North Carolina. It was right after I got divorced and moved to North Carolina. Through the yoga teacher training, I started to learn to be present and love the process of having an opened heart and beginner mind! We have to sometimes disconnect with what we know to truly flourish and evolve in our lives. It’s [a] daily process.”

Check back next month to get to know another member of the nona.media team!