My feature this week is the vivacious, Kat Marrero. When I reached out to Kat and asked her to tell me about herself, to no surprise, her bio was filled with positive affirmations and confidence. She mentioned she always seems to be the center of attention and isn’t really sure why…from the outside looking in, it’s a no-brainier…this girl is on FIRE!!!!!!
She has a fierce hustle. Working two jobs and doing her duties as a brand ambassador for CURVALICIOUSHER, not to mention the fashion shows she participates in from time to time and her commitment to health that puts her in the gym 3 days a week. All of this and she still finds time to be a positive light to those around her. She credits her work ethic to the example her mother set for her and her sister from a young age. As for her confidence? Well, that too was something instilled in her at a young age. Having moved around a lot, she found herself in new and not always welcoming places. But her sharp wit and self-confidence always left those who were inclined to bully in awe of her. The secret to her success? A pep talk with herself every day in the mirror…” Girl, you are sexy and you are beautiful! Let’s make shit happen!” I don’t know about you, but I can dig it! A big shout out to Kat as we conclude Women’s History Month! **Kat Marrero is the Social Media and Special Event Coordinator for Curvy Ventures Plus Size Entertainment and Travel
3 Comments
In honor of Women's History Month, as you may (or maybe you don't) know, I have decided to feature a woman of true inspiration, strength and triumph in my blog for the duration of March. I asked for nominations from a peer group I belong to and one particular woman continued to inbox me with nominations. If you know me, you know I am a firm believer and supporter of empowerment and uplifting my sisters. So when Felice messaged me, I felt as though she were a kindred spirit, someone who is cut from the same cloth as me. I absolutely admire the way she uses her light to shine on others, so I decided to feature her this week! I am pretty sure you will see her beauty through her bio below. Shout out to Felice and EVERY single one of you reading this who understand that together, we shine brighter! Don't forget to share this article on your social media pages! Let's continue to spread love, acceptance and light!
"I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, moved a few times as a kid, and struggled being the new kid. This probably helped to create my social anxiety, I tend to freeze up in large social situations even if I know folks there. I’ve learned in the past 2 years to push through that initial feeling of anxiety and panic, and use my role as a group admin to help others feel more comfortable. I also lived in Chicago & the south suburbs for 14 years, while getting my Master's in Social Work & Master's in Educational Administration, and I was a School Social Worker & Special Education Administrator there before moving back to Michigan after my Dad passed away. I’m a fierce protector of others against every ism and a resilient survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Now I’m a proud warrior of a woman for size acceptance and justice and equity for all. I’m extremely proud to be Irish & Mexican American and I’m currently beginning research on my genealogy. I guess I’m officially not a newbie to the BBW community anymore since I joined in the fall of 2016. I've been encouraged and supported by Renee Thunda, the owner of Toledo BBW & now I'm coming up on my one year anniversary as an admin. Being in the size acceptance community has helped me develop a greater love and acceptance for myself and others. It has also brought the love of my life to me & he provides me more love and acceptance than I ever imagined could exist. I truly believe in positivity and being grateful for all the blessings that life brings you, including the lessons. Overall, I believe my ability to overcome trauma and low self-esteem has been rooted in my faith, and also my belief that inherently folks are good people. We all have cracks and scars that we are trying to fill and heal from, why not gain strength from helping each other do that?" Want more info on the BBW/Plus Size Community? You can find size acceptance groups such as Toledo BBW and Curvy Ventures on Facebook and IG.
I joined her team several months ago and in that short period of time I’ve seen the grace and tact with which this woman has handled situations that would try the patience of Job (I just channeled my Grandma with that phrase). Her philosophy mirrors that of former First Lady, Michelle Obama. “When they go low, we go high”.
Maria takes GREAT strides to provide a venu, be it online, on the open seas or at a hotel in sunny SoFlo, that is SAFE, welcoming and free of judgement and ridicule. The events that she hosts through Curvy Ventures are not the biggest or most highly attended events in the plus size community (not yet anyway!) However, Maria realizes what many others have failed to, it isnt about the QUANTITY of people at an event, it is about the QUALITY of people! From staff, to attendees, to vendors, Maria makes it her personal mission to provide a safe haven laced with great people and incredible memories. And that’s the key difference! Because if this Curvy Ventures grows daily! Hats off to you Ms. Giugno! You’re definitely a mover and a shaker in the PSC, and on a personal note, I’m INCREDIBLY proud to call you my friend! Thank you for all you do to make the opinions of society less demoralizing. I’d love to hear about a woman who inspires you! Share your thoughts below...and THANK YOU for reading! 💋 |