Rosemary Ravinal was born in Cuba, raised in New York, and relocated to Miami 25 years ago to work for Discovery Channel Latin America. A former international media executive, corporate communications and PR pro, and broadcaster, today this author and TEDx speaker runs her own media training and executive speaker coaching company, where she works with such clients as the Everglades Foundation, Norwegian Cruise Line, and the University of Miami.
How did you first learn about Miami Book Fair?
When I moved here from New York City, I brought a very big cultural appetite with me and I really wanted to connect with the local arts scene. I saw Book Fair as the perfect opportunity to get involved with the movers, shakers, and thinkers, as well as to meet like-minded people. I think I first heard about it from a neighbor, or maybe in the paper.
The Fair was instrumental in revitalizing downtown Miami and making it the cultural hub it is today – thinking about that, what do you think Miami Book Fair has brought to our city? And what has it brought to you?
I think the Fair brings cultural relevance to the city and has helped dispel the myth of Miami as being just a resort destination. For me, it’s a highlight of the year – and it doesn’t happen just once a year. That’s part of the beauty of the Fair; it’s a yearlong calendar of author encounters and other opportunities to grow intellectually.
How long have you been a Friend of the Fair and what are your favorite FOTF benefits?
I joined about seven years ago and have increased my level of membership over the years, particularly because of the attacks on free speech that we’re experiencing and living through. I think the preferred seating and member-exclusive events are my favorite benefits – those and all the chances to get free books. It’s also nice to be part of an elite group of people who have a high appreciation for the literary arts. Oh, and the Friends Lounge! That was so lovely and I took advantage of it every day I was there.
How do you Book Fair – solo, or with a group?
Both; I’m OK with going on my own if no one is available to join me.
And even when you do go alone, you always end up meeting people you know at the Fair.
Yes! You always find good friends or make new ones.
What’s an MBF moment or experience that really stands out for you?
Reflecting on just this past year, Connie Chung and Maury Povich. That exchange was just priceless – such warm, loving, tender, respectful, and jovial repartee! It was just charming and I left the event saying that [being a married couple] they took it far beyond the usual moderator-author exchange. There was an intimacy there that made it extra special.
I understand that you’ve moderated an author session at the Fair – who did you sit down with?
It was in 2019 and I interviewed Nelson Diaz, who wrote an autobiography about his rise as a Puerto Rican boy in Philadelphia to becoming a federal judge, Not From Here, Not From There. I know him personally and he asked me to be his conversationalist; it was a lovely experience.
Which MBF 2024 program did you find most delightful/inspiring/engaging?
So many! I attend a lot of the Spanish-language sessions, and Jorge Ramos was a highlight. He was presenting the last book he published, Así veo las cosas, which coincided with him stepping down from his longtime role at Univision as lead anchor. It was particularly significant given that I worked at Univision and know him.
Another highlight was Stacey Abrams. She has such a perspective on politics, but here I learned so much about her background and her depths beyond her political life. I got a strong sense of her beyond her public persona.
And Eddie Glaude Jr. and Maya Wiley. They were so real, so relaxed, and they’re two of my most-respected MSNBC commentators. We had a long conversation afterward at the book signing. They’re both very approachable and generous with their time.
Name a book you’d love to see on the screen. Who do you think should play the protagonist?
I don’t know who should play the protagonist, but I’d love to see The Mango Tree by Annabelle Tometich. I didn’t see her at the Fair last year but I have met her at one of the Fair’s authors’ parties at The Standard.
What’s a book that significantly changed the way you think or feel about something?
Nicholas Griffin’s The Year of Dangerous Days; it’s an account of Miami in the 1980s. It really put the city in perspective for me in a way that no other book has done.
Interview by Elisa Chemayne Agostinho; responses have been edited for space and clarity.
