Sandra Rodríguez, the Art Director of Live & Life in Palmas; my friend, confidant, accomplice and a great graphic designer. We have worked together for 30 long years–since the time I had my advertising agency Rosado & Morales. In advertising you normally work very long hours which is why we laugh when we hear somebody complain that they are getting out of work at 7 or 8pm; for us, a day like that would be half-a-day! During the magazine’s first years, we would sleep-over at the office for two weeks (Monday through Thursday) and get some shut eye for some 4 or 5 hours. We used to call them the Harakiri weeks (in reference to the Japanese suicide ritual). Nowadays we do virtual Harakiri’s via Dropbox and emails. I have to confess that it is not that fun! Sandra is also a hard worker and knows me so well that we don’t even have to talk sometimes! We both have good scanners (meaning we have a way of reading people and situations, and we laugh a lot!) Thank you, Sandra, for always being there for me and my daughter.

To my partner Obed Borrero who has been with me from almost the very beginning. Obed,
without hesitation, jumped on board with insight and patience despite my poor technological
skills at that time, although, he has to admit, that I have learned a lot. Obed, as myself, is a
passionate Palmeño, who is always thinking of ways to promote Palmas and improve our online visibility. Obed has become more than a partner and close friend, he has become family. Together with his wife, Beatriz Archilla, we call ourselves…Mediatika del Este because, WALO radio is the radio station with the best coverage in the east coast. During and after hurricane Maria, Obed demonstrated his leadership and commitment. Obed is responsible for all the technology behind Live & Life in Palmas and Palmas del Mar Homeowners Association, as well as my private tech guru and dear friend.

Antonio (Tony Maldonado), our PHA Executive Administrator has also been my support and
consultant from day one. I believe that Tony is one of the most efficient person I have ever met; he is a hard worker. We saw him working untiringly almost 24/7 after Hurricane Maria. He is also very formal about his deadlines and commitment. Tony writes the text for the PHA pages (except for the President’s letter) and if he tells me that I will have them for Friday, probably I will receive them on Thursday or even Wednesday. Thank you, Tony for your trust and for believing in us.

I have the privilege to work very closely with three of our past PHA Presidents: Julio Bagué, Servando Díaz and Rita Molinelli–three real leaders and committed people with different styles and personalities but with one goal in common: the well-being of Palmas del Mar’s community. They all have worked pro-bono, day and night for Palmas and I can vouch for all the hours they’ve dedicate to this task (which, as you all can imagine, is not an easy task). Chapeau to all of them! I truly admire your hard work.

Last but not least, my wonderful daughter, Gabriela, now a mechanical engineer and responsible adult who is my confidant and consultant in many things…among them my English! Gabriela grew up in my office (literally) attending marketing meetings and press conferences since she was a baby. I had a sitter that took care of her, but in my office. When she was older, she would come to the office after school and stay there until we left at night attending all the meetings and brainstorming sessions. I believe that is where she developed her people skills and is what makes her such a rounded person regardless of her technical education. I can see now how this little girl, who listened in on our professional meetings, acquired so much knowledge. That’s why she has so much common sense and wise reasoning. She also knows me very well and doesn’t have any problem in telling me when she understands I am wrong: “Mami, you are crazy! How are you going to say that?” Gaby, I am not only proud of you, but I enjoy so much being around you! You are also a lot of fun!