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www.MOSTmag.com || FITNESS MAG A ZINE || 25got into my fair share of scuffles, as an officer sometimes there is no way to prevent or avoid that. For the most part though, I received respect and had no issues due to my size.I%u2019ll refer to the big shows such as the IFBB Mr. Olympia and IFBB Arnold Classic because there are so many shows during the year. -As a competitor when I first started I was competing with girls that were close to my height, but it%u2019s a new generation now, and I%u2019m one of the shortest onesmost of the girls have at least 5-6 inches on me. I had to put on more muscle so that I didn%u2019t look so small next to them. MFM: In the Dominican Republic is fitness a priority amongst women growing up, and is there encouragement to play sports and be active, build muscle, etc?IP: I was born there but moved to the United States when I was three, so I didn%u2019t grow up there. I have family there and have visited many times. I would say no, fitness is not a priority there. There are people who care about their health and wellness of course just like anywhere else but fitness is definitely bigger here in the states. MFM: You are known for your fun presentation style and booming charismatic personality-did you work to develop how you are on stage or did it come naturally to you? IP: I love performing. I grew up dancing; I started when I was three and ended up teaching it. I love being onstage, and I%u2019m just me. I have fun. MFM: You offer posing help and encouragement to help everyone achieve their goals. What do you find that actually involves you doing most of the time? IP: What I end up doing is help them create self-awareness so that they gain insight into the obstacles that are not allowing them to accomplish their goal. I help them develop confidence, which is necessary to have to be able to move forward with goals. MFM: You have very optimistic messages on your website. Was there a time when you were inspired and motivated by someone, like you do for so many others?IP: Of course, many people inspire me. Authentic people who work hard and have pure souls inspire