About our founder diana maganuco

I was born in Cuba to young, determined parents—my mother, Carmen, just 15, and my father, Orlando, 23. We immigrated to the United States so my father could reunite with his family. My mother, a dreamer, left everything behind to give me the opportunity to grow up in a free country with the presence of my father, a privilege she didn’t have.

As the oldest of three, leadership came naturally to me. Realizing my parents lacked life experience, I sought mentorship from others, learning invaluable lessons. Education was a common thread among those I admired, inspiring me to pursue college and leadership roles. From serving as President of Nu Theta Chi at Kean University to leading in my professional career, leadership has been the foundation of my journey.

My path hasn’t been without challenges. I struggled with anxiety, depression, and obesity, once reaching 350 lbs. Each time I stepped away from toxic relationships and prioritized my self-worth, I realigned my health and mindset. This transformation taught me a life-changing truth: adding value to yourself opens the door to lasting change. I also know grief, my mom died when I was 33 to a massive heart attack and I had a defibrillator implanted in 2022 as a result of genetic testings. My village has supported me through all of these transitional eras.

With 27 years of experience in retail sales, training, and development, and as a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, I’ve developed a personal three-step process:

• Connection: Build a relationship with yourself to grow confidence and self worth.

• Consistency: Show up daily for yourself and your goals.

• Community: Surround yourself with people who inspire and empower you.

Through ValueMeNow, I’m passionate about helping women embrace these principles and thrive through live, face-to-face connections. I believe the energy of in-person meetings creates powerful bonds and builds sisterhood that fuels growth and success.

Outside of ValueMeNow, I’ve been happily married to Neil Maganuco for 13 years. Together, we transitioned from the restaurant industry and retail leadership to running a successful epoxy flooring company in Ridgefield, NJ. We’re also property investors, and I’m a licensed realtor in New Jersey.

Our 10-year-old son, Salvatore, fills our lives with music—he plays the piano and violin—and loves dance and singing. As a family, we enjoy living life to the fullest and creating beautiful memories.

When I’m not mentoring or community-building, you’ll find me cooking, entertaining loved ones, and dancing my heart out in fun workout classes. Oh, and yes, hablo español.