I was born in Cuba and came to the US at the age of 7 after the Castro revolution. Grew up mostly in Virginia.

BA from Wiliam and Mary; MPA from Old Dominion University. Worked for state government for 30 years in mental health.

Divorced after 23 years of marriage, no kids. Ten years later  met the love of my life and we have been happily married for 3 years. And now I have two stepsons and three grandsons (and never had to go through labor). We are both now enjoying retirement and life in general.

How did you get to where you are now?

By learning the hard lessons in life, and not repeating the same mistakes.

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

10 years ago I was post divorce and very depressed. I was unsure and afraid of my future.

I now see myself as having purpose and able to enjoy even the smallest parts of life.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Haven't thought that far ahead, other than happy and healthy. lol

Listen to your gut. You're more intuitive than you give yourself credit for.

My father.

Strong, independent women who do not give up their femeninity to make it in a man's world; e.g. Coco Chanel, Condolezza Rice, Carolina Herrera, Indira Gandhi.