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Jacksonville Appoints First Hispanic Outreach Coordinator

A lively Hispanic festival held in Jacksonville with cultural displays.

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.