Dianna Toran credits her parents for instilling the positive outlook she has on life. Definitely a glass half-full type of person, Dianna is one of those rare individuals who has a bucket list and actually works on it. She seems to commit herself to living life to the fullest and if you are not careful, she may just inspire you to go along for the ride.
Born in Lansing Michigan, Dianna spent the first 15 year there before moving to Cincinnati in 1969. Her family still has a cottage on a lake in Michigan which she admits is her favorite place to go to recharge. And that is saying a lot for this adventurous spirit who loves to travel, explore and be of service to her community.
Life with Purpose
Dianna seems to be driven to preserve things worth preserving. To that end, she has published a book, Woodland Echoes – A Cottage in My Heart, intending to keep alive the wonderful memories of her childhood and pay tribute to the strength of her ancestors and others who were determined to make a better life for those to come. She is currently working on her second book with a similar goal of preserving history.
Her mission to be of service also includes volunteering to help with lighting (and anything else needed) for her community theater and serving on a committee to save the Eckstein Elementary School building in Glendale. The Ohio Historical Marker in front of the school tributes the school’s important history by noting: “Eckstein Elementary School operated on this site from 1915 to 1958, serving Glendale’s Negro children from Kindergarten through eighth grade. The school was named in honor of Eleanor Eckstein, who taught the children at various locations in the village during the time of segregation in America. Eckstein School’s students were integrated with their white counterparts in grades nine through twelve at Congress Avenue School.”
Staying Active:
Dianna enjoys being active, She played coed softball all over Cincinnati until the age of 48; has run in a number of 5K’s. and parachuted with her son and daughter last September. Her love of travel took her to Kenya last October, where she went on Safari. She has adopted 2 baby elephants, a rhino and a giraffe. In her downtime (ha) she is building a dollhouse and doing some scrapbooking. Finally, and most importantly, she is blessed to be taking care of her 90 year old father.
In her own words: ” I stay busy”
Just for fun:
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a significant other I have been with for 10 years named Carlos. He and I operate a food booth every year for Glendale. I have a son Jamin who is an accountant and a daughter, Latese who is an engineer. I have a little Yorkie named Max
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
All of it. I plan to go back to Kenya next year and also taking an Alaskan cruise. I want to get my second book published in a few months because the centennial for the place it is written is next year. I really want to save the Eckstein school building. I think it deserves reviving and making it viable the community. Did I say how much I love my neighbors in Glendale? I work for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Sharonville. I create new and amend (existing) legal contracts for a secret client. Most of my adult work life has been in procurement for engineering firms. One of my best projects was building a manufacturing plant for company in Ireland.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love the Meritage in my community and Gold Star.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Barbara Caramanian. We have worked at 3 different companies together. Barb is amazing.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would say back to Kenya. While there I learned so much about so many things. I like to learn and research is something I am good at. I have to add that my favorite place in the world is my family’s cottage in Michigan.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I have so many it is too hard to choose for movies. I mostly like the old black and white movies. I never miss a season of Survivor and Main Cabin Master’s.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live your life. Don’t come to the end and say ‘I wish I would have . . .’.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to do a City Slicker thing where you bring in the herd.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I love the Motown sound. Aretha Franklin is my favorite karaoke artist.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Cincinnati Bengals – I love going to the games and I used to volunteer by working the Gold Star booth in the club level. I was also fortunate to have gone to the “Meet The Bengals Luncheon” back when Sam Wyche was coach.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
The Obama’s at the Meritage in Glendale.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
It is a big city but without a lot of the big city trappings.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I am not sure. Sometimes I think I want to retire but I like to work.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Venice and Kenya
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love summer, and enjoy all holidays
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Aronoff and Playhouse in the Park.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I do. You get out of life what you put in it.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Peonies and lavender
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
It’s always good to come home.
Dianna was nominated by her friend and neighbor, Amie Wagner who’s says: “She (Dianna) is just an all around beautiful person inside and out and I would love for her to be recognized as such.”
Thank you Amie!
