Jackie Dubrovich and I had a wonderful conversation about her families historical journey to to America. We also took a few minutes to share our similarities. Interestingly enough, both of us have stories to share of an Olympic experience, but from different perspectives. It was fun to reminisce about my experience at the 1980,  XIII Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid, New York. These particular winter games are  remembered for the U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey Team’s “Miracle on Ice” gold-medal run plus Eric Hieiden’s five  gold medals in speed skating and so much more. I was a college student at the time and was hired to work in the transportation Dept and drive the athletes and country representatives to and from the Olympic Village into downtown Lake Placid for events and medal ceremonies. Lake Placid is a beautiful town nestled in the middle of the New York Adirondack Mountains. Go for a visit if you ever have an opportunity. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Ms Dubrovich couldn’t have been more gracious and happy to share stories of her mother and her mom’s experience traveling by herself on a ship to America from Belarus, to  marry the love of her life and become an American Citizen. Just think of the bravery it took for a young woman to get on a ship, not knowing anyone else on board. She didn’t speak english. She had one suitcase with her possessions and fifty dollars in her pocket.

Valentina, according to her daughter is one of the hardest working moms she knows. Valentina worked in a Russian food store before coming to the United States. To this day she still works regularly and even on her days off, according to her daughter, “she still works hard.” Jackie recalls her mother studying, from books she took out from the local library, for her test to become an American Citizen. Jackie and her parents spoke Russian to one another at home and with other family members. Jackie even continued her Russian studies at Columbia University in New York City . As a first generations American , she completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Human Rights and Russian Literature and Culture in 2016.

Valentina could never have imagined in her wildest dreams that her daughter would become and Olympic Athlete, let alone a Gold Medalist in Fencing.  Jackie and her parents had big dreams and expectations for their daughter, eldest of two children. At times, Jackie definitely felt the pressure to be the best of the best. She regularly recognized her parents high expectations for both she and her younger brother, also a professional athlete. But Jackie got to the point where she had to be able to handle her experiences and career as a professional on her own terms.  As a family, they all learned how to communicate better and Jackie’s parents learned to step back a little bit to let her handle her trajectory.

Jackie and her partner, Brian Kaneshige, have opened a new fencing facility in Orange, New jersey called “Polaris Fencing Center.” Both Jackie and Brian wanted to be able to give back to the next generation of kids who may not be able to afford years of training and expenses, yet are passionate about a career in Fencing.

Valentina couldn’t be more proud of her daughter and her accomplishments. After the pandemic and the 2020 Olympics, Jackie had a tough time. Not really sure if she was interested in training for another four years for the next Olympics. “In Eastern European culture, it’s not very common to talk about your feelings, but my parents did a really good job, to know what to say when I was low.” Both parents supported her then as well as now.

Website: https://www.polarisfencing.com/.  @polarisfencingcenter

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiedubrovich/?hl=en
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiedubrovich/

“Should Have Listened To My Mother” is an ongoing conversation about mothers/female role models and the roles they play in our lives. Jackie’s guests were open and honest and  answer the question, are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother and so much more. You’ll be amazed at what the responses are.

Gina Kunadian wrote this 5 Star review on Apple Podcast:

SHLTMM TESTIMONIAL GINA KUNADIAN JUNE 18, 2024

“A Heartfelt and Insightful Exploration of Maternal Love”

Jackie Tantillo’s “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast is a treasure and it’s clear why it’s a 2023 People’s Choice Podcast Award Nominee.  This show delves into the profound impact mother and maternal role models have on our lives through personal stories and reflections.

Each episode offers a chance to learn how different individuals have been shaped by their mothers’ actions and words. Jackie skillfully guides these conversations, revealing why guests with similar backgrounds have forged different paths.

This podcast is a collection of timeless stories that highlight the powerful role of maternal figures in our society.  Whether your mother influenced you positively or you thrived despite challenges, this show resonates deeply.

I highly recommend “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast for its insightful, heartfelt and enriching content.

Gina Kunadian

“Should Have Listened To My Mother” would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In 2018/2019, in getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal stories of their relationship with their mother, for better or worse and what they learned from that maternal relationship. My guests and I 

Some of my guests include Nationally and Internationally recognized authors, Journalists, Columbia University Professors, Health Practitioners, Scientists, Artists, Attorneys, Baritone Singer, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Activists, Freighter Sea Captain, Film Production Manager, Professor of Writing Montclair State University, Attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist,  Property Manager, Chefs, Self Help Advocates, therapists and so many more talented and insightful women and men.

Jackie has worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. She has interviewed  many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.

A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created the logo for “Should Have Listened To My Mother”.

Check out our website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/

Or more demos of what’s to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo

Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Or Find SHLTMM Website here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Listen wherever you find podcasts:

https://www.facebook.com/ShouldHaveListenedToMyMother

https://www.facebook.com/jackietantillo

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/shouldhavelistenedtomymother/

https://www.instagram.com/jackietantillo7/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-tantillo/

YOUTUBE: 

https://www.youtube.com/@ShouldHaveListenedToMyMother

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Jackie Tantillo Podcaster

Jackie Tantillo loves being on both sides of the microphone –as Voice Over Artist and Producer/Engineer and in front of the camera as an On Camera Talent. She has been featured in National and International On Camera and Voice Over Commercials and Industrials. Over the years, she has mentored students with an interest in production and broadcasting and has volunteered with elementary school aged children in theatre production. Jackie is able to draw from her many years as a spokesperson and radio talent to bring warmth and insight to her many endeavors, including representative for organizations such as D.A.R.E., March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy and Easter Seals. A mom and the youngest of seven siblings, Italian American born in Rota Spain, Jackie or ‘Juani’ as her family and friends call her, comes from a very close knit family. Her knowledge of conversational French, Italian and Spanish has broadened the scope of her work. She lives in New Jersey and loves spending time with her family in the outdoors and traveling.