TEAM BELLA

team BELLA Graduation #Throwback

VANESSA COPPES

CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I’ve been writing in journals since I was 7 years old. Encouraged by my teachers, writing and telling stories came naturally and helped to make my troubled childhood less of a personal burden. I was the Editor-in-Chief of my high school newspaper in English. After becoming a teacher, I helped my students start school papers as well. My parents were both teachers and I grew up with the mantra that no matter what I was going through, my education was the one thing no one could ever take away from me. Naturally, I threw myself into learning, focusing on improving my talents and helping others along the way. Bringing people together for a common objective always came easily to me. I remember one of my teachers telling me that that alone was a gift. I didn’t understand it then, but I do today. I was 13 years old when I envisioned where I am today. Many things got me here, but most importantly, so did a lot of hard work.

KRISTEN ROBERTIELLO

ONLINE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Fashion has always been on my radar and a huge passion of mine. During my high school years, I worked part-time in retail sales and dreamed of owning my own clothing store.

Today I own a wardrobe styling business and am blessed to incorporate my experience and knowledge into my other favorite interest, writing.

LYNETTE BARBIERI

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Ever since I can remember I’ve always wanted to get into a big corporation like many of my friends. I was always willing to try whatever I had to to make money. The only part of school I ever enjoyed was the social aspect. Having fun was my priority. It’s OK to be different and to try new things until you find your passion. Just keep moving, keep learning, and getting better. Don’t worry about what your friends think—it won’t matter 30 years from now. Just be the best you can be.

MINDY GURA & PAULA ORLAN

THE STYLE DUO We remember taking this picture like it was yesterday. Both of our parents always stressed the importance of a good education, as they both worked in education and still do. After we graduated from Tufts University, we started our careers in fashion and entertainment. If we could tell our younger selves anything, we would say, enjoy the moment and enjoy the process. Life is a wonderful journey of adventures and learning along the way.

ALEXANDRA ANASTASIO

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR to own my own business. I never had the desire

“There are no wrong turnings. Only paths we had not known we were meant to walk.” -Guy

Gavriel Kay, Canadian fantasy fiction author

When I rewind back to my high school days, the dreams I had looked a lot different than they do now. Back then, I envisioned myself being in front of a camera; now, the people who know me know the camera actually scares me! Instead, the hobby I had growing up—writing in my journals, “reporting” on my days—would turn out to be my life’s passion. I have always loved telling stories, and today, I get to do that through my work “behind the scenes.”

JENNIFER DECILLIS

PUBLISHER

After deciding to take time off from school,

I wasn’t sure I’d ever graduate college, and the road to my cap and gown was not an easy one. The passion and persistence that drove me there are also what drove me here today, to BELLA. I could have never dreamed I’d be living in New York City, working for a women’s magazine and having my writing featured in a nationally printed publication. Dreams do come true, so never give up!

AMANDA MACTAS

FOOD, TRAVEL & ACCESSORIES EDITOR I don’t think when I graduated high school or college I ever envisioned where I’d end up.

When you graduate, it’s OK to not know what you want your path to be right away. I majored in psychobiology and was on a completely different career trajectory. I ended up working in nonprofits when I decided to leave my job and pursue writing full time. It was a gamble and it was scary, but it paid off. If you want something, go after it, and don’t stop until you get there.

JONATHAN CALIXTO

FASHION CORRESPONDENT

When I graduated college I was not sure where I’d be today. I knew I loved journalism, specifically entertainment news, but didn’t know how I would get that big break. From graduation to now being a Fashion and Lifestyle Correspondent, while having my own endeavors within the social media space, I wouldn’t trade my journey for the world. I would tell my younger self, continue to be yourself no matter what and never give up because it’ll all work out for the best.

JANENE MASCARELLA

BEAUTY DIRECTOR Since I was a little girl, I always had my eyes on the prize...making it big in New York City. In my early 20s I was living in the Big Apple, hosting an international television show on fashion and beauty and always knew this is exactly where I wanted to be. I must admit, I’m so proud that I never settled, I never flinched, and I followed my dreams. Sometimes I wish I could go back and tell that 22-year-old girl with such hope In her eyes: “You are not going to believe what you have achieved!” I have the family and the career I always wished for, and the future is still unfolding…

GINA LAGUARDIA

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR I’ve been pursuing journalism ever since I rallied for my high school’s newspaper Editor-in-Chief position as a junior. They usually gave that title to seniors, but I worked my grammar-lovin’, storytelling butt off to earn it, and haven’t stopped since!