Biography

Was the first Survivor winner to have beaten the "Survivor curse", in that she won a car and ultimately went on to be the sole Survivor in Survivor: All Stars. In previous Survivor installments, all the contestants who had won a car ultimately failed to become the sole Survivor.

Gave birth to her 1st child at age 31, a daughter Lucia Rose Mariano on July 4, 2009. Child's father is her husband, Rob Mariano.

Her previous occupations while attending school included waitress, librarian assistant, swimming instructor, lifeguard and babysitter for her professor.

Was on the Dean's list five consecutive times during college.

Her last name "Brkich" is Croatian.