Today we’d like to introduce you to Soraya Berges.
Soraya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m originally from the Dominican Republic with Lebanese, French, and Spanish roots. I came to the US 8 years ago to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Coming from an island in the middle of the Caribbean, I wanted to experience the changing seasons, and Boston was the perfect place for that. I had the opportunity to do a year abroad in Europe, spending a semester in both Paris and Berlin, which was probably the most amazing experience I’ve had so far.
After graduation, I moved to New York City to work for a very large engineering firm in their headquarters. After two years, the opportunity came to relocate to Miami, and being an island girl at heart, I was ready for some heat. Moving to the Brickell/Downtown area made the most sense for me coming from New York City; I needed the hustle and bustle that only city life can provide, with wonderful water views and the amazing sunshine that we have in South Florida.
Miami has been such an amazing experience where I feel I have the best of both worlds; It definitely feels like home. My biggest passion right now is yoga. Yoga has been a part of my daily practice now for the past 9 months and it has taught me so much on staying present in the moment, being grounded, being in tune with your body (and soul) and what it needs. When the world is crumbling around you, yoga gives you patience, calm, and the power to forgive; those around you and yourself for your own limitations. I have grown immensely through this practice and has taken me through some difficult times coming out stronger than before.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Working in a male-dominated field as is architecture and engineering has definitely been a challenge, but one that has been very gratifying. It’s always hard for women to feel noticed or grow in any field where there are mostly men. My advice to young women is to always believe in your dreams and be fearless in the pursuit of your goals and what makes you happy.
The most important thing is to always be confident and don’t let anyone try to step on you or tell you that what you want isn’t worth pursuing. I would love to encourage all women to get into STEM degrees especially engineering roles which are in very high demand right now.
Please tell us about @sorayaberges.
I’m definitely two sides to one coin. On one side, is my passion for architecture and engineering, being able to work in this industry where you can see the fruits of your labor in vertical and horizontal construction, which is something that will remain for centuries to come.
One of the things as a little girl that made me want to become an architect was to actually be able to see the things you designed on paper come to life in the form of a building, a house, a park, or city, and to be able to redefine the skyline of where you live. On the other side of the coin is my love for blogging. I have two blogs one is a lifestyle blog at @sorayaberges, and the second one is a food blog that I started not long ago at @sorayabites.
They both started off as hobbies and something that I was doing for fun just, because I love taking pictures, I love fashion, and I’m a huge foodie. I hope to continue growing these two accounts, and maybe even make a business out of them. That’s my goal for them at the moment, but most importantly it’s just to have fun. I think every girl needs some sort of outlet to express herself creatively, and Instagram has been mine.
Which women have inspired you in your life? Why?
Female role models and my life are definitely my mother and my grandmother. They are two very strong female figures in both our society and in my family. I grew up in a household where women always had an equal voice to men and were respected and valued.
I was taught that women should always work hard, and hold their own ground despite living in a patriarchal society as is Dominican Republic, where this is not the norm. They are two very strong female figures in both Dominican society, politics and in my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instagram.com/sorayaberges
- Email: soraya_berges97@hotmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/sorayabites
Image Credit:
Soraya Castillo
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