ABOUT MAYRA PORRATA

 :  Ummm...those are my daughters in the photo -- but here's a tiny bit of info about me.  : 

I'm the granddaughter of Spanish immigrants and was born and raised in Puerto Rico.  At age 11, I experienced a major life-change and shattering when our family relocated from Puerto Rico to Munroe Falls, Ohio in 1976.

That move thrust me into a profound valley of cultural, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual exploration – a space where I had no choice but to grapple with the complexities of identity, language, and belonging. It's from this 'grappling' and the revelatory and unfolding chapters of my life that my writing and work is sourced. 

My writing and publishing career officially began in 2008 with the publication of Lilly's Life-- a book co-written with my daughter Serena.  [NOTE: That's Serena on the left and my baby girl, Camille on the right.] Serena also served as the illustrator of Soul Friends, which remains one of my favorite books and a living tribute to Serena who passed away in 2018.  

Serena always wanted our books to look "like someone made them" and this soulful directive remains alive in and through my work today. 

Aside from my creative endeavors, I've had a conventional career-- from banking and financial services, to teaching in higher ed, to corporate project management. I have a bachelor's in business management (marketing and communications focus), a master's degree in community health education & promotion and advanced training in energy medicine and life! (hard-knocks style)

My hope is that this site and publications extend comfort and inspiration for your sacred life journey.