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Meet Patricia Emmanuelli, Health and violence prevention specialist
Where are you from?
I am from Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Where do you feel most at home?
After moving to Florida 5 years ago, I thought that being in Puerto Rico would make me feel most at home. But after visiting a few times and coming back to my house in Florida I realized that I felt most at home wherever I am with my children and partner. So for now home is in Orange Park.
What inspires you, professionally and personally?
Communities, specifically those who advocate for the preservation of natural resources. Those folks who gather to educate friends and family through storytelling about how we are responsible for protecting our land and caring for it as our ancestors did.
What are your areas of expertise or what areas are particularly interesting to you?
I am most interested in advocacy through an empowerment lens and listening sessions. I have worked as an advocate for almost 10 years and survivors are the experts.
Share one thing you have learned, big or small, doing your work over the past year?
I have learned that passion is energy and in order to live with more passion you need to do more things that energize you
Who inspires you?
I can’t say one person inspires me. I find joy and inspiration in the work that a lot of people have done in this field. Todo el mundo poniendo su granito de arena para lograr vivir en un mundo libre de violencia es lo que me inspira a mi.
What do you do to relax, de-stress or recharge your batteries?
During the summer I spend most of my weekends at the beach soaking up the sun and swimming in the ocean. During the rest of the year I love to go outside, walk barefooted on the grass, go for a hike, ride my bike or read a book
Why have you chosen to do this kind of work?
I have chosen to do this work because I wanted to stop the cycle in my family and challenge Machismo Culture which at the beginning was really out of my comfort zone but now my family and friends know that I am not one to look the other way and stay silent.
What is your favorite food?
I am definitely a foodie. Love going out and visiting new restaurants and foods from all cultures. But my most favorite food of all time is Puertorrican food. My favorite dish is Arroz con habichuelas y chicharrones de pollo.
What is your favorite book?
I enjoy reading and have many favorites. But to narrow it down I will say that my favorite Genre is Romance and right now I am really into Colleen Hoover.