Born in the Dominican Republic to a Cuban father of Norwegian heritage (hence her decidedly European surname) and a Dominican mother, Margarita was praised from a young age for her beautiful mixed complexion. Her mother sparked Margarita’s eye for fashion and loved to dress her in the latest trends. Inspired by Coco Chanel and Jackie Kennedy, she also made sure Margarita was the center of attention with the iconic Shirley Temple look. Her love for the arts was also instilled in her at a young age. “I remember sitting on my daddy’s lap on Sundays in La Romana in the Dominican Republic and listening to the opera on the Cuban radio station.”
Margarita moved to New York City in the seventies. She worked in bilingual education and government, while regularly attending the opera, the theatre, the ballet, and the symphony. She then began meeting numerous celebrities, politicians, and artists who passed through the Big Apple. “I was the token minority. There wasn’t a party I wasn’t invited to. I had to leave my jobs in education and government because my co-workers were jealous that I was the one who got the invitations.”
After breaking up with her then-boyfriend, she decided to leave New York and move down to New Orleans. She helped her brother, artist Lorenzo Bergen, open a fine art gallery in the French Quarter. They built Bergen Galleries and worked together until she became the sole proprietor in the early 80s. Owning the gallery was the key to fully becoming the socialite she was meant to be.
As a cultural advocate, Margarita has participated in several delegations, boards, and committees. She took part in many cultural and economic missions while traveling with Mayors Dutch Morial, Marc Morial, and Sidney Bartholemew to 17 countries, including Mexico, Japan, and Brazil. She was also appointed to the boards of the French Market Corporation and the French Quarter Festival.
A philanthropist at heart, Margarita participates in many local fundraisers to benefit multiple causes, including cancer awareness, Catholic Charities, and the arts. Margarita’s love of causes and people led to the founding of her famous Round Table Luncheons at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in 2005, and they still continue to this day. These luncheons attract all the who’s who in Louisiana, giving attendees a perfect opportunity to mingle, network, and make important connections.
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