Hi, I’m Martina!
I’m happy you’re here!
A bit about my story:
I was actually born on an island in Rome, Italy. I know, many people seem confused when I tell them. It’s called Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) and it is a boat-shaped island that essentially only has a hospital, Fate Bene Fratelli, and some trees on it. It really is quite beautiful!
Although I was born and raised in Italy, my parents are both Bulgarian and most of my relatives live in Sofia, Bulgaria. I grew up going to Bulgaria every summer and as a huge family person, it has always been my happy place. My family moved to Miami, FL when I was 10 years old and I moved to Los Angeles when I started college.
Over the years, I’ve realized that my background has deeply impacted me as a person and has sparked a special love for storytelling that has been guiding me throughout my life. Growing up in Italy, I’ve been exposed to the beauty of storytelling through art, theater, architecture and culture, from a very young age. As for my Bulgarian heritage, my maternal Баба (grandmother) was a folklore singer and dancer when she was younger, and she has always told us family stories that we will continue passing down for generations.
As a storyteller since day one, I’m beyond excited to keep learning about its use as a powerful tool to make impactful change. I am deeply inspired by the power of stories to bring people together and I’m passionate about the arts and entertainment, health and well-being, and mental health advocacy.
Some Fun Facts
- I’m a polyglot
- I speak Bulgarian, Italian, English and Spanish
- I’m the oldest sister
- I have a younger sister and a younger brother
- I love them with my whole heart
- I grew up playing many sports
- Volleyball, tennis, track and field, swimming, basketball, dance, and gymnastics
- I love acting and singing
- I did theater and musical theater in high school and have always loved performing
- My favorite ice cream flavor combination has always been lemon and hazelnut
- Growing up in Rome, we had the most incredible gelateria called Gelateria Miami (truly foreshadowing) down the street from our home – I would always order “limone e nocciola”
Quotes that I’ve been told describe me
Community
I love building community and making people feel seen. I’m a people person and love hearing and learning from others’ stories.
Connection
I’m a big dreamer and I get excited about the little things. Staying connected with nature brings me so much joy. Stargazing is one of my favorite things!
Storytelling
I love telling stories, listening to stories, coming up with stories. I truly believe storytelling has the power to move people and change the world.
What My Friends Call Me
“Martina”
“Martini”
“Мартинче”
“Marti”
