Beauty, brains, talent, success — every man is looking for a woman who has it all. Even if these women might seem like a magical unicorn, ‘LLERO knows that they exist. Maybe SHE is your vecina, the one who got away, or your sister’s home girl. So right here, we’ll be turning the spotlight on the ladies that we all know and love because we know that “SHE” means She Has Everything.
They say life is a marathon not a sprint. For Jenine Parraga this is literally the case. Upon catching up with the Bronx native we quickly learned that she just completed a half-marathon the day before. Aside from pounding the pavement in some of the world’s most challenging races, the Dominican/Ecuadorian beauty manages to volunteer for a literacy group, has a hidden passion for math, is a lover of a good old fashioned burger and is an innate leader uninterested in taking a back seat to anyone. For all that the St. John’s grad has already accomplished, after our chat you can’t help but come away with the impression that the 30-year-old is just hitting her stride and is looking to cover a lot more road.
`LL: So how did you get into running?
JP: Five years ago I started running to lose weight and [for] fitness reasons, but then it turned in my “me time,” sort of like my own meditation.
‘LL: Was running marathons something you’ve always wanted to do?
JP: Once I started running I always envisioned myself doing a marathon. I volunteer for a program called Everybody Wins, it’s a literacy program in New York City public schools, and they sent me an application to run for their marathon team. So I filled it out and they accepted me, which I was really surprised about (laughs). So I joined the team, fundraised for them, raising almost $3000 and then trained for about three months and did the New York City Marathon [this past] November.
‘LL: How did you become involved with Everybody Wins?
JP: My company is a corporate partner and asked [employees to] volunteer. I go to a public school once a week during a student’s lunch break and read to my mentee. It’s also about encouraging them to read and a bit of mentorship; we talk and do things together. I’ve also started to serve as a liaison for my company and the program, encouraging others to volunteer. You could say I’m a “friend of” Everybody Wins. At least, that’s what they call me (laughs).
‘LL: You seem like quite the leader, but if you had to have anyone in a foxhole with you who would it be?
JP: Probably my best friend. She’s smart and quick on her feet, a fast thinker who can resolve things quickly.
‘LL: What’s the best advice you mother or father ever gave you?
JP: My mother let me know to never depend on a man for your survival and to always have a back-up plan. Basically be prepared and not depend on someone else, particularly in a relationship.
`LL: What would a guy be surprised to know about you?
JP: I am actually a mathematician at heart. I’ve always been really good at [it.] I’m always calculating and measuring in my head. I am very mathematical in the way I think and in my everyday life.
`LL: What’s your biggest turn on?
JP: I know its sounds cliché, but definitely self-confidence, also a little bit of geekiness or goofiness, not someone who is totally into themselves. Also, someone who likes to lead a healthy lifestyle and is into fitness.
`LL: What’s a total turn off?
JP: A man who is intimidated by a woman who is looking for equality in a relationship. For so long we’ve grown up in old-fashioned households where the father is the bread-winner and the mother stays home.
‘LL: What’s your ideal first date?
JP: I love to eat, so a place where we can get good food. It doesn’t have to be super-fancy as long as the food is good and we eat well. I am a major burger girl. Also, I love live music, but don’t necessarily want to be tied down to one place. Since I was young I’ve been an R&B girl, but I do enjoy my Latin music (e.g., salsa and Marc Anthony). So if we hit a few places in one night that’s fun too.
`LL: What’s your favorite thing about Latino men? Least favorite?
JP: My favorite thing about Latino men is that they are very family oriented. They really understand that family comes first and will probably come from a very tight knit home. I really appreciate that because that’s how I am. One of my least favorite things is their need to feel dominant in a relationship, and perhaps being a little too popular with the ladies.
`LL: What’s your definition of a`LLERO?
JP: Aside from the standard gentlemen stuff such as opening doors, I think a caballero in is a man who supports his woman. Someone who’s able to feel proud of and support his woman through any accomplishments or difficulties — encouraging her to grow and not feel intimidated by that. I think that’s a twist to common definition of what a caballero is.
‘LL: Five years from now where do you see yourself.
JP: I’d like to have my own business. I plan events for a living so I would be inclined to do that, but I’m still giving it some thought. But definitely owning something would be great.