Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariana Marquez.
Hi Mariana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. At that time and to this day, my home country has been in economic and political unrest within its government. This was the predominant reason that me and my family of seven, mom and dad, along with my four brothers, had to flee the country in search for a better life. In 2014, we landed in the United States to begin the hope of a new life with greater opportunities.
Our first few years in the United States were difficult to say the least, as none of my family knew English. In the beginning, we made great strides to learn as much as we could from the people around us and the tools that we had at our disposal. We grew tremendously and were very grateful for the doors that opened in front of us.
In high school, I made great efforts to be a contributing member to my school. I earned multiple outstanding awards, was a president for HoPe, played for the tennis team, made prom queen, was in the key club and volunteered to the best of my abilities in the community. In this season, as most do, I grew in many ways but one of my goals in this stage of life and all stages moving forward, was the pursuit of excellence. I have always strived to be as great as I can be, this catapulted me ideally into my college years.
At Georgia State University, I was a Goizueta scholar, getting my associate’s degree in Political Science. I was a very dedicated student and managed to complete my associate’s degree even in the middle of a pandemic. I will continue to pursue further education by getting my bachelor’s degree in Law and minoring in Business. The challenges that I have faced have prepared me for the life that I am currently pursuing.
Along with my educational pursuits, I also am eager to make strides in my modeling career.
I started modeling in 2021 and have come up through SHINE Pageants and Modeling. Modeling has always been something that I have wanted to pursue, however, I have always struggled with committing to it fully due to my own doubts and fears. Last year I decided to finally cast my fears aside and jump into the unknown. I have not had any regrets since. I have attended fashion shows such as: Natural Attraction, Art Meso, Bovtiqve Fashion Week in Las Vegas, and recently Sweet and Tea Party, along with two more on my schedule. I was published in both Jezebel Magazine in their 25th-anniversary edition and Atlantan Magazine December 2021 edition. I am excited to keep working and growing in this industry and to see where this journey will take me with the dedication and perseverance that I have learned to be so accustomed to in my life. This is only the start of my journey in modeling and I am determined to learn, adapt, and excel like I have in all other areas of my life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One thing is that the road has not been is smooth. Starting out in a country that was in turmoil and crisis, as it still is, made growing up in a family of seven very difficult. The challenges didn’t stop when we got to the U.S. We had a new set of obstacles to climb once we made it to safety in America. Learning a new language, learning how to fit-in in school, and how to navigate the different cultural waters was a challenge that we knew we would have to face.
Nevertheless, we made it through the trials as they came and grew stronger from each one. Amongst the many lessons learned was perseverance. Growing up in the way that I did, I learned early on how hard you have to work for your dreams. Whether your dream is to make a new life in a better place, or even more specifically, to pursue your passion for modeling. Perseverance has been one of the greatest lessons that this bumpy road has taught me
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I recently got a new job and I am working as a leasing consultant.
When it comes to modeling, I want to be the mirror for the girls that share the same passion and have the same doubts as me when I started. I held myself back for years because I thought I was not physically ready to enter this industry. When I finally took the step carrying all my doubts and fears on my back I realized that they started to disappear. I learned to embrace my attributes, became more confident, and was finally ready to overcome all the challenges, and succeed.
On the other hand, when it comes to my law career, my goal is to help undocumented students pursue their dream professional careers. By making significant changes regarding In-State tuition requirements and financial aid that will provide better and more affordable opportunities to such students.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like the most about the city is how alive it is. There is never a dull moment. It is very diverse and has many events going on that could go from networking to having a wonderful time.
What I do not like about the city is how unpredictable the weather can be and traffic, but that is a subject for another time.
Contact Info:
Image Credits:
#1 & #3 SHINE Pageants and Modeling (@shinepageantsandmodeling) #1 & #3 Photographer: Papoy Photography (@papoyphotography) #2 Photographer: Ricky Sandoval (@light_photography812) #4 Event: Natural Attraction Fashion (@nafshows) Photographer: Kai Smith (@eikonikimages) #5 Photographer: Valeria Camacho
