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About Rebekkah Mar

A graduate from Westminster Christian School located in Dade County. Was the student writer for WCS online newsletter, “The Beat,” and assistant editor of the school’s yearbook, “The Beacon". Founder, editor-in-chief, and editorial writer for the newspaper, “The Warrior”. She has done internships at 90.9 Life FM Radio and Media Relations Group (MRG). Writes for St. Thomas Lutheran Church’s newsletter under the column, “Youth Perspective”. This year, she was the the recipient of The Burger King Scholarship, Westminster's Outstanding Senior Award, Westminster's Warrior Award for Leadership, and the De la Rua Family Endowment for Courage. She is also the nominee of the Emma Bowen Journalism Work study. Rebekkah is now studying Telecommunications within the College of Journalism at the University of Florida and is a staff member of UF's "Sparks Magazine."

Why is Miami “The Magic City”?

by REBEKKAH MAR When I graduated from high school, I wanted to escape the hectic traffic, crowded beaches, and nightlife of Miami, Florida. But once I spent a year in Gainesville, I ached to come home. The city lacked Miami's diversity, culture, and history. I realized that I took the city for granted and never explored the depth of as to why Miami is known as "The Magic City." The label "The Magic City" was coined when Miami transformed from a small pioneer town in 1900 of 1,618 residents to a city containing 29,549 residents only twenty years later. This transformation led to new transportation developments as well as tourist resorts. Miami's population only continued to increase. After World War II, families moved to the area due to the accessibility of military training … [Read more...]

Solutions to the hectic traffic and driving in Miami

Traffic in Miami. ARV, May 2014. Ideas4Solutions

by Rebekkah Mar My parents' worst nightmare came to life when I first showed interest in driving. That was no surprise with Miami's reputation of back-to-back traffic, reckless driving from drunk or distracted drivers, and the rest of the obstacles that I would inevitably face on the road. As soon as I passed the driving test, my parents imposed driving restrictions on when and where I could drive. Some would say that my parents were over protective, but now I understand. South Florida  has appeared repeatedly on several lists pertaining to the states with the worst reputation for driving. Based on car insurance websites such as Carinsurancecomparison.com, Florida, out of all of the states in America, was ranked the highest for careless drivers. It is a well-known fact that Florida's … [Read more...]

Fundraising startup businesses in Miami

By Rebekkah Mar When people think of startup businesses that have a focus and foundation in technology, they rarely mention the city of Miami. Silicon Valley, the technology hub in California, inevitably and historically receives the main focus. However, that is no longer true.  With the leadership of Brian Breslin and Peter Martinez, co-founders of the startup organization "Refresh Miami," they have made it their goal to bring to Miami the attention that it deserves. The startup organization hosted the first of their summer series events titled "Startup Fundraising in Miami" on Thursday, May 29th at the Miami Science Museum. Sponsored by Wyncode and moderated by Carlos Garcia, CEO and Founder of Nobox, the event featured a panel discussion with successful business leaders imparting … [Read more...]

“ChIPs,” Embracing the Future

by REBEKKAH MAR For centuries, men and women have debated over roles and gender equality. They have disputed over societal and cultural traditions where men comprise the work force while women stay home and raise the children. Well, in the twenty-first century, change has been evident. Women are legislators, mayors, doctors, teachers, lawyers, and soldiers. The main difference is that women now have their own role models. Throughout the nation, successful career driven women, who are wives and mothers, have been speaking up and sharing their compelling stories. This wave of female confidence has been prevalent especially since the debut of Sheryl Sandberg’s novel, “Lean In.” One particular group who has gained national as well as global recognition is “ChIPs.” “ChIPs” is … [Read more...]

Did you #hashtag today? June 30th, Miami’s Social Media Day! #SMDAYMIA

by REBEKKAH MAR What comes to mind when you think about Miami? Probably the diverse culture, high fashion, sweltering heat, and championship basketball. But would technology make that list? Many entrepreneurs who are managing startup technology businesses in this cosmopolitan city question whether their companies can succeed as well as Silicon Valley companies. Well, Social Media Day of Miami, is the answer. Alex Carvalho along with a team of fifteen organizers successfully hosted Mashable’s world wide free event, #SMDAYMIA or Miami’s Social Media Day. June 30th, 2013, not only marked a day where young entrepreneurs could receive advice for their startup companies and learn about the changing industry, but this was the first official Social Media Day of Miami as proclaimed by Miami … [Read more...]