Meet Adriana Diaz | Nurse, non profit organizer, teacher, & crochetter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adriana Diaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adriana, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think anyone who always played it safe in life never got to see all that they’re truly capable of because they never took risks to see if they can accomplish a goal, a dream, or overcome a given task. Taking risks in my life has not only made me a wiser woman, but has gotten me closer to my goals whether it be in my career, business or personal life. The thing about “risks” is even if you don’t accomplish something, you know you’ve tried something outside your comfort zone and now have a valuable lesson to take with you on the next journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say I do a little of everything and most people are surprised at how I’m able to do so much at once. Or perplexed at how often times it’s a “one woman show”. While I’m in the states I usually work full time as a pediatric nurse, and on the side I crochet and hand make clothing, and accessories. The funds I make from my crafts helps me complete humanitarian projects abroad or support my adventures. While I’m in the states I’m almost always collecting donations of clothes, hygiene products, household goods, medical supplies etc in order to prepare the donations and ship to the current country of choice. While I’m abroad I’m usually teaching the English language, volunteering or finishing the humanitarian project (collecting my shipped goods, and dispersing it to the community, school or location of choice). Doing all of this definitely isn’t easy and often times I’m stressed for time or funds or getting government approvals but the reward of being able to help others in ways I could’ve never imagined; in the end always makes it worth it. I think what sets me apart from others is I don’t fear the unknown. I don’t fear stepping into countries where I don’t know the language or a single person. I don’t fear traveling alone. i don’t fear trying new foods or adapting to new cultures. I don’t fear losing time or money because as I mentioned before every risk, wether accomplished or not is a lesson learned. And fears would only hold me back from being able to give back others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a native Miamian I’m sure a lot of us can agree that Miami is always evolving, growing, and being gentrified so what was here yesterday is gone tomorrow. But if you had a week in Miami these next places are definitely my current must do’s. Lagniappe in Midtown for cheese and wine enthusiasts. Grab a bite to eat at Red Rooster in Overtown to diverge in the culture and history through their comfort food. Miami improv in Doral for drinks and laughs. My ladies who love a good, fun work out join a tennis class at Slice Girls Tennis club (yes they’re beginner friendly). I absolutely LOVE the Perez’ Art Museum (PAMM)! PAMM aside from their permanent exhibitions is currently connected with the Caribbean Cultural institute. Showcasing art, providing fellowships, and having forums from the diaspora. Which is pretty great being that the Caribbean influences so much of Miami culture. If you have a free Sunday morning, head south to the flea market at Redland Market village in Homestead you immediately feel like you’re in a different country since you’re surrounded by mom and pop shops, fresh produce and food stalls from Mexico and Central America. If you’re into history the Deering Estate is a great area to tour and learn about some of the first inhabitants of Miami and not to mention it sits directly on part of the Biscayne bay. Lastly you have to check out Wynwood it has a little bit of everything! Art, murals shops, food, drinks, shows and so much more.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s so hard to pin point a single entity. There’s so many people, programs, and opportunities given that has gotten me to where I am and helped mold me into the person I am today. I’m grateful for all of it. Im going to name just two, first will be my grandma. She definitely instilled “there’s nothing you can’t do”, and “never wait for a man to get you where you want to be” into my head and that has always helped me push myself for more. Second will be Miami Dade College! Now I know everyone shouts out huge universities but I’m eternally grateful for my community college and the opportunities granted to me. Especially being that I was a financial aid recipient and yet that is where all my major travels and language learning started. Through MDC I was able to not only study nursing but study in France! I was given a scholarship to study in China and made the connections for my first volunteer/teaching trip in Nepal.

Instagram: @TravelingwithAYD

Other: TikTok: Travelingwithayd