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

Hi Doris, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The key to our group’s success lies in our unwavering consistency and commitment to our core values. We believe skating is not just the best hobby, but also a sport that challenges us, helps us release daily stress, and fosters personal growth. Beyond the board, it’s about building a strong community where lasting relationships are formed—one that supports, inspires, and grows together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career within Skating world has been a journey built on passion, persistence, and a deep commitment to creativity and community. As an organizer, what sets me apart is my dedication to not only creating impactful work but also fostering meaningful connections through those creations. Whether it’s through Soberollers, Skater Migration, or the Miami Inline Marathon, my focus has always been on merging art with action, using design, sport, and events as vehicles for social connection and personal growth.

I’m most proud of the way our projects have grown into platforms for bringing people together—creating spaces where individuals not only connect through their love of skating but also through shared experiences and challenges. To see someone take part in an event or even in a group skate and walk away with lasting relationships, a sense of empowerment, or even just a little bit of stress relief—it’s incredibly rewarding.

The road to where I am today was definitely not easy. There were countless moments of doubt and struggle, especially in the early days of building Soberollers and coordinating events like Skater Migration. Starting something from the ground up always comes with its hurdles: balancing the logistics of organizing with staying true to the values of community and creativity, managing the financial side of things while maintaining a high level of authenticity. But every challenge was a lesson, and every setback taught me something valuable—like the importance of adaptability, the power of collaboration, and the necessity of patience. I learned that success doesn’t always come overnight, but it’s the persistence to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacle, that eventually leads to breakthroughs.

I’ve learned to never underestimate the power of building relationships and nurturing them over time. No one gets to success alone, and it’s the people around you who ultimately lift you higher. And, most importantly, I’ve learned that staying true to your core values, even when times are tough, is what will always guide you toward meaningful success.

What I want the world to know about my story is that it’s not just about skating or creating events; it’s about building a community where we uplift and inspire each other. My brand is rooted in authenticity, connection, and the power of movement—whether that’s physical, emotional, or creative. If we can inspire people to push their limits, make lasting friendships, and find a sense of purpose in what they do, then we’ve achieved something far greater than just any one event or project.

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.
If my best friend was visiting Miami for a week, I’d definitely focus on showing them the best of the outdoors, the vibrant local culture, and of course, some hidden gems. Here’s how I’d lay it out:

Day 1: Arrival & Miami Beach Vibes
We’d kick things off by heading straight to South Beach. Start with a walk along the iconic Ocean Drive, just to take in the art deco architecture, then grab some delicious Cuban food at Las Olas Café for lunch. Afterward, we’d hit the sand—beach day! Rent bikes or rollerblades and cruise up the famous Miami Beach Boardwalk. Later, I’d take them to Lummus Park to chill and people-watch. For dinner, I’d recommend Joe’s Stone Crab for a classic Miami seafood experience.

Day 2: Key Biscayne Adventure
We’re up early for a trip to Key Biscayne. This spot is like a mini-paradise with its pristine beaches and amazing outdoor activities. First, we’d bike or walk through the beautiful Crandon Park, maybe rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters. A visit to the Cape Florida Lighthouse is a must—check out the historic lighthouse and views of the ocean. Lunch could be at Rusty Pelican, which has a killer view of the skyline. The evening would be perfect for a sunset picnic at Bill Baggs State Park, where you can really soak in the nature.

Day 3: Wynwood & Street Art Immersion
Wynwood is where Miami’s creative pulse beats strongest. We’d start with a stroll through the Wynwood Walls, taking in all the street art that defines the neighborhood. Then, a casual lunch at Coyo Taco for some of the best tacos in town—don’t skip the guac! Afterward, we’d hit up a few of the local galleries or check out The Wynwood Yard for live music or events. In the evening, I’d take them to R House for some cocktails, good vibes, and a fun, artsy crowd. The night would end with a stop at Gramps, a local bar with an incredible outdoor patio and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 4: Adventure in Coconut Grove & Coral Gables
We’d start the day with a trip to Coconut Grove, where we’d have breakfast at Greenstreet Café (it’s a must). After that, we’d explore the beautiful Vizcaya Museum and Gardens—its lush gardens and stunning architecture make it a true Miami gem. We’d take a leisurely walk around Coral Gables to admire the Mediterranean-style homes and grab lunch at Bulla Gastrobar for some Spanish tapas. We’d wrap up the day with drinks at The Last Car, a speakeasy-style bar in the area with a cool vibe.

Day 5: Miami Beach & Art Deco Tour
Another day in Miami Beach, but this time we’re getting more into the culture. We’d take a morning tour of the Art Deco Historic District, learning about Miami’s rich architectural history. Afterward, we’d grab brunch at The Front Porch Café and then hit the beach again for some fun in the sun. In the evening, we’d check out the trendy Espanola Way for dinner—lots of cool, laid-back spots with outdoor seating. Afterward, a nightcap at The Regent Cocktail Club, a swanky spot for craft cocktails.

Day 6: Day Trip to the Everglades & Sunset at Key Biscayne
For a change of pace, we’d venture out of the city and take a day trip to the Everglades National Park for an airboat tour. It’s a surreal experience being so close to nature and wildlife. After the tour, we’d head back to Key Biscayne for another sunset by the beach. We’d grab dinner at The Whale House for fresh seafood, and then wind down with a relaxing walk along the beach, with views of downtown Miami lit up at night.

Day 7: Wrapping Up in Wynwood & Little Havana
We’d finish the trip by heading back to Wynwood for a lazy brunch at The Salty Donut (because you can’t leave without trying their donuts!). Then, we’d check out Wynwood Marketplace for some unique shopping and live music. In the afternoon, we’d head over to Little Havana to experience Miami’s Cuban culture—check out Calle Ocho, grab a café cubano, and soak in the colorful street art and music. For our final night, we’d hit Ball & Chain for some live salsa music and delicious mojitos.

Throughout the week, we’d try to get a mix of adventure, relaxation, good food, and local culture. Miami has this amazing blend of vibrant city life and peaceful outdoor spots, and I’d want to make sure we soaked up both. There’s always something to discover here, whether it’s on the beach, in the art districts, or exploring the natural beauty of places like Key Biscayne.

If you’ve got a good mix of outdoor activities and a little local culture, you can’t go wrong!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a huge shoutout to the unstoppable Gene Cook, an 83-year-old skater who has been an incredible mentor and inspiration. Not only did he introduce me to group and recreational skating events, but he also gradually passed on his wisdom and guidance to me. Beyond that, he introduced my best friend and co-leader behind the success of Soberollers, Skater Migration, and now the new project, the Miami Inline Marathon. Gene’s dedication to the sport and community has been a huge part of where we are today, and his influence continues to inspire us every day.

Website: https://www.soberollers.com

Instagram: @skatewithdoris @soberollers @skatermigration

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doris.casabona

Image Credits
@elbebos – Guillermo Rodriguez

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