News Summary
Yanira ‘Yaya’ Cardona has been appointed as Jacksonville’s first Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, marking a significant step towards community building and support for Hispanic families. With a focus on fostering connections, Cardona aims to enhance resources for Hispanic entrepreneurs and improve healthcare access. Her initiatives, including the ‘Viva la Fiesta’ festival and Spanish forums for small business owners, showcase her commitment to empowering the growing Hispanic population in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Welcomes its First Hispanic Outreach Coordinator
Jacksonville has recently made headlines by welcoming its very first Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, Yanira “Yaya” Cardona. Her story is one that paints a beautiful picture of resilience, community-building, and determination. Cardona’s journey began with a challenging first day as a senior at Sandalwood High School, where she found herself in detention merely for being lost. This moment left a lasting emotional impact on her and shaped her commitment to fostering a sense of belonging for others.
A Journey of Change
Cardona’s life took a significant turn when she moved from Puerto Rico to Jacksonville after her father’s Navy base closed down. This uprooting opened her eyes to the importance of community support, especially for Hispanic families in the area. She noticed that the Hispanic population was rapidly growing in Duval County, and she wanted to play a role in helping these families feel a sense of belonging and connection.
Creating Community
Determined to make a difference, Cardona spearheaded the first-ever Latin festival in Jacksonville, aptly named “Viva la Fiesta.” This festival became a platform for the Hispanic community to gather, celebrate their culture, and access vital resources and organizations that provide support. Cardona’s passion for fostering connections has only grown since then.
Empowering Through Outreach
In March 2024, Cardona was appointed by Jacksonville’s Mayor Donna Deegan as the city’s first Hispanic Outreach Coordinator. In her new role, Cardona has taken her responsibility seriously, focusing on building bridges between nonprofits and the resources they need while helping Hispanic entrepreneurs find their footing in the business world. One of her major initiatives includes offering free Spanish forums in collaboration with the Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business Program. This program aims to support Hispanic business owners when navigating the sometimes complex process of opening small businesses.
Statistics on Business Growth
Before the introduction of these forums, just less than 1% of Hispanic businesses in Jacksonville were registered with the city. Thanks to the outreach efforts led by Cardona, the registration rate is now showing a promising upward trend. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent a community finding their voice, their place, and their power in the economic landscape of the city.
Improving Health Access
Beyond business, Cardona is also dedicated to improving access to healthcare for Hispanic families through initiatives like Get Covered Jax. She is in the process of creating a comprehensive resource guide for the Hispanic community, ensuring everyone has access to vital information as they navigate life in Jacksonville.
A Vision for Diversity
Cardona dreams of a vibrant, diverse Jacksonville, filled with various cultural representations, including juicy Hispanic restaurants and grocery stores that articulate the community’s identity. Her nearly two decades of active contribution to Jacksonville’s Hispanic community show her commitment to this vision and the ambitious plans she has for the future.
Navigating Controversy
Looking Ahead
Through her commitment to breaking barriers and fostering community, Yanira Cardona embodies the spirit of Jacksonville. Her work is a testament to the power of connection and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home. As she continues on this journey, one can only imagine the positive impact she will contribute to the city and its diverse populations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Yaya Helping the Hispanic Community Thrive
- Jaguars: NFL Hispanic Heritage Month
- Canvas Rebel: Meet Carlos Pagan
- First Coast News: Growth in Jacksonville’s Hispanic Population
- Action News Jax: Jacksonville Officials Debate Racially Charged Comments
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Americans
- Google Search: Hispanic community Jacksonville
- Google Scholar: Hispanic entrepreneurs in Jacksonville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Latino
- Google News: Jacksonville Hispanic community
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
