Our next featured member is Tanny Penaloza-Carrera.  She joined Newcomers because she wanted to meet new people. 

Tell us about yourself: 

I’m from Guayaquil, Ecuador. I moved to Pittsburgh 9 years ago to get my BA/MBA. 

I’m a Sr. PM for a software company downtown. I work on projects to improve customer experience and the adoption of our product/features. 

I’m married and have a 3 years old boy, Bash. He is our office manager. We moved here in 2018 when we realized that we needed more space for our very active toddler. 

Here are some fun facts about Tanny: 

If you could be any animal, what would you choose and why?

Hummingbird! They can fly and enjoy nature, and are associated with good luck and joy. I love the legends about these beautiful animals. 

If you could choose anything in the entire world for your last meal, what would it be?

A plantain based traditional Ecuadorian meal. 

If all the States in the USA were represented by food, what food would each state that you have lived in be represented by?

This will be a long answer. But, as mentioned, I’m not from here. My first time in Pittsburgh, my now husband took me to a restaurant to celebrate and the waitress asked if I wanted “pop.” I thought it was odd I was offered what I thought was popcorn. I also thought it was interesting she just called it “pop” but didn’t ask for clarification and nicely declined. Only to later find out she was referring to what I knew as “soda.” Since then, I always associate popcorn with PA 😅. 

What is the best place you’ve ever visited and why?

Japan. It was absolutely beautiful, the food was delicious and whenever we needed help, we always found a person willing to give us a hand. 

What is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you?

My friend gave me his bingo card because he thought it was “lame,” and I ended up winning the cash prize. He wasn’t happy, but I was thrilled. My first time winning something and it wasn’t even mine. 

Aimee Mack joined Newcomer’s this year as a great way to meet others.  She and her husband have been married for almost 10 years (their anniversary is coming up soon!).  Since they’ve been married, they’ve lived in 4 different states.  They have 5 years old twins. The whole family is excited to explore Pennsylvania. 

Here are some fun facts about Aimee: 

If you had $5,000,000 what would you do with the money and why?

After making sure we have enough for the twins’ college, we would Buy a beach house in NC. Big enough for all of our families to visit. 

If you could be any animal, what would you choose and why?

Leopard, just love leopard print 

Which fictional place would you most like to visit and why?

Wherever unicorns live

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?

Pretty women. I love Richard And Julia together! 

What is the best place you’ve ever visited and why?

Las Vegas, my husband and I go there on vacation 

What is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you?

We got invited to the Kentucky Derby. It was a dream come true. 

If time travel were real: when and where in time would you go and why?

Go back to our wedding day. It was a lot of fun!! 

If you could wake up tomorrow and know absolutely everything about ONE thing… what would it be and why?

How to successfully homeschool my children.