Saranette Sotomayor

I came to the United States over twenty years ago to study business management with an emphasis in international enterprises.  I left my studies to become a lending clerk; however, as a reward for my hard work and dedication, I was awarded a senior loan officer position shortly thereafter.  In addition to being part of the banking industry, I was supplementing my income by working as a fitness instructor part-time.

 My passion for health and fitness arose shortly after the appointment of Dr. Antonia Novello as surgeon general of the United States.  She was the first Hispanic female to be assigned to that post, thus a role model I could identify with.  Moreover, she gained popularity with her concern about health issues affecting young people whom she called “a generation at risk.”  The generation Dr. Novello was referring to was my generation.  As a young woman, I decided to become empowered with the necessary tools to seek answers.  I wanted to understand the benefits of health and share my findings with those around me.  As a fitness instructor, I was able to share the benefits of fitness with my students and I thoroughly enjoyed when a student would thank me for being part of their success, thus I pondered on the thought of teaching individuals how to live healthier lives for longer than just a few hours a week.  Therefore, I decided to take the necessary steps and return to the academia in a health-related field.

I attained a four-year degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Fitness, Nutrition, and Health.  Biology, Physiology, and Anatomy were among my favorite subjects.  Therefore, I continued the road to higher education and completed a Master degree in Public Health.  Currently, I work teaching anywhere between 18-22 weekly fitness classes in the commercial, community, and military arena while using my weekends to be a Primary Group Exercise Examiner for the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).  Lastly, since I speak both English and Spanish fluently my latest endeavor has become teaching monthly Zumba parties.  Fitness is my passion what I love to do for living.