Growing up, my world was all about athletics, but as life happened and I embraced the 9-5 grind (plus later becoming a parent), staying active and healthy became a challenge. You know what turned it all around? Spending time outdoors and incorporating some movement into my daily routine. I don’t obsess over perfection or duration; I just get outdoors and go every day (even if it’s only for a few minutes)!
I owe my current physical health and sanity (well, that one depends on who you ask) to this daily commitment. I now share my passion for exploring the outdoors and staying active through my product-based business.
About Deanna Ratnikova
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My 7-year-old daughter and I live in East Village with my boyfriend, Khristian. My daughter loves art and expressing herself through fashion. My boyfriend is on active duty with the US Navy and is currently assigned to Destroyer Squadron One.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As a grad student, I moved to Washington, DC, to finish out my master’s program and get a start in politics or government work. I couldn’t land a paid internship in either field, so I interned with a nonprofit, which fortunately paid me and eventually offered me my first full-time job. I continued to work in the nonprofit space for approximately ten years before joining a large pharmaceutical company. The connections I made there brought me to my current role with a biotech startup. Beyond my 9-5 work, I blend my passion for getting outdoors and being active in urban exploration products. My first product is The GO Deck: 52 cards featuring outdoor locations in San Diego. On each card, I provide details about the location, how to get active there, and nearby extra attractions that are also worthwhile. Every week of the year can be a new adventure! I’m currently wrapping up another deck for the Knoxville, Tennessee region–where I grew up–and I’m researching sites for a North County San Diego deck. I focus on urban environments because getting to “The Great Outdoors” (i.e., national parks, wild and remote places) is not easily accessible, nor affordable, for all. Plus, there’s abundant nature within urban environments; we only need to adjust our focus to see it.
Deanna Ratnikova & Our Community
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in San Diego for 11 years. For the majority of that time, I lived in UTC, but for the past two years, I’ve resided in East Village. I work in the Sorrento Valley area.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My pal and fellow cyclist, Kim McKewon – she’s an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. Learn more about her in this short documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS0BcCIQxVE
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love San Diego’s climate. I recall jogging in shorts and a t-shirt around Mission Bay on my first Christmas here and realizing how lucky we are to have weather that allows us to enjoy the outdoors year-round easily.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today who is not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where would you meet locally for this lunch?
San Diego City Councilmember Joe LaCava was my council member when I lived in UTC. Prior to him running for office, I recall hearing him speak and ask questions at community meetings. I thought to myself, “Wow, this guy is bright, thoughtful, and experienced; he should run for office.” Fortunately, he did, and the district elected him. I’d love to catch him at a cafe in La Jolla and talk over coffee on whether he has any plans to run for mayor 😉
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love watching The Great British Baking Show (and only just recently realized it’s technically the Bake Off, but we can’t use that term in the States due to a Pillsbury trademark).
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My boyfriend’s cooking – it’s part of the reason we met. He connected his Instagram account to his online dating profile, and when I saw his cooking photos, I knew we had to meet. He cooks, and I eat; it’s the perfect relationship!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Definitely my daughter, with my parents following in a close second. As a single parent, I’m constantly reminded how another human is depending on me, and as an only child, I suspect the day may come when my parents depend on me. Knowing this, I’m always trying to improve and be better.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
University of Pittsburgh professor Donald Goldstein would tell students regarding internships and jobs, “If you don’t apply, you can’t cry.” I’ve repeated this to myself many, many times over the years, and not just related to my professional career. I’ve said it to myself when having doubts about signing up for a bike race and even when I took the leap to start my own business.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
East Village
